Thermal conditioning system
The thermal conditioning system addresses the complexity of existing systems by employing two six-way valves to manage heat transfer fluid circulation, achieving simplified installation and optimized thermal management through versatile operating modes.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023013079
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing thermal conditioning systems for vehicles require a large number of valves to achieve optimized thermal management, making the installation complex and cumbersome.
A thermal conditioning system utilizing two six-way valves to control the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, allowing simplified installation and reduced size by enabling various operating modes through different fluidic connections configurations.
The system simplifies installation and reduces size while maintaining optimized thermal management capabilities by using two six-way valves to switch between multiple operating modes.
Smart Images

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Abstract
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] In order to achieve different operating modes, it is common practice to equip the heat transfer fluid circuit with a number of valves, allowing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid to be blocked in certain sections of the circuit and permitted in others. Different configurations of the heat transfer fluid circuit can thus be obtained, making it possible to choose the nature and intensity of the heat exchange for each heat exchanger.
[0004] In order to optimize thermal management for many different use cases, a large number of valves is often required, which makes the circuit complex to install.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to have thermal conditioning systems that are simpler to install and allow for optimized thermal management. Summary
[0006] To this end, a thermal conditioning system is proposed, comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising: — a first branch, — a second branch, - a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant flow: — a compression device, — a first heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a regulator, — a second heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the second branch of 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 heat transfer fluid circuit comprises: - a third branch comprising a third heat exchanger, - a fourth branch comprising a fourth heat exchanger, - a fifth branch comprising a fifth heat exchanger, - a sixth branch comprising a sixth heat exchanger, each branch extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve comprising six inlets / outlets, each inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches of the heat transfer fluid circuit, a second six-way valve comprising six inlets / outlets, each inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches of the heat transfer fluid circuit, and in which each six-way valve is configured to: - In an initial state of each of the six-way valves, establish a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve in order to form a first configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - In a second state of each of the six-way valves, establish a second combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve in order to form a second configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0007] In terms of valves for selectively allowing or preventing the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the different branches of the heat transfer fluid circuit of the thermal conditioning system, only two six-way valves are used. This simplifies the installation of the thermal conditioning system and reduces its size.
[0008] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:
[0009] According to one embodiment, the first six-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets.
[0010] According to one embodiment, the second six-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets.
[0011] Each six-way valve is configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between at least one of its inlets / outlets and at least one other of its inlets / outlets.
[0012] For each six-way valve, the circulation of heat transfer fluid between two inlets / outlets between which fluid communication is established can be bidirectional.
[0013] The thermal conditioning system may be a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.
[0014] The first exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser.
[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 first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0016] The second exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.
[0017] The second heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes an accumulation device located downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the refrigerant compressor.
[0019] Alternatively, the accumulation device is located downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the expansion valve.
[0020] The refrigerant circuit forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit has no branch lines.
[0021] The regulator is, for example, an electronic regulator.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the third The heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the fifth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an outside airflow to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
[0025] Depending on the operating modes, the fifth heat exchanger allows heat to be dissipated into the outside airflow, or to receive heat in order to recover thermal energy.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the sixth heat exchanger is thermally coupled with a first element of an electric traction chain of a motor vehicle.
[0027] Depending on the operating mode used, the sixth heat exchanger allows heat to be received from the first element of the traction chain, in order to cool it down, or to supply it with heat in order to heat it up.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the first element of the vehicle's electric drive chain comprises an electrical energy storage battery.
[0029] The sixth heat exchanger includes a wall of a housing of the element of the electric traction chain.
[0030] According to an example of implementation of the thermal conditioning system, the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve is identical to the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.
[0031] In other words, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve allow the same circulation of heat transfer fluid between their respective inlets / outlets. The two six-way valves can therefore be constructed in a similar, or even identical, manner. Furthermore, the control of each valve is simplified since the same type of control signal can be applied. The same control signal can also be sent in parallel to each of the two six-way valves.
[0032] During the operation of the thermal conditioning system, the combination of fluidic connections established between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve is identical to the combination of fluidic connections established between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.
[0033] In other words, at a given instant, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve establish the same combination of fluidic connections between their respective inlets / outlets. This combination is specific to a mode of operation. given operation. A modification of the combination of established fluidic connections allows a change in the operating mode. In other words, a transition from one operating mode to another operating mode is achieved by switching from one combination of fluidic connections to another combination of fluidic connections, that is, by switching from one state of the six-way valves to another state of the six-way valves.
[0034] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a seventh branch arranged in parallel with the sixth branch, the seventh branch comprising a seventh heat exchanger.
[0035] The seventh heat exchanger can be thermally coupled with a second element of the electric drive chain of the motor vehicle.
[0036] The second element of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes, for example, an electric vehicle traction motor.
[0037] Alternatively or in addition, the second element of the vehicle's electric traction chain includes an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.
[0038] The seventh branch connects a first connection point located on the sixth branch between the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and the sixth exchanger to a second connection point located on the sixth branch between the sixth exchanger and the third inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the first branch includes a first pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid.
[0040] The first circulation pump is for example disposed between the first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve and the first exchanger.
[0041] According to one embodiment, the second branch includes a second heat transfer fluid circulation pump.
[0042] The second circulation pump is for example disposed between the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve and the second exchanger.
[0043] According to one embodiment, the seventh branch includes a third heat transfer fluid circulation pump.
[0044] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be an electrically controlled pump.
[0045] The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be a unidirectional pump.
[0046] The second heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be a unidirectional pump.
[0047] The third heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be a unidirectional pump.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first branch includes an electric heating device configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.
[0049] The electric heating device complements the effect of the first heat exchanger by heating the heat transfer fluid. The electric heating device also ensures heating of the heat transfer fluid even when there is no refrigerant circulating in the circuit.
[0050] The electric heating device is for example arranged between the first heat exchanger and the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0051] According to an example of an embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
[0052] The first six-way valve comprises a valve body.
[0053] The valve body of the first six-way valve is, for example, a cast body. Alternatively, the valve body of the first six-way valve can be made of plastic.
[0054] The inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve are defined by recesses in the valve body.
[0055] For each of the six-way valves, the movable obturator is configured to move from a position corresponding to a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve to another position corresponding to another combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve.
