Battery thermal management system for electric or hybrid vehicles

Abstract

Thermal management system for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit (1) including: - a main loop (A) comprising a compression device (2) including a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet, and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet, - a first bypass line (10), - a second bypass line (20) connected to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a third bypass line (30) connected to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a fourth bypass line (40), - a fifth bypass line (50) connected to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). Abbreviated figure: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Battery thermal management device for electric or hybrid vehicles

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electric and hybrid motor vehicles and more particularly to a thermal management device for the passenger compartment and batteries of such a motor vehicle.

[0002] Current electric and hybrid vehicles increasingly incorporate thermal management systems for both the batteries and the passenger compartment. Indeed, for the batteries to operate at maximum efficiency, they must maintain an optimal operating temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to cool them during use to prevent them from excessively exceeding this optimal operating temperature. Similarly, it may also be necessary to heat them, for example in cold weather, so that the batteries reach this optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible. It is also important to be able to heat or cool the passenger compartment to ensure the comfort of its occupants.

[0003] It is known that for efficient thermal management of batteries and the passenger compartment, refrigerant circuits incorporating one or more expansion devices and heat exchangers are used. However, in order to achieve optimal efficiency, these architectures are generally complex and consume significant electrical energy.

[0004] One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to remedy at least partially the disadvantages of the prior art and to propose an improved management device.

[0005] The present invention relates to a thermal management device for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit within which a refrigerant fluid is intended to circulate, said thermal management circuit comprising: - a main loop comprising, in the direction of refrigerant flow, a compression device including a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator, a first expansion device and a first heat exchanger located upstream of the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, - a first bypass pipe comprising a second heat exchanger and connecting the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device to the refrigerant outlet of the radiator, - a first device for redirecting the refrigerant fluid towards the radiator and / or towards the first bypass pipe, - a second bypass line comprising a second expansion device and connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line, to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, - a second device for redirecting the refrigerant fluid towards the second bypass line and / or towards the first heat exchanger, -a third bypass line comprising a third expansion device and connecting the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, - a third device for redirecting the refrigerant fluid towards the third bypass line and / or towards the second heat exchanger, - a fourth bypass pipe comprising a fourth expansion device and connecting the refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger to the refrigerant inlet of the radiator, - a fourth device for redirecting the refrigerant fluid to the fourth bypass line, - a fifth bypass line connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, - a fifth device for redirecting the refrigerant to the fifth bypass line.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the compression device is a compressor comprising both a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the compression device comprises a first and a second compressor connected in series and an intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid inlet disposed between said first and second compressors.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management circuit includes a first internal heat exchanger disposed on the main loop and configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator and the low-pressure refrigerant towards the compression device.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management circuit comprises a second internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator, and / or the first bypass line, and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant. passing through the second bypass pipe.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a first operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then circulates through the radiator. Upon exiting the radiator, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger and then joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the radiator, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass pipe and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device; the refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, temporarily when the first operating mode is switched on, the second redirection device prevents the circulation of the refrigerant from the radiator outlet to the second bypass line and the third redirection device allows the refrigerant to circulate through the third expansion device so as to drain the refrigerant contained in the first bypass line and the second heat exchanger.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a second operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows to the first bypass line and passes through the second heat exchanger. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line and undergoes an initial pressure drop as it passes through the fourth expansion device. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop and passes through the radiator. Upon exiting the radiator, the refrigerant undergoes a second pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a third operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows to the first bypass pipe and passes through the second heat exchanger; at the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a first portion of the refrigerant high pressure flows through the fourth bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device, the refrigerant then joins the main loop and passes through the radiator, at the radiator outlet, the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a second part of the high pressure refrigerant passes through the first bypass line to join the main loop and undergoes a pressure loss to reach low pressure by passing through the first expansion device, the refrigerant then passes through the first heat exchanger before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a fourth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows towards the first bypass line. A portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device before reaching the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger, At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device. The refrigerant then joins the main loop and passes through the radiator. At the outlet of the radiator, the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line before reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the first bypass line to join the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device. The refrigerant then reaches the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management circuit comprises: - a sixth bypass line comprising a fifth expansion device located upstream of a third heat exchanger, said sixth bypass line connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line, to the low-temperature refrigerant inlet compression device pressure, and - a sixth device for redirecting the refrigerant fluid to the sixth bypass line.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a fifth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then circulates through the radiator. Upon exiting the radiator, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger and then joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. Upon exiting the radiator, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the second expansion device to reach an intermediate pressure before joining the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, and At the outlet of the radiator, a third part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line, undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a sixth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then circulates through the radiator. Upon exiting the radiator, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the second expansion device to reach an intermediate pressure before reaching the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, and At the outlet of the radiator, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line, undergoes a pressure loss by passing through the fifth expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a seventh operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows to the first bypass line and through the second heat exchanger. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach a low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop and passes through the radiator. At the radiator outlet, the refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line before reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the first bypass line. At the outlet of the first bypass line, a portion of the refrigerant joins the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device.The refrigerant then enters the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the first bypass line, another part of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in an eighth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows to the first bypass line and through the second heat exchanger. Upon exiting the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the first bypass pipe and, Upon exiting the first bypass line, a first portion of the refrigerant flows into the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device; the refrigerant then enters the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the first bypass line, a second part of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss by passing through the fifth expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the first bypass pipe also includes a sixth decompression device.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a ninth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows to the first bypass line. A first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device before reaching the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. A second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a portion of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line and undergoes a first pressure drop by passing through the sixth expansion device to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, another portion of the refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line and undergoes an initial pressure drop as it passes through the fourth expansion device, reaching a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop and passes through the radiator. At the radiator outlet, this other portion of the refrigerant rejoins the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass line. A portion of the refrigerant then joins the second bypass line and undergoes a second pressure drop to reach an intermediate pressure as it passes through the second expansion device. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.Another portion of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line and undergoes a second pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and finally reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a tenth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device and then flows towards the first bypass line. A first portion of the refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device before reaching the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, a second part of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger, a part of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line and undergoes an initial pressure loss as it passes through the sixth expansion device to reach a pressure higher than the in- termedial, At the outlet of the second heat exchanger, another part of the refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line and undergoes a first pressure loss as it passes through the fourth expansion device to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant then joins the main loop and passes through the radiator. At the outlet of the radiator, this other part of the refrigerant joins the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass line. The refrigerant then joins the sixth bypass line and undergoes a second pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and then joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a cooling circuit of a thermal management system,

