Vehicle heat treatment device

Abstract

Vehicle Heat Treatment Device The present invention relates to a vehicle heat treatment device (2), comprising a first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and a second heat transfer fluid circuit (5), the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) comprising a loop (17) having a heat treatment module (20) configured to thermally treat an electrical storage device of the vehicle, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) is configured to carry a first heat transfer fluid and in that the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) is configured to carry a second heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid being dielectric and different from the first heat transfer fluid, the heat treatment module (20) being configured to thermally treat the electrical storage device by direct conduction. (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle heat treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat treatment systems of a motor vehicle, and more particularly concerns a heat transfer fluid circuit integrated into such heat treatment systems.

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with a refrigerant circuit and at least one heat transfer fluid circuit, both used to contribute to the thermal treatment of different areas or components of the vehicle. It is particularly known to use the refrigerant circuit and / or the heat transfer fluid circuit to thermally treat an airflow sent into the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with such a circuit. This thermal treatment is achieved, in particular, by circulating the refrigerant within a ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system installed in the vehicle.

[0003] In another application of this circuit, it is known to use the heat transfer fluid circuit to cool components of the vehicle's powertrain, such as, for example, an electrical storage device, the latter being used to supply energy to an electric motor capable of propelling the vehicle. The heat treatment system thus provides the energy needed to cool the electrical storage device during its use in driving phases.

[0004] Several refrigerants have been used for this type of heat treatment system, such as R134a or R1234yf. However, following new European standards, these refrigerants have been banned from use in Europe due to their environmental harmfulness. For future heat treatment systems, it has therefore been decided to use R290 as the refrigerant. However, R290 is pure propane. As a safety precaution, it is therefore essential to avoid circulating propane directly in the ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system. Thus, the vehicle's interior is heated indirectly by the refrigerant, and only the heat transfer fluid circulates within the ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system.

[0005] Within this type of circuit, improvements in thermal performance are constantly being developed. Such improvements can be achieved through structural modifications that allow the heat transfer fluid to be adapted to different situations.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and, as such, proposes a heat treatment device for a vehicle, comprising a first fluid circuit heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid circuit separate from the first heat transfer fluid circuit, the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the second heat transfer fluid circuit both being traversed by a heat transfer fluid, the first heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a first branch and a loop, the first branch comprising a first heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and an external airflow to a vehicle passenger compartment, the loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a first pumping device, a second heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit, and a third heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and an internal airflow intended to be sent into the vehicle passenger compartment,the first branch extending between a first divergence point located on the loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the third heat exchanger and a first convergence point located on the loop downstream of the third heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a loop including a first pumping unit, a fourth heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, and a heat treatment module configured to thermally treat an electrical storage device of the vehicle,characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit is configured to be traversed by a first heat transfer fluid and in that the second heat transfer fluid circuit is configured to be traversed by a second heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid being dielectric and different from the first heat transfer fluid, the heat treatment module being configured to thermally treat the electrical storage device by direct conduction.

[0007] By separating the heat treatment device into two distinct heat transfer fluid circuits, it is possible to use a different heat transfer fluid in each circuit. Intrinsically, a heat transfer fluid such as glycol water is more efficient in terms of heat treatment by heat exchange than a dielectric heat transfer fluid. However, such a dielectric fluid can be used for direct conduction heat treatment, which compensates for its lower heat exchange performance compared to glycol water.

[0008] Within the first heat transfer fluid circuit, the first branch is fluidically connected to the loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit. The first branch allows for passive heat treatment of the first heat transfer fluid. via the first heat exchanger and the outside airflow passing through it. Outside airflow refers to airflow that is not intended to be directed into the vehicle's passenger compartment. To align with the outside airflow path, the first heat exchanger can, for example, be positioned on the front of the vehicle. The outside airflow can then dissipate heat accumulated by the first heat transfer fluid.

[0009] The loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit ensures, in particular, the cooling of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The first pumping device circulates the first heat transfer fluid within this loop. The second heat exchanger is configured to cool the first heat transfer fluid by means of the previously expanded refrigerant.