[0056] A movement of the first rotary obturator from a first position to a second position allows a change from a first combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve to a second combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve.
[0057] The first movable obturator is disposed in the valve body of the first six-way valve.
[0058] The first movable shutter is, for example, a rotary shutter.
[0059] The first six-way valve includes a first electric motor configured to drive the first movable shutter.
[0060] A movement of the second rotary obturator from a first position to a second position allows a change from a first combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve to a second combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.
[0061] The second six-way valve includes a valve body.
[0062] The valve body of the second six-way valve is, for example, a cast body. Alternatively, the valve body of the second six-way valve may be made of plastic.
[0063] The inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve are defined by recesses in the valve body.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve have a common valve body.
[0065] Mechanical integration is thus facilitated.
[0066] The valve body common to the two six-way valves is, for example, a cast body. As before, the valve body common to both six-way valves can be made of plastic.
[0067] The second movable obturator is disposed in the valve body of the second six-way valve.
[0068] The second movable shutter is, for example, a rotary shutter.
[0069] The second six-way valve includes a second electric motor configured to drive the second rotary shutter.
[0070] The valve body of the first six-way valve and the valve body of the second six-way valve are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
[0071] The first movable shutter and the second movable shutter are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve includes a first movable shutter configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve, from among a set of fluidic connection combinations.
[0073] Similarly, the second six-way valve may include a second movable shutter configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve, from among a set of fluidic connection combinations.
[0074] The first six-way valve and the second six-way valve have, for example, a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter and the second movable shutter.
[0075] The first movable shutter and the second movable shutter may have a common control shaft.
[0076] The first six-way valve and the second six-way valve have, for example, a common electric motor configured to drive the common rotation shaft to first rotary shutter and second rotary shutter.
[0077] The first rotary shutter and the second rotary shutter can form a single unit.
[0078] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a first operating mode, called the first passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0079] Similarly, according to the first operating mode, referred to as the first passenger compartment heating mode, the second six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - The first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve. - the second inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve.
[0080] According to this operating method according to the first operating mode: - The compressor circulates a high-pressure flow of refrigerant through the first heat exchanger; the expansion valve reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state; and the low-pressure refrigerant then circulates through the second heat exchanger. - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0081] For each of the operating modes proposed below, the fluid connection combination of the second six-way valve is identical to the fluid connection combination of the first six-way valve and will not be copied. For each operating mode below, the detailed title of the fluidic connection combination formed for the second six-way valve is obtained by replacing the term "first valve" with the term "second valve" in the title formed for the first valve.
[0082] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a second operating mode, called the second passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0083] According to this operating method according to the second operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant fluid at high pressure in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second heat exchanger, - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0084] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, according to a third operating mode, called the first mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0085] According to this operating method according to the third operating mode: - The compressor circulates a high-pressure flow of refrigerant through the first heat exchanger; the expansion valve reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state; and the low-pressure refrigerant then circulates through the second heat exchanger. - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch and in part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0086] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a fourth operating mode, called the second mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0087] According to this operating method according to the fourth operating mode: - The compressor circulates a high-pressure flow of refrigerant through the first heat exchanger; the expansion valve reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state; and the low-pressure refrigerant then circulates through the second heat exchanger. - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch.
[0088] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a fifth operating mode, called the battery heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked
[0089] According to this operating method according to the fifth operating mode: - The compressor circulates a high-pressure flow of refrigerant through the first heat exchanger; the expansion valve reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state; and the low-pressure refrigerant then circulates through the second heat exchanger. - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0090] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.
[0091] Optionally, the flow rate of the internal airflow may be zero.
[0092] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a sixth operating mode, called the third passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0093] According to this operating method according to the sixth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant fluid at high pressure in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second heat exchanger, - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0094] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.
[0095] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, according to a seventh operating mode, called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0096] According to this operating method according to the seventh operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant fluid at high pressure in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second heat exchanger, - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0097] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.
[0098] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to an eighth operating mode, called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - The first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet and the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve. - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0099] According to this operating method according to the eighth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger. - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0100] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.
[0101] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, according to a ninth operating mode, called the passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - The first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet and the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve. - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0102] According to this operating method according to the ninth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant fluid at high pressure in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second heat exchanger, - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0103] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.
[0104] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, according to a tenth operating mode, called the combined passenger compartment and battery cooling mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.
[0105] According to this operating method according to the tenth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant at high pressure in the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger, - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.
[0106] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, according to an eleventh operating mode, called passive battery cooling, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked.
[0107] According to this operating method according to the eleventh operating mode: - The compressor is inactive. - an initial flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch and in a second part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit. Brief description of the drawings
[0108] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, on which:
[0109] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a method of implementation,
[0110] [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,
[0111] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.1], operating according to a second mode called the second passenger compartment heating mode,
[0112] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to a third mode called the first mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating,
[0113] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.1], operating according to a fourth mode called the second mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating,
[0114] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.1], operating according to a fifth mode called battery heating mode,
[0115] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a sixth mode, known as the third mode of passenger compartment heating,
[0116] [Fig-8] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a seventh mode, known as the fourth mode of passenger compartment heating,
[0117] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to an eighth mode, known as the fifth mode of passenger compartment heating,
[0118] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a ninth mode called the passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode,
[0119] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a tenth mode called the joint passenger compartment and battery cooling mode,
[0120] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.1], operating according to an eleventh mode called passive battery cooling,
[0121] [Fig. 13] is a partial, perspective view of a six-way valve that can be fitted to the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.1],
[0122] [Fig. 14] is a partial, perspective view of an organ of the six-way valve of [Fig.13]. Description of the implementation methods
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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" means that the refrigerant flows successively through the first element and then the second. element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant leaves the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.
[0125] 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.
[0126] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.
[0127] The thermal conditioning system 100, which will be described below, comprises an electronic control unit 60 that receives information from various sensors measuring, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit 60 also receives instructions from the vehicle occupants, such as the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit 60 can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as the electrical energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit 60 implements control laws to operate the various actuators in order to control the thermal conditioning system 100 and ensure compliance with the received instructions.
[0128] 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 1a 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 1a 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 1a of the compressor 11 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.
[0129] 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 fault or leak.
[0130] 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 could also be used.
[0131] 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. For this purpose, 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.