[0025] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation of a compression device according to an alternative,

[0026] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of [Fig. 1] according to a first operating mode,

[0027] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of [Fig. 1] according to a variant of the first operating mode,

[0028] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of [Fig. 1] according to a second operating mode,

[0029] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of the [Fig.1] according to a third operating mode,

[0030] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of the [Fig. 1] according to a fourth operating mode,

[0031] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of the [Fig. 1] according to a fifth operating mode,

[0032] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit device refrigerant of the [Fig. 1] according to a sixth operating mode,

[0033] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig. 1] according to a seventh operating mode,

[0034] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig. 1] according to an eighth operating mode,

[0035] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of [Fig. 1] according to one variant and a ninth operating mode,

[0036] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig. 12] according to a tenth operating mode.

[0037] In the different figures, the identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0038] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0039] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply a matter of indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. Nor does this indexing imply any order in time, for example, for evaluating one criterion or another.

[0040] In this description, "placed upstream" means that an element is positioned before another with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Conversely, "placed downstream" means that an element is positioned after another with respect to the direction of fluid flow.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a thermal management device for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit 1 through which a refrigerant fluid is intended to circulate. This refrigerant fluid may, for example, be R744.

[0042] This thermal management circuit 1 includes in this architecture, in particular, a main loop A and five branch lines 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50.

[0043] The main loop A comprises, in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant, a compression device 2 including a low pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet and a high pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator 3, a first expansion device 4 and a first heat exchanger 5 disposed upstream of the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0044] According to a first example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the compression device 2 can be a compressor, for example multi-stage, comprising both a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet.

[0045] According to a second example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the compression device 2 may include a first 2a and a second 2b compressor connected in series. This compression device 2 may also include an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet 20b located between the first 2a and second 2b compressors.

[0046] The radiator 3 may in particular be an evaporative condenser arranged on the vehicle so as to be traversed by an external airflow, for example at the front.

[0047] The first heat exchanger 5 can be an evaporator located, for example, within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The first heat exchanger 5 is thus also intended to carry an airflow destined for the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0048] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a first internal heat exchanger 7. The first internal heat exchanger 7 is located on the main loop A and is configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator 3 with the low-pressure refrigerant towards the compression device 2. This first internal heat exchanger 7 makes it possible in particular to improve the coefficient of performance of the thermal management device 1 in certain operating modes.