[0010] Once cooled, the first heat transfer fluid circulates to the third heat exchanger, thus cooling the interior airflow which is then sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment. The loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit therefore contributes to the air conditioning of the vehicle's passenger compartment. As such, the third heat exchanger can be integrated into a ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system. Depending on the configuration of the first heat transfer fluid circuit, the first heat transfer fluid can continue its circulation in the loop to circulate within the third heat exchanger or circulate within the first branch back to the first heat exchanger.

[0011] Within the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit, the first pumping unit circulates the second heat transfer fluid. The loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit allows the second heat transfer fluid to provide thermal treatment to the electrical storage device via the thermal treatment module. Such an operation may be necessary if the temperature of the electrical storage device is too high or too low. For example, the electrical storage device may need to be cooled after rapid charging of the vehicle, as this can result in a significant release of heat from the electrical storage device.

[0012] The fourth heat exchanger contributes to the cooling of the electrical storage device by facilitating heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant is first expanded before passing through the fourth heat exchanger; the heat transfer fluid is then cooled within the fourth heat exchanger before circulating through the heat treatment module to cool the electrical storage device.

[0013] During the heat treatment of the electrical storage device by the heat treatment module, the second heat transfer fluid is in direct contact with the electrical storage device. The second heat transfer fluid is therefore dielectric in order to perform such direct conduction heat treatment without damaging the electrical storage device. Direct conduction heat treatment can, for example, be carried out within a casing filled with the second heat transfer fluid, in which the electrical storage device is housed. The casing has a fluid inlet and outlet so that the second heat transfer fluid can circulate within the second heat transfer fluid circuit. The overall heat treatment performance of the heat treatment device is thus improved.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment module is a first heat treatment module, the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a second heat treatment module configured to heat an electric motor of the vehicle, the second heat treatment module being configured to heat the electric motor by direct conduction. As with the electrical storage device, the electric motor is likely to generate heat during operation, for example, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. The second heat treatment module operates in the same way as the first heat treatment module, that is, the electric motor is heat treated by direct conduction using the second dielectric heat transfer fluid.The second heat treatment module is therefore also arranged within the second heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0015] Thus, advantageously, the components providing thermal treatment for the passenger compartment are grouped in the first heat transfer fluid circuit, while the components providing thermal treatment for the vehicle's powertrain are grouped in the second heat transfer fluid circuit. The inventors have demonstrated that the thermal performance of the heat treatment device is improved by implementing two separate heat transfer fluid circuits and by thermally treating the components of the vehicle's powertrain by direct conduction using a dielectric fluid, rather than opting for a single heat transfer fluid circuit in which only one type of heat transfer fluid can circulate.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a second branch disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit and extending between a second divergence point disposed on the first branch between the first heat exchanger and the first convergence point, and a second convergence point disposed on the first branch between the first divergence point and the first heat exchanger, the second branch comprising a A second pumping device and a fifth heat exchanger are configured to perform heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. The fifth heat exchanger, like the second and fourth heat exchangers, allows heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the aforementioned refrigerant circuit. However, the heat exchange within the fifth heat exchanger occurs with the refrigerant in a compressed, not expanded, state. The fifth heat exchanger therefore heats the heat transfer fluid via the high-pressure refrigerant.

[0017] In addition to heating or cooling either of the heat transfer fluids, heat exchangers operating a heat exchange with the refrigerant also allow the regulation of a thermodynamic cycle of the latter, in order to improve the thermal performance of the heat treatment system as a whole.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a third branch disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit and extending between a third divergence point disposed on the second branch between the fifth heat exchanger and the second convergence point and a third convergence point disposed on the second branch between the second divergence point and the fifth heat exchanger, the third branch comprising a sixth heat exchanger configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the internal airflow.

[0019] It is thus understood that the third branch provides a fluid connection within the first heat transfer fluid circuit between the fifth heat exchanger mentioned previously and the sixth heat exchanger. Therefore, after being heated within the fifth heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid can circulate in the third branch and within the sixth heat exchanger. The first heat transfer fluid then heats the interior airflow passing through the sixth heat exchanger. The heated interior airflow is then sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment for thermal treatment. Like the third heat exchanger, the sixth heat exchanger can be integrated into the ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system. The vehicle's passenger compartment can thus be heated or cooled via the third and / or sixth heat exchanger.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a fourth branch disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit and extending between a fourth divergence point disposed on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit downstream of the first treatment module thermal and upstream of the second heat treatment module, and a fourth convergence point located on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit between the second heat treatment module and the fourth heat exchanger, the fourth branch comprising a second pumping unit and an electric heating element. The fourth branch is thus arranged in parallel with the second heat treatment module and allows, in particular, for bypassing the latter in the event of specific heat treatment of the electrical storage device.