[0132] The term "interior airflow Fi" refers to an airflow directed towards the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior airflow Fi can circulate within a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system 70, 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 41 is arranged within the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning system 70 to increase the flow rate of the interior airflow Fi if necessary.
[0133] 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 42 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 60 of the climate control system 100.
[0134] The term "first exchanger" is equivalent to the term "first heat exchanger". The term "storage device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant storage device".
[0135] The heat transfer fluid circuit(s) also form one or more closed and sealed circuits in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate.
[0136] 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 comprises exactly one input and one output. 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.
[0137] Fig. 1 schematically represents a thermal conditioning system 100. The thermal conditioning system 100 includes a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid. The fluid circuit 20 heat transfer fluid includes: - a first 20A branch, - a second branch 20B. The thermal conditioning system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 10 comprises, successively according to the direction of refrigerant flow: - a compression device 11, - a first heat exchanger 1, arranged jointly on the first branch 20A of 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 15 regulator, - a second heat exchanger 2, arranged jointly on the second branch 20B of 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. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes: - a third branch 20C comprising a third heat exchanger 3, - a fourth branch 20D comprising a fourth heat exchanger 4, - a fifth branch 20E comprising a fifth heat exchanger 5, - a sixth branch 20F comprising a sixth heat exchanger 6, each of the branches 20A, ..., 20F extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve 7 comprising six inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, each inlet / outlet 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F of the first six-way valve 7 being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches 20A, ..., 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, a second six-way valve 8 comprising six inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, each inlet / outlet 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F of the second six-way valve 8 being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches 20A, ..., 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20. Each 7.8 six-way valve is configured to: - in a first state of each of the six-way valves 7,8, establish a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve 7,8 so as to form a first configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - in a second state of each of the six-way valves 7,8, establish a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six- ways 7,8 so as to form a second configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0138] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises only two six-way valves. These two six-way valves are sufficient to achieve all the desired configurations to enable the desired operating modes. The installation and control of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 are thus simplified, and its size is reduced.
[0139] The term "six-way valve" means that this valve comprises six separate inlets / outlets.
[0140] The first valve 7 is a six-way valve. The first valve 7 thus comprises six separate inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, ..., 7F. According to the illustrated example, the first 7 six-way valve has exactly six distinct inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E 7F.
[0141] The second valve 8 is a six-way valve 8. The second valve 8 comprises six separate inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, ..., 8F. According to the illustrated example, the second 8-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F.
[0142] Each six-way valve 7,8 is configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between at least one of its inlets / outlets and at least one other of its inlets / outlets.
[0143] For each six-way valve 7,8, the circulation of heat transfer fluid between two inlets / outlets between which fluid communication is established can be bidirectional. Thus, depending on the operating modes, certain inlets / outlets can be either a heat transfer fluid inlet or a heat transfer fluid outlet. These are referred to as inlet / outlet connections.
[0144] Fluidic connection between two inlets / outlets means that these two inlets / outlets are in fluidic communication. In other words, an internal passage of the valve is open between these two inlets / outlets, and the heat transfer fluid can flow from one to the other. When two inlet / outlet connections are made fluidic, the heat transfer fluid flow can be bidirectional. In other words, the heat transfer fluid passage between two inlet / outlet connections does not include any element that would allow flow in one direction and prevent flow in the opposite direction. The direction of refrigerant flow through the valve depends solely on external conditions. Specifically, the flow direction is determined by the circulation pump(s) supplying one or more of the various inlets / outlets. of the valve.
[0145] The combination of fluidic connections refers to all the fluidic connections that are established for a given state of the six-way valve. For example, in a given combination, the first inlet / outlet is in communication with the second inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets, the third inlet / outlet is in communication with the fourth inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets, and the fifth inlet / outlet is in communication with the sixth inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets. In another example of combination, the first input / output is in communication with the third input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs, the second input / output is in communication with the fourth input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs, and the third input / output is in communication with the fifth input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs.
[0146] Each six-way valve 7,8 includes a selection element for managing the state of each inlet / outlet. Each input / output can therefore: - either be put into fluidic communication with at least one other inlet / outlet, - or be closed off. By "blocked," we mean that this inlet / outlet is not connected to another inlet / outlet. This inlet / outlet then acts as a shut-off valve, interrupting the flow of heat transfer fluid. Depending on the position of the selector, the communication between the different inputs / outputs can be modified. The combination of the different branches of the circuit can therefore also be modified, allowing for various circuit configurations. The selection element is a moving part. The selection element can be operated by an electric motor and an actuation mechanism. The selection device allows different chambers containing heat transfer fluid to be selectively connected or isolated from each other.
[0147] Each six-way valve 7,8 can operate according to a set of states. Each state of the set of states establishes a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7,8 so as to form a configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20. Each given state of the set of states corresponds to a given combination of fluidic connections and an associated configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0148] The thermal conditioning system 100 is here a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.
[0149] The first exchanger 1 can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first exchanger 1 has a first heat exchange section 1a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 1b arranged on the first branch 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20. 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. The first heat exchange section of the first exchanger 1 receives high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant fluid from the compressor 11. The heat of condensation of the refrigerant fluid is transferred to the heat transfer fluid of the second heat exchange section 1b.
[0150] The second exchanger 2 can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. The second exchanger 2 has a first heat exchange section 2a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 2b arranged on the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20. 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. The first heat exchange section 2a of the second heat exchanger 2 is located downstream of the expansion valve 15 and can therefore receive low-pressure refrigerant after expansion in the expansion valve 15. The refrigerant can evaporate completely or partially in the first heat exchange section 2a, the heat of vaporization being supplied by the heat transfer fluid of the second heat exchange section 2b.
[0151] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol.
[0152] According to the illustrated example, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes an accumulation device 12 located downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of an inlet 1 of the refrigerant compressor 11. The accumulation device 12 is an accumulator.
[0153] According to an unillustrated variant, the accumulation device 12 is arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the expansion valve 15. The accumulation device 12 is then a desiccant bottle.
[0154] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit 10 has no branch branches.
[0155] The regulator 15 is, for example, an electronic regulator.
[0156] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
[0157] The third heat exchanger 3 allows the interior airflow Fi to be heated, and thus the passenger compartment to be heated. The third heat exchanger 3 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system 70.