[0049] The first internal heat exchanger 7 is in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1] arranged, on the main loop A, downstream of the radiator 3 with regard to its high pressure part and, also on the main loop A, upstream of the low pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2 with regard to its low pressure part.

[0050] The thermal management circuit 1 may further include, on its main loop A, a phase separation device 6 located upstream of the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2, with respect to its low-pressure section. More specifically, this phase separation device 6 may be located upstream of the low-pressure section of the first internal heat exchanger 7.

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the thermal management circuit 1 also includes a first bypass line 10 comprising a second heat exchanger 11. This first bypass line 10 connects, in particular, the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2 to the refrigerant outlet of the radiator 3. The first bypass line 10 can thus connect a first connection point 10a to a second connection point 10b. The first connection point 10a is located on the main loop A downstream of the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2, between said high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2 and the radiator 3. The second connection point 10b is located on the main loop A, downstream of radiator 3, between said radiator 3 and the first expansion device 4. More specifically, the second connection point 10b can be located downstream of the high pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 7.

[0052] The second heat exchanger 11 can be a condenser located, for example, within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The second heat exchanger 11 is thus also intended to carry an internal airflow destined for the vehicle's passenger compartment. More specifically, the second heat exchanger 11 can be located downstream of the first heat exchanger 5, in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0053] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a first redirection device 71, 72 for the refrigerant to the radiator 3 and / or to the first bypass line 10. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this first redirection device includes a first 71 and a second 72 shut-off valve. The first shut-off valve 71 is located on the first bypass line 10 downstream of the first connection point 10a, between the first connection point 10a and the second heat exchanger 11. The second shut-off valve is located on the main loop A downstream of the compression device 2, between the compression device 2 and the radiator 3. Other embodiments of this first redirection device 71, 72 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 10a of the first bypass line 10.

[0054] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a non-return valve 75 located on the main loop A upstream of the second connection point 10b of the first branch line 10. This non-return valve 75 is specifically configured to prevent the backflow of refrigerant from the outlet of the first branch line 10 towards the radiator 3. More specifically, this non-return valve is located downstream of the high-pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 7.

[0055] The thermal management circuit 1 further comprises a second bypass line 20 including a second expansion device 21. This second bypass line 20 connects the refrigerant outlet of the radiator 3, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line 10, to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. This second bypass line 20 can thus connect a first connection point 20a to a second connection point 20b. The first connection point 20a is notably located on the main loop A upstream of the first device. expansion 4, between the first expansion device 4 and the second connection point 10b of the first bypass line 10. The second connection point 20b is connected to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0056] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a second internal heat exchanger 22. The second internal heat exchanger 22 is configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator 3, and / or the first bypass line 10, with the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second bypass line 20. This second internal heat exchanger 22 makes it possible in particular to improve the coefficient of performance of the thermal management device 1 in certain operating modes.

[0057] The second internal heat exchanger 22 is in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1] disposed, on the main loop A, downstream of the second connection point 10a of the first branch line 10 with regard to its high pressure part and on the second branch line 20 downstream of the second expansion device 21 with regard to its intermediate pressure part.

[0058] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a second redirection device 4, 21 for the refrigerant to the second bypass line 20 and / or to the first heat exchanger 5. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this second redirection device consists of the first 4 and second 21 expansion devices. These latter devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function. Other embodiments of this second redirection device 4, 21 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located at the first connection point 20a of the second bypass line 20 or simple shut-off valves.

[0059] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a third bypass line 30 comprising a third expansion device 31. This third bypass line 30 connects the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 11 to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. The third bypass line 30 can thus connect a first connection point 30a to a second connection point 30b. The first connection point 30a is located on the first bypass line 10 upstream of the second heat exchanger 11, between said second heat exchanger 11 and the first connection point 10a of the first bypass line 10.The second connection point 30b is located on the second bypass line 20 downstream of the second expansion device 22, between the second expansion device 22 and the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the . compression device 2. More specifically, the second connection point 30b is located downstream of the intermediate pressure part of the second internal heat exchanger 22.

[0060] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a third redirection device 31, 73 for the refrigerant to the third bypass line 30 and / or to the second heat exchanger 11. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this third redirection device consists of the third expansion device 31 and a shut-off valve 73. The third expansion device 31 can be an electronic expansion valve with a shut-off function. The shut-off valve 73 is located on the first bypass line 10, downstream of the first connection point 30a of the third bypass line 30. Other embodiments of this third redirection device 31, 73 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 30a of the third bypass line 30.