[0021] The electric heating element heats the second heat transfer fluid using an external energy input to the second heat transfer fluid circuit. Depending on the requirement, the electric heating element is therefore capable of heating the heat transfer fluid circulating in the fourth branch.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a fifth branch disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit and extending between a fifth divergence point located on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit between the fourth heat exchanger and the first heat treatment module, and a fifth convergence point located on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit between the first heat treatment module and the fourth divergence point. The fifth branch allows the circulation of the second heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer fluid circuit without the second heat transfer fluid interacting with the electrical storage device within the first heat treatment module.Thus, when there is no need to thermally treat the electrical storage device but the heat transfer fluid is heated via the electric heating element or cooled via the fourth heat exchanger for a thermal treatment purpose other than that of the electrical storage device, the fifth branch prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating within the first thermal treatment module and disturbing the temperature of the second heat transfer fluid.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the first divergence point and / or the third divergence point and / or the fifth divergence point comprise a bypass element. Such a bypass element may, for example, be a three-way valve for controlling which loop or branch the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid is directed to from the first divergence point and / or the third divergence point and / or the fifth divergence point.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a sixth branch extending between a sixth divergence point disposed on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit between the second heat treatment module and the fourth convergence point and a sixth The convergence point is located on the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit between the fourth divergence point and the second heat treatment module. Some of the characteristics specific to the sixth branch depend on the embodiment of the heat treatment device according to the invention.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the sixth branch comprises a seventh heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid and the outside airflow. In a first embodiment of the heat treatment device according to the invention, the second heat transfer fluid circuit has its own means of dissipating heat via an outside airflow. In this embodiment, the seventh heat exchanger is advantageously similar to the first heat exchanger and can thus also be located at the front of the vehicle.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, the heat treatment device comprises a seventh branch disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit and extending between a seventh divergence point disposed on the first branch between the first heat exchanger and the second divergence point and the second convergence point, the seventh branch comprising a third pumping device, the heat treatment device comprising a seventh heat exchanger configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh branch and the second heat transfer fluid circulating in the sixth branch.Alternatively, according to a second embodiment of the heat treatment device, only the first heat exchanger allows heat dissipation via the outside airflow, while the seventh heat exchanger enables heat exchange between the two heat transfer fluid circuits, that is, between the first and second heat transfer fluids. The heat from the second heat transfer fluid can thus be dissipated indirectly by being first transferred to the first heat transfer fluid and then dissipated within the first heat exchanger using the outside airflow.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the sixth divergence point may include a bypass element. Just like the bypass elements mentioned previously, the bypass element positioned at the sixth divergence point may be a three-way valve capable of circulating the second heat transfer fluid to the loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit and / or to the sixth branch.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, at least one of the heat exchangers is configured to perform indirect conduction heat treatment. This contrasts with heat treatment modules that provide heat treatment In direct conduction, at least one of the heat exchangers also provides indirect heat exchange. In other words, the fluids involved in the heat exchange do not come into direct contact with each other. For example, there is no mixing between the different fluids.

[0029] The invention also covers a vehicle heat treatment system, comprising a heat treatment device as described above and a refrigerant circuit. As previously mentioned, the refrigerant circuit and the heat treatment device interact to heat the vehicle's passenger compartment and the vehicle's powertrain components.

[0030] Depending on the direction of flow of the refrigerant, the latter is compressed and put under high pressure and high temperature in a gaseous state by a compression device, then passes through the fifth heat exchanger to be condensed and cooled by the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the first heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0031] Following this, the refrigerant circuit splits into two paths, each path comprising an expansion valve. Downstream of these valves, one path includes the third heat exchanger, while the other path includes the fourth heat exchanger. The expansion valves serve to expand the refrigerant and reduce its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant is then evaporated within either the third or fourth heat exchanger, thereby cooling the heat transfer fluid that also circulates within it. Depending on the operating mode, the refrigerant may circulate in one of these paths or be divided into two fractions, each circulating in one of the paths.