[0158] The fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The fourth heat exchanger 4 cools the interior airflow Fi, and thus cools the passenger compartment. The fourth heat exchanger 4 is also located in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation 70. The fourth heat exchanger 4 is arranged upstream of the third heat exchanger 3 according to a direction of flow of the internal air flow Fi.
[0159] The fifth heat exchanger 5 is configured to exchange heat with an outside airflow Fe to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Depending on the operating mode selected, the fifth heat exchanger 5 can either dissipate heat into the outside airflow Fe, or receive heat from this outside airflow Fe in order to recover thermal energy. The fifth heat exchanger 5 is, for example, located in the front of the vehicle. The fifth heat exchanger 5 can be located just behind the vehicle's grille.
[0160] According to the illustrated example, the sixth heat exchanger 6 is thermally coupled with a first element 25 of an electric drive chain of a motor vehicle. In other words, the sixth heat exchanger 6 is configured to exchange heat with a first element 25 of an electric drivetrain of a motor vehicle.
[0161] Depending on the operating mode used, the sixth heat exchanger 6 can receive heat from the first element 25 of the traction chain, in order to cool it, or supply it with heat in order to heat it.
[0162] In the illustrated example, the first element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain comprises an electrical energy storage battery.
[0163] The sixth heat exchanger 6-a includes a wall of a housing of the element 25 of the electric traction chain. The heat transfer fluid passing through the sixth heat exchanger 6-a is in contact with the casing wall. The heat released by the operation of element 25 of the electric traction chain passes through the casing wall and is transferred to the heat transfer fluid.
[0164] According to the illustrated example, all the combinations of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 is identical to the set of fluidic connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8. In other words, the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 allow the same circulation of heat transfer fluid between their respective inlets / outlets. The two six-way valves 7, 8 can thus be constructed in a similar, or even identical, manner, which simplifies the implementation of the thermal conditioning system. Furthermore, the control of each valve is simplified. Indeed, the same type of control can be applied to both six-way valves 7, 8. The same control can also be sent in parallel to each of the two six-way valves 7, 8.
[0165] According to the illustrated example, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a seventh branch 20G arranged in parallel with the sixth branch 20F. The seventh branch 20G includes a seventh heat exchanger 6-b.
[0166] The seventh heat exchanger 6-b can be thermally coupled with a second element 26 of the electric drive chain of the motor vehicle. In other words, the seventh heat exchanger 6-b is configured to exchange heat with the second element 26 of the electric drivetrain of the motor vehicle.
[0167] The second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive chain here comprises an electric vehicle traction motor. Alternatively or in addition, the second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.
[0168] The seventh branch 20G connects a first connection point Cl located on the sixth branch 20F between the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and the sixth exchanger 6-a to a second connection point C2 located on the sixth branch 20F between the sixth exchanger 6-a and the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second six-way valve 8. The seventh 20G branch is optional.
[0169] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes several circulation pumps.
[0170] The first branch 20A includes a first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21. The first circulation pump 21 is for example located between the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8 and the first exchanger 1.
[0171] The second branch 20B includes a second pump 22 for circulating the heat transfer fluid. The second circulation pump 22 is, for example, located between the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8 and the second exchanger 2.
[0172] The seventh branch 20G includes a third pump 23 for circulating the heat transfer fluid. The third circulation pump 23 is located here between the seventh heat exchanger 6-b and the second connection point C2.
[0173] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21, 22, 23 can be an electrically controlled pump. Each circulation pump comprises an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to draw in heat transfer fluid at an inlet and expel it at an outlet. The pump can also be inactive, meaning it does not expel any heat transfer fluid, when the electric motor is not activated and is stationary.
[0174] The first pump 21 for circulating the heat transfer fluid can be a unidirectional pump. The second pump 22 for circulating the heat transfer fluid can be a unidirectional pump. The third pump 23 for circulating the heat transfer fluid can be a unidirectional pump.
[0175] For a unidirectional pump, the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid is fixed. The heat transfer fluid is drawn in at the pump inlet and discharged at the pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet cannot be reversed without modifying the assembly.
[0176] According to the illustrated example, the first branch 20A includes an electric heating device 24 configured to heat the heat transfer fluid. The electric heating device 24 supplements the effect of the first heat exchanger 1 to heat the heat transfer fluid. The electric heating device 24 also ensures heating of the heat transfer fluid even when there is no refrigerant circulating in circuit 10. The electric heating device 24 includes an electrical resistance that dissipates heat when an electric current passes through it. The dissipated heat is transferred to the heat transfer fluid. The heat output can be controlled by adjusting the current flowing through the electric heating device 24. The heating device is inactive, meaning it does not produce any heat, when no electric current is flowing through it. The 24 electric heating device can be selectively activated or deactivated, depending on the operating mode. The thermal power supplied by the electric heating device 24 can be controlled in real time, for example by the control unit 60.
[0177] The electric heating device 24 is here arranged between the first heat exchanger 1 and the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7.
[0178] According to an example embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
[0179] The first six-way valve 7 includes a valve body. The valve body of the first six-way valve 7 is, for example, a cast body. Alternatively, the valve body 31 of the first six-way valve 7 can be made of plastic. The valve body 31 is, for example, molded.
[0180] The inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 are defined by recesses in the valve body 31.
[0181] The first six-way valve 7 includes a first movable obturator 33 configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7, from among a set of fluidic connection combinations.
[0182] Similarly, the second six-way valve 8 includes a valve body. The valve body 32 of the second six-way valve 8 is, for example, a cast body. Alternatively, the valve body 32 of the second six-way valve 8 can be made of plastic. The valve body 32, for example, is molded.
[0183] The inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8 are defined by recesses in the valve body.
[0184] The second six-way valve 8 includes a second movable obturator 34 configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8, from among a set of fluidic connection combinations.
[0185] The first movable obturator 33 is disposed in the valve body of the first six-way valve 7. The first movable shutter 33 is, for example, a rotary shutter. The first six-way valve 7 includes a first electric motor, not shown, configured to drive the first movable shutter 33.
[0186] The second movable obturator 34 is disposed in the valve body of the second six-way valve 8. The second movable shutter 34 is, for example, a rotary shutter. The second six-way valve 8 includes a second electric motor, also not shown, configured to drive the second rotary shutter.