[0061] The thermal management circuit 1 may include a check valve 76 located on the second branch line 20 upstream of the second connection point 30b of the third branch line 30. This check valve 76 is configured to prevent the backflow of refrigerant from the third branch line 30 to the second expansion device 21. More particularly, this check valve 76 may be located downstream of the intermediate pressure section of the second internal heat exchanger 22.

[0062] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fourth bypass line 40 comprising a fourth expansion device 4L. This fourth bypass line 40 connects the refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger 11 to the refrigerant inlet of the radiator 3. The fourth bypass line 40 can thus connect a first connection point 40a to a second connection point 40b. The first connection point 40a is located on the first bypass line 10 downstream of the second heat exchanger 11, between said second heat exchanger 11 and the second connection point 10b of the first bypass line 10. The second connection point 40b is located on the main loop A upstream of the radiator 3, between the radiator 3 and the first connection point 10a of the first bypass line 10.

[0063] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fourth refrigerant redirection device 41, 73 to the fourth bypass line 40. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this fourth redirection device consists of the fourth expansion device 41 and a shut-off valve 73. The fourth expansion device 41 can be an electronic expansion valve with a shut-off function. The shut-off valve 73 is located on the first line. of bypass 10, downstream of the first connection point 40a of the fourth bypass pipe 40. The same shut-off valve 73 can serve both the third and fourth redirection devices if the latter is located on the first bypass pipe 10 downstream of the first connection point 40a of the fourth bypass pipe 40. Other embodiments of this fourth redirection device 41, 73 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 40a of the fourth bypass pipe 40.

[0064] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fifth branch line 50 connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator 3 to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. The fifth branch line 50 can thus connect a first connection point 50a to a second connection point 50b. The first connection point 50a is located on the main loop A downstream of the radiator 3, between the radiator 3 and the second connection point 10b of the first branch line 10. More precisely, the first connection point 50a is located upstream of the high-pressure section of the first internal heat exchanger 7. The second connection point 50b is located on the main loop A downstream of the first heat exchanger 5, between the first heat exchanger 5 and the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.More specifically, the second connection point 50b can be located upstream of the phase separation device 6 or upstream of the low pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 7.

[0065] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fifth redirection device 4, 21, 74 for the refrigerant to the fifth bypass line 50. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this fifth redirection device consists of the first 4 and second 21 expansion devices and a shut-off valve 74. Indeed, the expansion devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function and can serve both the second redirection device and this fifth redirection device. The shut-off valve 74 is located on the fifth bypass line 50. Other embodiments of this fifth redirection device 4, 21, 74 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 50a of the fifth bypass line 40.

[0066] The thermal management circuit 1 may include a check valve 77 disposed on the main loop A downstream of the first heat exchanger 5, between the first heat exchanger 5 and the second connection point 50b of the fifth bypass line 50. This check valve 77 is configured to prevent backflow of refrigerant from the fifth bypass line 50. to the first heat exchanger 5.

[0067] The thermal management device can be configured to operate according to different operating modes illustrated in Figures 3 to 13. In these figures, arrows are shown to illustrate the direction of refrigerant flow. Active pipes and components are shown with solid lines, and inactive pipes and components are shown with dashed lines.

[0068] First mode of operation:

[0069] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a first operating mode illustrated in [Fig.3] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then circulates in the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0070] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a first portion of high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the first expansion device 4, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 5. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example from the internal airflow, thus cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0071] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0072] This first operating mode thus makes it possible to cool the internal airflow passing through the first heat exchanger 5 in order, for example, to cool the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 3.

[0073] In this first mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0074] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 towards the second bypass pipe 20 and towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0075] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0076] The fourth redirection device 41 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0077] Finally, the fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0078] In this first operating mode, as well as in the other operating modes mentioned below, the injection of intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 allows for operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio, which can be rapidly reached when the low pressure is very low.

[0079] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], temporarily when the first operating mode is switched on, for example for a few seconds, the second redirection device 4, 21 can prevent the circulation of the refrigerant from the outlet of the radiator 3 to the second bypass line 20. The third redirection device 31 can, on the other hand, allow the circulation of the refrigerant through the third expansion device 31 so as to drain the refrigerant contained in the first bypass line 10 and the second heat exchanger 11.