[0032] Downstream of the heat exchangers ensuring the evaporation of the refrigerant, the two paths rejoin and the evaporated refrigerant is again compressed by the compression device. The refrigerant circuit may optionally include an accumulation device to retain a fraction of the unevaporated liquid so that it does not damage the compression device as it passes through it.

[0033] The invention also covers a method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device as described above, in which the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit while no fluid circulation is implemented in the second heat transfer fluid circuit. In other words, only the first heat transfer fluid circuit is active, the second heat transfer fluid circuit being inactive. An example of such a method is operating air conditioning in the vehicle's passenger compartment when the vehicle is started.

[0034] The invention also covers a method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device as described above, in which the second heat transfer fluid is circulated in the second heat transfer fluid circuit while no fluid circulation is implemented in the first heat transfer fluid circuit. Unlike what was described previously, fluid circulation occurs only in the second heat transfer fluid circuit while the first heat transfer fluid circuit is inactive. An example of such a method is to heat the electrical storage device using the heat released by the electric motor without requiring additional input from the first heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0035] The invention also covers a method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device as described above, in which the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the second heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer fluid circuit simultaneously. Both heat transfer fluid circuits are active, and at least one of them is configured to interact with the refrigerant circuit of the aforementioned heat treatment system. An example could be the cooling of the electrical storage device within the second heat transfer fluid circuit by means of the refrigerant, which is to be thermodynamically regulated by the first heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0037] [Fig. 1] represents a heat treatment system comprising a first embodiment of a heat treatment device according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.2] illustrates a first mode of circulation implemented within the heat treatment system illustrated in [Fig.1],

[0039] [Fig.3] illustrates a second circulation mode implemented within the heat treatment system illustrated in [Fig.1],

[0040] [Fig.4] illustrates a third circulation mode implemented within the heat treatment system illustrated in [Fig.1],

[0041] [Fig.5] illustrates a fourth circulation mode implemented within the heat treatment system illustrated in [Fig.1],

[0042] [Fig.6] represents the heat treatment system comprising a second embodiment of a heat treatment device according to the invention,

[0043] [Fig.7] illustrates a circulation mode implemented within the heat treatment system illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0044] The terms upstream and downstream used in the following description refer to the direction of flow of the fluid in question, i.e. the refrigerant or the heat transfer fluid.

[0045] In Figures 1 and 6, a heat treatment device 2 is shown in solid lines and a refrigerant circuit 3 is shown in dashed lines. In Figures 2 to 5 and 7, for each circuit, the portions through which their respective fluid flows are shown in solid lines and the portions without fluid circulation are shown in short dashed lines. The solid lines indicating fluid circulation are also of different thicknesses for the refrigerant circuit 3 when it is in use. More specifically, the thickest solid lines correspond to portions where the refrigerant flows at high pressure and the thinnest solid lines correspond to portions where the refrigerant flows at low pressure.

[0046] Figure 1 represents a heat treatment system 1 that can be integrated into a motor vehicle and includes a first embodiment of a heat treatment device 2 according to the invention. This heat treatment system 1 is capable of providing heat treatment for the vehicle's passenger compartment, as well as heat treatment for various components of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0047] To achieve this, the heat treatment system comprises the heat treatment device 2 and a refrigerant circuit 3, through which a refrigerant circulates. The heat treatment system 1 is configured to operate various interactions between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant in order to optimally heat the vehicle passenger compartment and the various components of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0048] The particularity of the heat treatment device 2 according to the invention is that it consists of a first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 and a second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 distinct from the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4. By distinct it must be understood that there is no fluid connection between the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 and the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5.

[0049] Such a separation into two distinct circuits makes it possible to place two different types of heat transfer fluid within each of said circuits. Thus, the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 is traversed by a first heat transfer fluid, which is advantageously glycol water, while the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 is traversed by a second heat transfer fluid, which is advantageously a dielectric fluid.

[0050] The first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 is divided into several fluidly connected sections in order to multiply the functionalities of the heat treatment system 1. Thus, the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 comprises Specifically, a first branch 6 equipped with a first heat exchanger 7. This exchanger is configured to perform a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid circulating within it and an outside airflow 8 passing through the first heat exchanger 7. By outside airflow, we mean an airflow that is not intended to be sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In order to be positioned along the path of the outside airflow 8, the first heat exchanger 7 can, for example, be arranged on the front of the vehicle.