[0187] For each of the six-way valves 7,8, the movable obturator 33, 34 is configured to move from one position corresponding to one combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7,8 to another position corresponding to another combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7,8.
[0188] A movement of the first rotary obturator 33 from a first position to a second position allows a change from a first combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 to a second combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7. Similarly, moving the second rotary shutter 34 from a first position to a second position allows a change from a first combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8 to a second combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8.
[0189] The valve body of the first six-way valve 7 and the valve body of the second six-way valve 8 are, for example, symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
[0190] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100 in which the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 have a common valve body 30. The valve body 30 common to the two six-way valves 7,8 is for example a cast body.
[0191] The valve body 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape. A set of fittings allows the valve body to be connected to a set of hoses. Each fitting can be connected to one hose. Each connecting fitting forms an inlet / outlet for the first valve 7 and the second valve 8. In the example of [Fig. 13], six nozzles corresponding respectively to the six inlets / outlets 7A, ..., 7F of the first valve 7 are arranged on the periphery of a first axial surface of the valve body 30. Six other nozzles corresponding respectively to the six inlets / outlets 8A, ..., 8F of the second valve 8 are arranged on the periphery of the second axial surface of the valve body 30, opposite to the first axial surface. The different tips have not been numbered on [Fig. 13].
[0192] The first movable shutter 33 and the second movable shutter 34 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane P. The first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8, for example, have a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter 33 and second movable shutter 34.
[0193] The first movable shutter 33 and the second movable shutter 34 may have a common control shaft 37. The first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 have, for example, a common electric motor configured to drive the rotation shaft 37 common to the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34.
[0194] The first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 are, for example, made of plastic. For example, the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 are obtained by molding.
[0195] Fig. 14 represents an embodiment in which the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 form a single unit 35. In [Fig. 14], the rotary obturator 35, forming both the first rotary obturator 33 and the second rotary obturator 34, is disassembled from the valve body 30. The rotary obturator 35 is symmetrical with respect to plane P. The rotary obturator 35 includes ports 38, allowing communication between different chambers of the valve body 30.
[0196] The thermal conditioning system 100 can operate selectively in numerous operating modes. Various operating modes from among the set of possible operating modes will now be described. These operating modes are illustrated in Figures 2 to 12.
[0197] The expression "one inlet / outlet is connected to another inlet / outlet" means that a fluid connection is established between the two inlets / outlets. Circulation can occur in both directions, depending on the discharge direction imposed by the circulation pump operating on the section of the circuit containing the inlets / outlets in question. The expression "an inlet / outlet is blocked" means that no fluid connection is established with another inlet / outlet. In other words, the inlet / outlet in question acts as a shut-off valve, preventing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.
[0198] During the operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 according to the operating modes described, the combination of fluidic connections established between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 is identical to the combination of fluidic connections established between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8.
[0199] Fig. 2 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a first operating mode, called the first passenger compartment heating mode. In this first mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7.
[0200] Similarly, according to this first operating mode, referred to as the first passenger compartment heating mode, the second six-way valve 8 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second six-way valve 8, - the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8, - the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second six-way valve 8 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8, - the fifth inlet / outlet 8E of the second six-way valve 8 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second six-way valve 8.
[0201] According to this operating method according to the first operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow Qr of high-pressure refrigerant fluid into the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates into the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0202] According to the first mode of operation: Compressor 11 is activated. A flow Qr of refrigerant circulates through compressor 11 where it is pressurized, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger 1 where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A, in the expansion valve 15 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second branch 20B, then circulates in the accumulation device 12 and returns to the inlet 1 of the compressor 11, thus closing the thermodynamic cycle. The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the internal airflow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, in the fifth exchanger 5 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B.
[0203] The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the first pump 21 into the first branch 20A, circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, and joins the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid exits the first valve 7 through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, then circulates in the third branch 20C, passes through the third heat exchanger 3 in which it heats the indoor air flow Fi, and joins the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second valve 8. The QL1 flow of heat transfer fluid exits the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8A and returns to the first branch 20A. The first branch 20A, the portion of the first valve 7 connecting the first inlet / outlet 7A to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, the third branch 20C and the portion of the second valve 8 connecting the fourth inlet / outlet 7D to the first inlet / outlet 7A form a first heat transfer fluid circulation loop.
[0204] The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the second pump 22, circulates in the second branch 20B, circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, and joins the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7. This flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid exits the first valve 7 through the second inlet / outlet 7B, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, passes through the fifth heat exchanger 5 while being heated by the outside air flow Fe, and joins the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second valve 8. The QL2 flow rate of heat transfer fluid exits the second valve 8 through the sixth input / output 8F and returns to the second branch 20B where it joins the second pump 22. The second branch 20B, the portion of the first valve 7 connecting the sixth inlet / outlet 7F to the second inlet / outlet 7B, the fifth branch 20E and the portion of the second valve 8 connecting the second inlet / outlet 8B to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F form a second heat transfer fluid circulation loop, independent of the first circulation loop. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy extracted from the outside airflow Fe both contribute to heating the inside airflow Fi and thus the vehicle's passenger compartment. The third circulation pump 23 is inactive. The fifth inlet / outlet 7E, 8E of each valve 7,8 is blocked. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of each valve 7,8 is also blocked. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fourth branch 20D, nor in the sixth branch 20F, and certainly not in the seventh branch 20G. The fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b are not traversed by a flow of heat transfer fluid and do not contribute to heat exchanges.
[0205] At any given moment, the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 establish the same combination of fluid connections between their respective inlets / outlets. This combination is specific to a given operating mode. A change in the established combination of fluid connections allows the operating mode to be changed. In other words, a transition from one operating mode to another is achieved by changing from one combination of fluidic connections to another combination of fluidic connections, that is, by changing from one state of the six-way valves to another state of the six-way valves.
[0206] Fig. 3 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a second mode of operation, called the second mode of cabin heating. In this second mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.
[0207] For each of the proposed operating modes, the fluid connection combination of the second six-way valve 8 is identical to the fluid connection combination of the first six-way valve 7 and will only be formulated for the first operating mode already described. For each operating mode, the detailed name of the combination formed for the second six-way valve 8 is obtained by replacing the term "first valve 7" with the term "second valve 8", and by replacing the inputs 7A, ..., 7F respectively with the inputs 8A, ..., 8F.