[0080] The advantage of this draining at the start of this first operating mode is related to respecting the maximum average density of the refrigerant allowed in the loop. When the refrigerant is R744, this maximum average density is approximately 260 g / L. The refrigerant, with a density corresponding to that prior to the start of this first operating mode, trapped in the second heat exchanger 11 and in the pipes, is then reinjected into the main loop A. It is therefore possible and advantageous to have small volumes of high-pressure refrigerant and large volumes of low-pressure refrigerant to best respect the maximum average density of the refrigerant in the loop.

[0081] Second mode of operation:

[0082] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a second operating mode illustrated in [Fig.5] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10. The refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example, to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0083] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes a first loss of pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device 41. The refrigerant then joins the main loop A and passes through the radiator 3 and again gives up heat energy for example to the external airflow. Upon exiting the radiator 3, the refrigerant undergoes a second pressure drop as it passes through the first expansion device 4, reaching a low pressure. The refrigerant then flows through the first heat exchanger 5. As it passes through this first heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the internal airflow, thus cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0084] This second operating mode allows the internal airflow passing through the first 5 and second 11 heat exchangers to be cooled and then heated, for example, to dehumidify it for a demisting function. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant exiting the second heat exchanger 11 is released into the outside air via the radiator 3.

[0085] In this second mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0086] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 only towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0087] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0088] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate only in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0089] Finally, the fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0090] Third mode of operation:

[0091] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a third operating mode illustrated in [Fig.6] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10. The refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example, to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0092] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device 4L. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop A and passes through the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the external airflow. At the outlet of the radiator 3, the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line 50 before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0093] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the first bypass line 10 to rejoin the main loop A. The refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure as it passes through the first expansion device 4. The refrigerant then flows through the first heat exchanger 5. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the internal airflow, thereby cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0094] This third operating mode thus makes it possible to cool and then heat the internal airflow passing through the first 5 and the second 11 heat exchangers in order, for example, to dehumidify it for a demisting function. The heat energy required to heat the internal airflow via the second heat exchanger 11 is recovered from the external airflow via the radiator 3.

[0095] In this third mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0096] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 only towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0097] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0098] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0099] Finally, the fifth redirection device 74 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate only in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0100] Fourth mode of operation:

[0101] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a fourth operating mode illustrated in [Fig.7] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10.

[0102] Part of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line 30 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device 31 before joining the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0103] Another part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger and gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0104] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device 41. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop A and passes through the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the external airflow. At the outlet of the radiator 3, the refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line 50 before reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0105] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the first bypass line 10 to join the main loop A. The refrigerant then enters the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then enters the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0106] This fourth operating mode thus makes it possible to heat the internal airflow passing through the second heat exchanger 11 in order, for example, to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The heat energy required to heat the internal airflow via the second heat exchanger 11 is recovered from the external airflow via the radiator 3. The fact that part of the refrigerant passes through the third expansion device 31 allows the latter to increase the heating capacity by controlling the intermediate pressure.

[0107] In this fourth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0108] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 only towards the second bypass line 20.

[0109] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0110] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0111] Finally, the fifth redirection device 74 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate only in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0112] Referring back to [Fig. 1], the thermal management circuit 1 may also include a sixth bypass line 60 comprising a fifth expansion device 61 arranged upstream of a third heat exchanger 62. This sixth bypass line 60 is notably connected in parallel with the first expansion device 4 and the first heat exchanger 5. The sixth bypass line 60 connects the refrigerant outlet of the radiator 3, and / or the refrigerant outlet 10b refrigerant from the first branch line 10, to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. The sixth branch line 60 can thus connect a first connection point 60a to a second connection point 60b. The first connection point 60a is located on the main loop A downstream of the radiator 3, between the radiator 3 and the first expansion device 4. More specifically, the first connection point 60a can be located downstream of the high-pressure section of the second internal heat exchanger 22. The second connection point 60b is located on the main loop A downstream of the first heat exchanger 5, between the first heat exchanger 5 and the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.More specifically, the second connection point 60b can be located upstream of the phase separation device 6 or upstream of the low pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 7.

[0113] The third heat exchanger 62 can in particular be a cooler intended to exchange directly or indirectly with the batteries of the electric or hybrid motor vehicle.

[0114] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 for the refrigerant to the sixth bypass line 60. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this sixth redirection device consists of the first 4 and second 21 expansion devices and the fifth expansion device 61. These latter devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function. The first 4 and second 21 expansion devices can thus serve both the second and sixth redirection devices. Other embodiments of this sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located at the first connection point 60a of the sixth bypass line 60 or simple shut-off valves.