[0051] The first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 also includes a loop 9. The loop 9 includes a first pumping device 10, a second heat exchanger 11 and a third heat exchanger 12.

[0052] The first pumping device 10 allows the first heat transfer fluid to be circulated in the loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4. The second heat exchanger 11 is configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3. The second heat exchanger 11 allows the first heat transfer fluid to be cooled using the refrigerant.

[0053] The third heat exchanger 12 is configured to perform heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and an interior airflow 13. Unlike the exterior airflow 8, the interior airflow 13 is intended to be sent to the vehicle's passenger compartment for thermal treatment. As such, the third heat exchanger 12 can be arranged within a ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning system 14 that directs the interior airflow 13 through, in particular, the third heat exchanger 12 before sending it to the vehicle's passenger compartment. As will be detailed later, the third heat exchanger 12 contributes to the air conditioning of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0054] The first branch 6 is fluidly connected to the loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 at a first divergence point 15 and a first convergence point 16. The first divergence point 15 is positioned on the loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 downstream of the second heat exchanger 11 and upstream of the third heat exchanger 12, while the first convergence point 16 is positioned on the loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 downstream of the third heat exchanger 12 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 11. The first branch 6 thus extends from the first divergence point 15 to the first convergence point 16.

[0055] The second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 also includes a loop 17 provided with a first pumping element 18, a fourth heat exchanger 19 and at least one heat treatment module 20, more particularly a first heat treatment module 21 and a second heat treatment module 22.

[0056] The fourth heat exchanger 19 is configured to operate a heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid circulating in the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant fluid circuit 3. The fourth heat exchanger 19 allows the cooling of the second heat transfer fluid and is positioned downstream of the second heat treatment module 22 and upstream of the first heat treatment module 21.

[0057] Each heat treatment module 20 is configured to heat-treat an element of the vehicle's powertrain. Specifically, the first heat treatment module 21 provides heat treatment for an electrical storage device, while the second heat treatment module 22 provides heat treatment for an electrical storage device. The distinguishing feature of the heat treatment modules 20 is that they are configured to perform heat treatment by direct conduction, as opposed to the heat exchangers mentioned previously, which are configured to perform heat treatment by indirect conduction.

[0058] Thus, the first heat treatment module 21 allows the electrical storage device to be immersed in a volume of a second heat transfer fluid, just as the second heat treatment module 22 allows the electric motor to be immersed in a volume of a second heat transfer fluid. The dielectric nature of the second heat transfer fluid is thus understood.

[0059] Although glycol water is a more efficient heat transfer fluid than the dielectric fluid in conduction, it has been proven that the direct conduction implemented by the dielectric fluid on at least the electrical storage device compensates for the lower performance of the dielectric fluid. This implies separating the heat treatment device 2 into two heat transfer fluid circuits 4, 5 in order to use two different heat transfer fluids, as illustrated in Figures 1 and following. The second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 thus brings together the components ensuring the heat treatment of the vehicle's powertrain elements in order to carry out the heat treatments by direct conduction using the second dielectric heat transfer fluid.The first heat transfer fluid circulating in the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 only performs heat treatment by indirect conduction; therefore, it is advantageously glycol water.

[0060] In addition to what has been described previously, the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 comprises a second branch 23 equipped with a second pumping device 24 and a fifth heat exchanger 25. The second branch 23 extends between a second divergence point 26 located on the first branch 6 between the first heat exchanger 7 and the first convergence point 16 and a second convergence point 27 located on the first branch 6 between the first divergence point 15 and the first heat exchanger 7.

[0061] The second pumping device 24 is adapted to circulate the first heat transfer fluid in the second branch 23, while the fifth heat exchanger 25 is configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant. As will be detailed later, the fifth heat exchanger 25 allows the heat transfer fluid to be heated.

[0062] The first heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third branch 28 fluidly connected to the second branch 23 and comprising a sixth heat exchanger 29. The third branch 28 extends between a third divergence point 30 disposed on the second branch 23 between the fifth heat exchanger 25 and the second convergence point 27 and a third convergence point 31 disposed on the second branch 23 between the second divergence point 26 and the fifth heat exchanger 25.