[0208] According to this operating method according to the second operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0209] Compressor 11 is activated. The refrigerant circulation is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode, and will not be described again.
[0210] The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the internal airflow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the sixth branch 20F, splits at the first connection point Cl between a flow circulating in the sixth exchanger 6-a and a flow com Additional flow circulates in parallel in the seventh heat exchanger 6-b. At the sixth heat exchanger 6-a and the seventh heat exchanger 6-b, the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the first element 25 of the traction chain and the second element 26 of the traction chain, respectively. The two parallel flows rejoin at the second connection point C2 and form the second flow QL2, which passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B. The third circulation pump 23 is activated.
[0211] The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the first pump 21, circulates in the first branch 20A, circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, and joins the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid exits the first valve 7 through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, then circulates in the third branch 20C, passes through the third heat exchanger 3, heating the internal air flow Fi, and joins the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second valve 8. The QL1 flow of heat transfer fluid exits the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8A and returns to the first branch 20A. The first branch 20A, the third branch 20C, and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a first loop of heat transfer fluid circulation. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the second pump 22, circulates in the second branch 20B, circulates in the second exchanger 2, and joins the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7. This flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid exits through the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first valve 7, then circulates in the sixth branch 20F, divides and circulates in parallel in the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b being heated by the heat losses of the traction chain, and joins the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second valve 8. The QL2 flow of heat transfer fluid exits the second valve 8 through the sixth inlet / outlet 8F and returns to the second branch 20B. The second branch 20B, the sixth branch 20F and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a second heat transfer fluid circulation loop, independent of the first circulation loop. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7,8 is blocked. The fifth inlet / outlet 7E, 8E of each valve 7,8 is also blocked. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fourth branch 20D, nor in the fifth branch 20E. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy recovered from the powertrain both contribute to heating the interior airflow Fi and thus the vehicle's passenger compartment. Neither the fourth exchanger 4 nor the fifth exchanger 5 are traversed by a flow of heat transfer fluid, and they do not contribute to the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100.
[0212] Fig. 4 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a third mode of operation, called the first mode of joint heating of passenger compartment and battery. In this third mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.
[0213] According to this operating method according to the third operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch 20G and in part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0214] Compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode, and will not be described again. Similarly, the circulation of the first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid in the first branch 20A and the third branch 20C is the same as for the first and second operating modes and will not be described again. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then flows through the fourth branch 20D, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it receives heat from the indoor airflow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B. The third circulation pump 23 is activated. A third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch 20G, flows in a portion of the sixth branch 20F from the second connection point C2 to the first connection point Cl, passing through the sixth exchanger 6-a, rejoins the seventh branch 20G and flows through the seventh exchanger 6-b. The heat transfer fluid receives heat at the seventh exchanger 6-b and releases heat at the sixth exchanger 6-a. The first branch 20A, the part of the first valve 7 connecting the first inlet / outlet 7A to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, the third branch 20C, and the part of the second valve 8 connecting the fourth inlet / outlet 8D to the first inlet / outlet 8A form a first circulation loop, in which the first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates. The second branch 20B, the part of the first valve 7 connecting the sixth inlet / outlet 7F to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E, the fourth branch 20D, and the part of the second valve 8 connecting the fifth inlet / outlet 8E to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F form a second circulation loop, in which the second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates. The seventh branch 20G and the portion of the sixth branch 20F connecting the first connection point Cl and the second connection point C2 form a third circulation loop, in which the third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates. The three traffic loops are independent.
[0215] The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 makes it possible to heat the interior airflow Fi and thus the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The airflow Fi is also cooled at the fourth exchanger 4, which allows the indoor airflow Fi to be dehumidified. The heat losses resulting from the operation of the second element 26 of the traction chain allow the first element 25 of the traction chain to be heated. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7, 8 is blocked. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of each valve 7, 8 is also blocked. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fifth branch 20E, nor in the portion of the sixth branch 20F connecting the third inlet 7C, 8C and the first inlet 7, 8 respectively. connection point Cl and the second connection point C2. The fifth exchanger 5 is not traversed by a flow of heat transfer fluid and does not participate in the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100.
[0216] Fig. 5 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a fourth operating mode, called the second joint passenger compartment and battery heating mode. In this fourth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.
[0217] According to this operating method according to the fourth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and in the fourth branch 20D, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch 20C.
[0218] Compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant is the same as for operation according to, in particular, the first operating mode, and will not be described again. Similarly, the circulation of the second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid in the second branch 20B and the fourth branch 20D is the same as for the third operating mode and will not be described again. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then joins the first six-way valve 7. Inside the first valve 7, the first flow QL1 divides into a third flow QL3 which exits through the third inlet / outlet 7C, and a fourth flow QL4 which exits through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D. The third flow QL3 circulates in the sixth branch 20F and splits at the first connection point C1 into a flow circulating in the sixth heat exchanger 6-a and a complementary flow circulating in parallel in the seventh heat exchanger 6-b. At the sixth heat exchanger 6-a and the seventh heat exchanger 6-b, the heat transfer fluid releases heat to the first element 25 and the second element 26 of the traction chain, respectively. The two parallel flows rejoin at the second connection point C2 and reform the third flow QL3, which passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The third circulation pump 23 is activated. The fourth flow QL4 circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third heat exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid releases heat to the indoor airflow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and also returns to the first branch 20A. The third flow QL3 and the fourth flow QL4 rejoin in the second valve 8 and reform the first flow QL1, which exits the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8A, and returns to the first pump 21 and then the first heat exchanger 1. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11 makes it possible to jointly heat the interior airflow Fi and the two elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's powertrain. As with the fourth operating mode, the airflow Fi is also cooled at the fourth exchanger 4, which allows the indoor airflow Fi to be dehumidified in addition to being heated. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7, 8 is blocked. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fifth branch 20E, therefore the fifth heat exchanger 5 does not receive a flow of heat transfer fluid. The fifth heat exchanger 5 is therefore thermally inactive.
[0219] Fig. 6 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a fifth operating mode, called battery heating mode. In this fifth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked.
[0220] According to this operating method according to the fifth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0221] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated. Optionally, the internal airflow rate Fi can be set to zero. To achieve this, the first fan motor group 41 can be stopped.