[0115] The sixth bypass line 60 may also include a check valve 78 located downstream of the third heat exchanger 62. This check valve 78 is configured in particular to prevent a reflux of refrigerant fluid towards the third heat exchanger 62, for example from the first heat exchanger 5 or from the fifth bypass line 50.

[0116] Fifth mode of operation:

[0117] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a fifth operating mode illustrated in [Fig.8] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then circulates in the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0118] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the first expansion device 4, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 5. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example from the internal airflow, thus cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0119] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0120] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a third portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. While passing through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0121] This fifth operating mode thus makes it possible to cool the internal airflow passing through the first heat exchanger 5 in order, for example, to cool the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle as well as its batteries via the third heat exchanger 62. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 3.

[0122] In this fifth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0123] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 towards the second bypass line 20 and towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0124] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0125] The fourth redirection device 41 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0126] The fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0127] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0128] Sixth mode of operation:

[0129] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a sixth operating mode illustrated in [Fig.9] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then circulates in the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0130] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0131] At the outlet of the radiator 3, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. As it passes through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0132] This sixth operating mode thus makes it possible to cool the batteries of the motor vehicle via the third heat exchanger 62. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant fluid is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 3.

[0133] In this sixth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0134] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the radiator 3 only towards the second bypass line 20 and prevents its circulation towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0135] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0136] The fourth redirection device 41 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0137] The fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0138] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0139] Seventh mode of operation:

[0140] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a seventh operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 10] and in which the fluid re The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass pipe 10. The refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0141] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device 41. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop A and passes through the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the external airflow. At the outlet of the radiator 3, the refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line 50 before reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0142] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line 10.

[0143] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, part of the refrigerant joins the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0144] Still exiting the first bypass line 10, another portion of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. While passing through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0145] This seventh operating mode thus makes it possible to heat the internal airflow via the second heat exchanger 11, for example, to heat the passenger compartment. The necessary heat energy is recovered from the outside air via the radiator 3 and from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 62.

[0146] In this seventh mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0147] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the outlet of the first bypass line 10 to the second bypass line 20 and prevents its circulation to the first heat exchanger 5.

[0148] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0149] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40 and in the first bypass line 10.

[0150] The fifth redirection device 74 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate only in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0151] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0152] Eighth mode of operation:

[0153] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in an eighth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 11] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10. The refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example, to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0154] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line 10.

[0155] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a first part of the refrigerant joins the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0156] Still exiting the first bypass line 10, a second portion of the refrigerant flows into the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. While passing through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0157] This eighth operating mode thus makes it possible to heat the internal airflow via the second heat exchanger 11, for example, to heat the passenger compartment. The necessary heat energy is recovered from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 62.

[0158] In this eighth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0159] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the outlet of the first bypass line 10 to the second bypass line. rivet 20 and prevents its circulation towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0160] The third redirection device 31 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0161] The fourth redirection device 41 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0162] The fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0163] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0164] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the first bypass pipe 10 may also include a sixth pressure-reducing device 73'. The sixth pressure-reducing device 73' is located on the first bypass pipe 10 downstream of the fourth bypass pipe 40. In the example illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, this sixth pressure-reducing device 73' may include a shut-off function and replace the shut-off valve 73. According to an alternative not shown, the first bypass pipe 10 may include a seventh pressure-reducing device located upstream of the fourth bypass pipe, for example replacing the shut-off valve 71.

[0165] Ninth operating mode:

[0166] The thermal management device can be configured to operate in a ninth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 12] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10.

[0167] A first part of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line 30 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device 31 before joining the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0168] A second part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0169] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11 a part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass pipe 10 and undergoes a first pressure loss by passing through the sixth expansion device 73' to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure.

[0170] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, another portion of the refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes an initial pressure drop as it passes through the fourth expansion device 41, reaching a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant then rejoins the loop main line A and passes through radiator 3. As it passes through radiator 3, the refrigerant releases heat energy. At the outlet of radiator 3, this remaining portion of the refrigerant rejoins the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass line 10.

[0171] Part of the refrigerant then joins the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a second pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0172] Another portion of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a second pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. While passing through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from batteries. The refrigerant then enters the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0173] This ninth operating mode thus makes it possible to heat the radiator 3, for example, to defrost it. The necessary heat energy is recovered from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 62.

[0174] In this ninth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0175] The second redirection device 4, 21 allows the refrigerant to circulate towards the second bypass line 20 and prevents its circulation towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0176] The third redirection device 31 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third bypass line 30.