[0063] Just like the third heat exchanger 12, the sixth heat exchanger 29 is configured to perform a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the interior airflow 13. The sixth heat exchanger 29 is therefore also advantageously located within the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system 14. As will be detailed later, the sixth heat exchanger 29 contributes to heating the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0064] In addition to what has been described previously, the heat treatment device 2 includes a fourth branch 32 disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 and extending between a fourth divergence point 33 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 downstream of the first heat treatment module 21 and upstream of the second heat treatment module 22 and a fourth convergence point 34 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 between the second heat treatment module 22 and the fourth heat exchanger 19.

[0065] The fourth branch 32 includes a second pumping element 35 and an electric heating element 36. The second pumping element 35 allows the second heat transfer fluid to be circulated in the fourth branch 32, so as to bypass the second heat treatment module 22. The electric heating element 36 allows the second heat transfer fluid to be heated via an external energy input to the heat treatment system 1.

[0066] The heat treatment device 2 comprises a fifth branch 37 disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 and extending between a fifth divergence point 38 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 between the fourth heat exchanger 19 and the first module of heat treatment 21 and a fifth convergence point 39 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 between the first heat treatment module 21 and the fourth divergence point 33. The fifth branch 37 allows a bypass of the first heat treatment module 21 by the second heat transfer fluid when it is not necessary to heat treat the electrical storage device.

[0067] The heat treatment device 2 further includes a sixth branch 40 extending between a sixth divergence point 41 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 between the second heat treatment module 22 and the fourth convergence point 34 and a sixth convergence point 42 disposed on the loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 between the fourth divergence point 33 and the second heat treatment module 21.

[0068] According to the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2, the sixth branch 40 includes a seventh heat exchanger 43 configured to operate a heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid and the outside air flow 8. Thus, the second heat transfer fluid circuit includes its own means of heat dissipation.

[0069] Advantageously, the first divergence point 15 and / or the third divergence point 30 and / or the fifth divergence point 38 and / or the sixth divergence point 41 comprise a bypass member 44. Each bypass member 44 can, for example, be a three-way valve allowing control of the heat transfer fluid considered towards a given branch or loop.

[0070] The refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a main channel 45 equipped with a compression device 46 that circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The main channel 45 extends to pass through the fifth heat exchanger 25, then splits into a first channel 47 comprising a first expansion member 48 and a second channel 49 comprising a second expansion member 50.

[0071] Each of the expansion valves 48, 50 ensures an expansion of the refrigerant, which then decreases in pressure and temperature. Subsequently, the refrigerant can pass through the second heat exchanger 11 or the fourth heat exchanger 19, depending on the path through which the refrigerant flows. This choice of path is obviously dependent on the objectives that the heat treatment system 1 must fulfill.

[0072] Subsequently, the first channel 47 and the second channel 49 rejoin to reform the main channel 45. Since the compression device 46 is only capable of compressing refrigerant in a gaseous state, the refrigerant circuit 3 can advantageously include an accumulation device 51 disposed on the main path 45 upstream of the compression device 46 in order to retain a liquid fraction of the refrigerant before it passes through the compression device 46 and damages it.

[0073] Since the refrigerant is advantageously propane, it is not circulated within the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system 14 for safety reasons. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], only the first heat transfer fluid circulates within the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system 14.

[0074] Figure 2 represents a first mode of fluid circulation within the heat treatment system 1. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate circulation modes where only the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 of the heat treatment device 2 is used and thus represent an implementation of a heat treatment process in which the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 while no fluid circulation is implemented in the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5. The objective of the first circulation mode is to provide air conditioning for the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0075] To this end, the first heat transfer fluid is circulated within loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 by the first pumping device 10 and passes through the second heat exchanger 11 to be cooled by the expanded refrigerant. The cooled first heat transfer fluid then circulates to the third heat exchanger 12 arranged within the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system 14. As it circulates within the third heat exchanger 12, the first heat transfer fluid cools the interior airflow 13, which is then sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment to provide air conditioning. At the outlet of the third heat exchanger 12, the first heat transfer fluid is pumped again by the first pumping device 10.

[0076] In order to cool the first heat transfer fluid within the second heat exchanger 11 and thus operate the air conditioning of the vehicle's passenger compartment, the refrigerant must circulate in compliance with a precise thermodynamic cycle within the refrigerant circuit 3.