[0222] The circulation of heat transfer fluid in the circuit 20 differs from the fourth operating mode in that there is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch 20B, nor in the third branch 20C, nor in the fourth branch 20D. The second pump 22 is inactive. The second exchanger 2, the third exchanger 3 and the fourth exchanger 4 do not participate in heat exchanges. The compressor 11 is activated. A flow Qr of refrigerant circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes through high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the expansion valve 15 where it undergoes expansion and passes through low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 without giving up heat to the heat transfer fluid, circulates in the storage device 12 and returns to the inlet 1 of the compressor 11. The refrigerant here describes a cycle called a triangular cycle. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11 allows the two elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's powertrain to be heated. When the flow rate of the internal airflow Fi is zero, only the two elements 25, 26 are heated. When the flow rate of the indoor airflow Fi is not zero, the indoor airflow Fi is jointly heated. The flow rate of the interior airflow Fi can be controlled by means of the first motor-fan group 41 or by means of a movable flap, not shown. The first motor-fan group 41 is kept in an inactive state to obtain a zero flow rate of the internal airflow Fi. The fifth exchanger 5 is not traversed by a flow of heat transfer fluid, and is therefore thermally inactive. When the electric heating device 24 is activated, this activation increases the amount of heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid from the third inlet / outlet 7C circulates in the sixth branch 20F to the first connection point Cl, where the flow QL1 splits into a second flow QL2 which circulates in the sixth heat exchanger 6-a and a third flow which circulates in the seventh branch 20G and the seventh heat exchanger 6-b. The second flow QL2 and the third flow QL3 rejoin at the second connection point C2 and form the first flow QL1.
[0223] Figure 7 illustrates a method of operation of a conditioning system thermal 100 as described previously, according to a sixth operating mode, called third mode of passenger compartment heating. In this sixth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 and to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.
[0224] According to this operating method according to the sixth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0225] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.
[0226] Compressor 11 is activated. The refrigerant circulation is the same as for operation according in particular to the first mode of operation, and will not be described again. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the second branch 20B is divided inside the first valve 7 between a third flow QL3 which exits through the second inlet / outlet 7B, and a fourth flow QL4 which exits through the third inlet / outlet 7C. The third flow QL3 circulates in the fifth branch 20E and the fifth exchanger 5, in the same way as described for the first operating mode. The fourth flow QL4 circulates in the fifth branch 20E and the fifth exchanger 5, in the same way as described for the second operating mode. The first pump 21, the second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are all three activated. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11, the thermal energy extracted from the outside airflow Fe and the thermal energy recovered from the powertrain all contribute to heating the inside airflow Fi and thus the vehicle's passenger compartment. In addition, the electric heating device 24 can be activated to increase the amount of heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A. The fourth heat exchanger, 4, does not carry a flow of heat transfer fluid. The fourth exchanger 4 is therefore thermally inactive.
[0227] Fig. 8 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a seventh operating mode, called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode. In this seventh mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.
[0228] According to this operating method according to the seventh operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0229] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.
[0230] Compressor 11 is activated. The refrigerant circulation is the same as particularly for the previous operating mode or for the first operating mode, and will not be described again. The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 differs from the previous operating mode in that the second flow QL2 comes from the second exchanger 2 and reaching the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7 divides between a third flow QL3 circulating in the sixth branch 20F and a fourth flow QL4 circulating in the fourth branch 20D. In other words, compared to the previous operating mode, part of the second flow QL2 is redirected to the fourth exchanger 4 instead of being redirected to the fifth exchanger 5. As with the previous operating mode, all three circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are activated. The interior airflow Fi is heated at the third exchanger 3 and cooled at the fourth exchanger 4. The passenger compartment is thus heated while being dehumidified. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy recovered from the powertrain both contribute to heating the interior airflow Fi and thus the vehicle's passenger compartment. The electric heating device 24 can also be activated in order to increase the amount of heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A. The fifth exchanger 5 is therefore not traversed by a flow of heat transfer fluid, and is therefore thermally inactive.
[0231] Fig. 9 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to an eighth operating mode, called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode. In this eighth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B and the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.
[0232] According to this operating method according to the eighth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0233] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.
[0234] Compressor 11 is activated. The refrigerant circulation is the same as for example the previous mode of operation, and will not be described again. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A splits in the first valve 7 into a third flow QL3 exiting through the second inlet / outlet 7B and circulating towards the fifth heat exchanger 5, and a fourth flow QL4 exiting through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D and circulating in the third branch 20C towards the third heat exchanger 3. At the fifth heat exchanger 5, the heat transfer fluid releases heat to the outside air stream Fe. At the third heat exchanger 3, the heat transfer fluid releases heat to the inside air stream Fi and warms it. The heat not required for heating the indoor airflow Fi is rejected into the outdoor airflow Fe at the level of the fifth exchanger 5. The fourth flow QL4 joins the fourth inlet / outlet of the second valve 8 and mixes with the third flow QL3 coming from the fifth exchanger 5 and joining the second inlet / outlet 8B. The fourth flow QL4 and the third flow QL3, once mixed, form the first flow QL1. The first flow QL1 joins the first pump 21. The second flow QL2 circulates in the second branch 20B and the fourth branch 20D in the same way as for the fourth operating mode. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 are blocked. The third pump 23 is inactive. Therefore, there is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger 6-a or in the seventh heat exchanger 6-b, and these two heat exchangers do not perform any heat exchange. The indoor airflow Fi is heated at the third exchanger 3 and cooled at level of the fourth interchange 4. Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated to increase the amount of heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A.
[0235] Fig. 10 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a ninth mode of operation, called the passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode. In this ninth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B and the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.
[0236] According to this operating method according to the ninth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B and in part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0237] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.