[0177] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0178] The fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0179] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0180] Tenth mode of operation:

[0181] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a tenth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 13] in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then flows to the first bypass line 10.

[0182] A first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line 30 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure passing through the third redirection device 31 before joining the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0183] A second part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and gives up heat energy, for example, to the internal airflow by heating the latter.

[0184] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass pipe 10 and undergoes a first pressure loss by passing through the sixth expansion device 73' to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure.

[0185] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, another portion of the refrigerant flows through the fourth bypass line 40 and undergoes an initial pressure drop as it passes through the fourth expansion device 41, reaching a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop A and passes through the radiator 3. As it passes through the radiator 3, the refrigerant releases heat energy. At the outlet of the radiator 3, this other portion of the refrigerant rejoins the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass line 10.

[0186] The refrigerant then enters the sixth bypass line 60 and undergoes a second pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 61, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 62. While passing through the third heat exchanger 62, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from sources such as batteries. The refrigerant then enters the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0187] This tenth operating mode thus makes it possible to heat the radiator 3, for example, to defrost it while maintaining passenger comfort. Indeed, the fact that the refrigerant passes through the third bypass pipe 30 and the third expansion device 31 allows for increased energy consumption by the compression device 2 in order to maintain the heating capacity of the circuit. The necessary heat energy is recovered from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 62.

[0188] In this tenth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 72 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 only towards the first bypass line 10.

[0189] The second redirection device 4, 21 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid towards the second bypass line 20 and towards the first heat exchanger 5.

[0190] The third redirection device 31 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third bypass line 30.

[0191] The fourth redirection device 41 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0192] The fifth redirection device 74 prevents the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0193] Finally, the sixth redirection device 4, 21, 61 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 3 also towards the sixth bypass line 60.

[0194] Thus, it is clear that the architecture of the thermal management device 1 allows optimal operation in particular of the compression device 2 comprising a first low-pressure inlet and a second intermediate-pressure inlet.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal management device for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit (1) within which a refrigerant fluid is intended to circulate, said thermal management circuit (1) comprising: - a main loop (A) comprising, in the direction of refrigerant flow, a compression device (2) including a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator (3), a first expansion device (4) and a first heat exchanger (5) disposed upstream of the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a first bypass line (10) comprising a second heat exchanger (11) and connecting the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device (2) to the refrigerant outlet of the radiator (3), - a first redirection device (71, 72) of the refrigerant towards the radiator (3) and / or towards the first bypass line (10), - a second bypass line (20) comprising a second expansion device (21) and connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator (3), and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line (10), to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a second refrigerant redirection device (4, 21) towards the second bypass line (20) and / or towards the first heat exchanger (5), -a third bypass line (30) comprising a third expansion device (31) and connecting the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger (11) to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a third refrigerant redirection device (31, 73) towards the third bypass line (30) and / or towards the second heat exchanger (11), - a fourth bypass line (40) comprising a fourth expansion device (41) and connecting the refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger (11) to the refrigerant inlet of the radiator (3), - a fourth refrigerant redirection device (41, 73) to the fourth bypass line (40), - a fifth bypass line (50) connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator (3) to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a fifth refrigerant redirection device (4, 21, 74) to the fifth bypass line (50).

2. Thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression device (2) is a compressor comprising both a low pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet and a high pressure refrigerant outlet.

3. Thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression device (2) comprises a first (2a) and a second (2b) compressor connected in series and an intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid inlet (20b) disposed between said first (2a) and second (2b) compressors.

4. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal management circuit (1) comprises a first internal heat exchanger (7) disposed on the main loop (A) and configured to permit heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator (3) with the low-pressure refrigerant towards the compression device (2).

5. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal management circuit (1) comprises a second internal heat exchanger (22) configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the radiator (3), and / or the first bypass line (10), with the intermediate-pressure refrigerant passing through the second bypass line (20).

6. A thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a first mode of operation in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then circulates in the radiator (3), at the outlet of the radiator (3), a first portion of the refrigerant at high pressure undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device (4) to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger (5) before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the radiator (3), a second part of the high pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure as it passes through the second expansion device (21), the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

7. Thermal management device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, temporarily when the first operating mode is switched on, the second redirection device (4, 21) prevents the circulation of the refrigerant from the outlet of the radiator (3) to the second bypass line (20) and the third redirection device (31) allows the circulation of the refrigerant through the third expansion device (31) so as to drain the refrigerant contained in the first bypass line (10) and the second heat exchanger (11).

8. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a second operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10) and through the second heat exchanger (11); at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), the high-pressure refrigerant flows in the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a first pressure drop while passing through the fourth expansion device (41); the refrigerant then rejoins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3); at the outlet of the radiator (3),The refrigerant undergoes a second pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device (4) to reach a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger (5) and then reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

9. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a third operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10) and passes through the second heat exchanger (11). At the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device (41). The refrigerant then rejoins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3). At the outlet of the radiator (3), the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line (50) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). At the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11),a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line (10) to rejoin the main loop (A) and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the first expansion device (4), the refrigerant fluid then passes through the first heat exchanger (5) before reaching the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device (2).

10. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a fourth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10), a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line (30) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device (31) before reaching the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (11), at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11),a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows in the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device (41), the refrigerant then joins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3), at the outlet of the radiator (3), the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line (50) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the first bypass line (10) to join the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device (21), the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

11. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal management circuit (1) comprises: - a sixth bypass line (60) comprising a fifth expansion device (61) disposed upstream of a third heat exchanger (62), said sixth bypass line (60) connecting the refrigerant outlet of the radiator (3), and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line (10), to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), and - a sixth refrigerant redirection device (4, 21, 61) to the sixth bypass line (60).

12. Thermal management device according to claim 11, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a fifth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then circulates in the radiator (3). At the outlet of the radiator (3), a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the first expansion device (4) to reach a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger (5) and then returning to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). At the outlet of the radiator (3), a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the second expansion device (21) to reach an intermediate pressure before returning to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). At the outlet of the radiator (3), a third part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line (60), undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device (61) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger of heat (62) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

13. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a sixth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then circulates in the radiator (3); at the outlet of the radiator (3), a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure drop while passing through the second expansion device (21) to reach an intermediate pressure before joining the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2); and at the outlet of the radiator (3) a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the sixth bypass line (60) undergoes a pressure loss by passing through the fifth expansion device (61) to arrive at low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (62) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

14. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a seventh operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10) and through the second heat exchanger (11); at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows in the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a pressure drop to reach low pressure by passing through the fourth expansion device (41); the refrigerant then rejoins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3); at the outlet of the radiator (3), the refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line (50) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2),At the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the first bypass line (10). At the outlet of the first bypass line (10), a portion of the refrigerant joins the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a... pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device (21), the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the first bypass line (10), another part of the refrigerant joins the sixth bypass line (60) and undergoes a pressure loss by passing through the fifth expansion device (61) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (62) before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

15. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it is configured to operate in an eighth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10) and through the second heat exchanger (11); at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line (10) and, at the outlet of the first bypass line (10), a first portion of the refrigerant joins the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure drop to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the second expansion device (21); the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2); at the outlet of the first bypass line (10),a second part of the refrigerant fluid joins the sixth bypass line (60) and undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the fifth expansion device (61) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (62) before joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device (2).

16. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bypass pipe (10) also includes a sixth expansion device (73').

17. Thermal management device according to claim 16, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a ninth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows to the first bypass line (10), a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line (30) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device (31) before joining the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (11), at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), a part of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line (10) and undergoes a first pressure loss by passing through the sixth expansion device (73') to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11),another part of the refrigerant flows in the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a first pressure loss as it passes through the fourth expansion device (41) to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure, the refrigerant then joins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3), at the outlet of the radiator (3) this other part of the refrigerant joins the refrigerant having passed through the first bypass line (10), a part of the refrigerant then joins the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a second pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure as it passes through the second expansion device (21), the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2),another portion of the refrigerant fluid joins the sixth bypass line (60) and undergoes a second pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device (61) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (62) and then joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

18. Thermal management device according to claim 16, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a tenth operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2) and then flows towards the first bypass line (10). A first part of the refrigerant then passes through the third bypass line (30) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the third redirection device. (31) before reaching the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), a second part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger (11), At the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), part of the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line (10) and undergoes a first pressure loss as it passes through the sixth expansion device (73') to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. At the outlet of the second heat exchanger (11), another part of the refrigerant flows through the fourth bypass line (40) and undergoes a first pressure loss as it passes through the fourth expansion device (41) to reach a pressure higher than the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant then joins the main loop (A) and passes through the radiator (3). At the outlet of the radiator (3), this other part of the refrigerant rejoins the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass line (10).The refrigerant then enters the sixth bypass line (60) and undergoes a second pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device (61) to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (62) and then reaching the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

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