[0238] In this operating mode, the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch 20B and the sixth 20F and seventh 20G branches is identical to which has been described for the second mode of operation. The circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first branch 20A, the third branch 20C and the fifth branch 20E is the same as in the previous operating mode. Thus, the second flow QL2 of cooled heat transfer fluid as it passes through the second heat exchange section 2b of the second exchanger 2 is directed to the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b and allows the first element 25 and the second element 26 of the electric traction chain to be cooled. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid, heated as it passes through the second heat exchange section 1b of the first heat exchanger 1, splits into a third flow QL3 exiting through the second inlet / outlet 7B and circulating to the fifth heat exchanger 5, and a fourth flow Q4 exiting through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D and circulating to the third heat exchanger 3. At the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third flow QL3 releases heat to the outside air stream Fe. At the third heat exchanger 3, the fourth flow Q4 of heat transfer fluid heats the inside air stream Fi. After circulating through the third heat exchanger 3, the fourth flow QL4 joins the third flow QL3 from the fifth heat exchanger 5 in the second six-way valve 8. The fourth flow QL4 and the third flow QL3, once combined, form the first flow QL1, which returns to the first pump 21 and then to the first heat exchanger 1. The fourth exchanger 4 does not participate in heat exchange.
[0239] Fig. 11 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to a tenth mode of operation, called the joint passenger compartment and battery cooling mode. In this tenth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.
[0240] According to this operating method according to the tenth operating mode: - The compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 reduces the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0241] The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid, cooled during its passage through the second exchanger 2, is divided between a third flow QL3 which is directed to the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b, and a fourth flow QL4 which is directed to the fourth exchanger 4. The circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch 20B and the sixth 20F and seventh 20G branches is thus identical to what has been described for the seventh operating mode. The fourth inlets / outlets 7D and 8D are sealed. The third heat exchanger 3 does not carry the heat transfer fluid and does not exchange heat with the interior airflow Fi. The interior airflow Fi is cooled at the fourth heat exchanger 4, which cools the passenger compartment. The first element 25 and the second element 26 of the traction chain are also cooled. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the first pump 21, circulates in the first branch 20A, circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, and joins the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid exits through the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first valve 7, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, passes through the fifth heat exchanger 5, transferring heat to the outside air flow Fe, and joins the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second valve 8. The QL1 flow of heat transfer fluid exits the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8 A, circulates in the first branch 20A and joins the pump 21. The first branch 20A, the fifth branch 20E and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a heat transfer fluid circulation loop. All three circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are activated. The heat given off by the refrigerant in the first exchanger 1 is dissipated into the outside airflow Fe, and the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the second exchanger 2 allows the passenger compartment and the two elements 25, 26 of the electric traction chain to be cooled together.
[0242] Fig. 12 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, according to an eleventh operating mode, called passive battery cooling. In this eleventh mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluidic connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked.
[0243] According to this operating method according to the eleventh operating mode: - Compressor 11 is inactive, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch 20G of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a first part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch 20E and in a second part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.
[0244] In this operating mode, the refrigerant does not circulate in the circuit 10 and there is no heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are inactive. The third heat exchanger 3 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 are not traversed by heat transfer fluid and do not perform heat exchange with the internal airflow Fi. The third pump 23 is activated and circulates a flow QL1 into the seventh branch 20G. At the second connection point C2, the flow QL1 is joined by a second flow QL2 from the sixth exchanger 6-a. The two flows are mixed A third flow QL3 is directed towards the second valve 8. This QL3 flow passes from the third inlet / outlet 8C to the second inlet / outlet 8B and reaches the fifth heat exchanger 5, where it transfers heat to the outside air stream Fe. The heat dissipated by the operation of the first element 25 and the second element 26 of the electric traction chain is rejected into the outside air stream Fe. The first element 25 and the second element 26 are both cooled passively, without the use of cooling from refrigerant evaporation. After circulating through the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid flows through the first six-way valve 7 and then through the sixth branch 20F. At the first connection point Cl, the third flow QL3 splits between the first QL1 flowing in the seventh branch 20G and the second flow QL2 flowing towards the sixth interchange 6-a. The first part of the sixth branch 20F corresponds to the portion extending between the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and the first connection point CL. The second part of the sixth branch 20F corresponds to the portion extending between the first connection point Cl and the second connection point C2 and including the first exchanger 6-a.
[0245] Other operating modes are also possible, by playing on the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20 and by playing on the pressure level of the refrigerant fluid in the first and second heat exchangers.
Claims
Demands
1. Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprising: — a first branch (20A), — a second branch (20B), - 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 first branch (20A) of 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, — an expansion valve (15), — a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the second branch (20B) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10) so as to permit heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises: - a third branch (20C) comprising a third heat exchanger (3), - a fourth branch (20D) comprising a fourth heat exchanger (4), - a fifth branch (20E) comprising a fifth heat exchanger (5), - a sixth branch (20F) comprising a sixth heat exchanger (6-a), each of the branches (20A, ..., 20F) extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve (7) comprising six inlets / outlets (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F), each inlet / outlet (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F) of the first six-way valve (7) being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches (20A, ..., 20F) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20), a second six-way valve (8) comprising six inlets / outlets (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F), each inlet / outlet (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F) of the second six-way valve (8) being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches (20A, ..., 20F) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20), and wherein each six-way valve (7, 8) is configured to: - in a first state of each of the six-way valves (7, 8), establish a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve (7, 8) so as to form a first configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20), - in a second state of each of the six-way valves (7, 8), establish a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve (7, 8) so as to form a second configuration of the fluid circuit (20) heat transfer fluid.
2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the third heat exchanger (3) is configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow (Fi) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow (Fi) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the fifth heat exchanger (5) is configured to exchange heat with an external airflow (Fe) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the sixth heat exchanger (6-a) is thermally coupled with a first element (25) of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.
3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve (7) is identical to the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve (8).
4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 2, wherein the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a seventh branch (20G) arranged in parallel with the sixth branch (20F), the seventh branch (20G) comprising a seventh heat exchanger (6-b), the seventh heat exchanger (6-b) being thermally coupled with a second element (26) of the electric drive chain of the motor vehicle.
5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first branch (20A) comprises a first pump (21) for circulating the heat transfer fluid, - the second branch (20B) comprises a second pump (22) for circulating the heat transfer fluid.
6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 4, wherein the seventh branch (20G) comprises a third pump (23) for circulating the heat transfer fluid.
7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first branch (20A) comprises an electric heating device (24) configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.
8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.
9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) have a common valve body (30).
10. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first six-way valve (7) comprises a first movable shutter (33) configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve (7), from a set of fluidic connection combinations, - the second six-way valve (8) comprises a second movable shutter (34) configured to selectively establish a combination of fluidic connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve (8), from a set of fluidic connection combinations, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) have a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter (33) and the second movable shutter (34).