[0077] The refrigerant is thus circulated under high pressure and high temperature by the compression device 46 and flows in the main channel 45 to be initially condensed by circulating within the fifth heat exchanger 25 in order to comply with the thermodynamic cycle. The first heat transfer fluid also circulates between the first branch 6 and the second branch 23, circulated by the second pumping device 24, and absorbs heat from the refrigerant within the fifth heat exchanger 25 in order to condense the refrigerant.

[0078] Subsequently, the first heat transfer fluid charged with heat joins the first branch 6 via the second convergence point 27 and circulates within the first heat exchanger 7 where the heat is dissipated by the circulation of the outside air flow 8 through the first heat exchanger 7. At the outlet of the first heat exchanger 7, the first heat transfer fluid recirculates in the second branch 23 via the second divergence point 26 to again capture heat from the refrigerant fluid within the fifth heat exchanger 25.

[0079] Once condensed in the fifth heat exchanger 25, the refrigerant continues its circulation in the main channel 45 and then in the first channel 47 to be expanded by the first expansion valve 48 and to pass through the second heat exchanger 11 to be evaporated and also to cool the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the loop 9 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4. Once evaporated, the refrigerant returns to the main channel 45 and then circulates in the storage device 51 where a potential fraction of unevaporated fluid is retained. The refrigerant is then compressed again by the compression device 46.

[0080] Figure 3 illustrates a second circulation method for the heat treatment system 1 provided with the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2 according to the invention. The objective here is to heat the vehicle's passenger compartment. Only the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 is used.

[0081] The circulation of the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit 3 is identical to that described in [Fig.2]. The first heat transfer fluid, heated by the refrigerant within the fifth heat exchanger 25, then circulates within the third branch 28 via the third divergence point 30, up to the sixth heat exchanger 29 in order to heat the interior airflow 13 which is subsequently sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment to heat it.

[0082] To complete the thermodynamic cycle of the refrigerant, it must be evaporated within the second heat exchanger 11. The first heat transfer fluid therefore also circulates within the second heat exchanger 11 to transfer its heat to the refrigerant. The cooled heat transfer fluid then circulates within the first branch 6 and then the first heat exchanger 7. Here, the outside airflow 8, instead of dissipating heat accumulated within the first heat transfer fluid, warms the first heat transfer fluid by transferring heat to it. This promotes the evaporation of the refrigerant within the second heat exchanger 11.

[0083] Figure 4 represents a third circulation method of the heat treatment system 1 provided with the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2 according to the invention. This third circulation method does not utilize that the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 is used in a heat treatment process where circulation of the second heat transfer fluid is implemented in the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5, while no fluid circulation is implemented in the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4. The objective of the third circulation mode is to circulate the second heat transfer fluid only within loop 17 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 in order to heat the electrical storage device using the heat released by the electric motor. Heating the electrical storage device can be advantageous, for example, to facilitate vehicle starting.

[0084] To this end, the first pumping unit 18 circulates the second heat transfer fluid, which flows within the second heat treatment module 22 to capture the heat released by the electric motor. Subsequently, the second heat transfer fluid circulates within the fourth heat exchanger 19 without consequence, as the refrigerant circuit 3 is inactive. The heat captured by the second heat transfer fluid within the second heat treatment module 22 is then transferred to the electrical storage device within the first heat treatment module 21. The second heat transfer fluid then recirculates within the second heat treatment module 22 to again capture heat from the electric motor.

[0085] Figure 5 represents a fourth circulation method of the heat treatment system 1 provided with the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2 according to the invention. In this circulation method, the two heat transfer fluid circuits 4 and 5 are used during a heat treatment process in which the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 and the second heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer fluid circuit simultaneously. The objective here is to cool the electric motor and the electrical storage device.

[0086] The first heat transfer fluid is used here solely to optimize the condensation of the refrigerant within the fifth heat exchanger 25, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The heat absorbed by the first heat transfer fluid is then dissipated by the outside air flow 8 within the first heat exchanger 7.

[0087] Once condensed, the refrigerant flows into the second channel 49 and is expanded by the second expansion valve 50. The low-temperature refrigerant then flows through the fourth heat exchanger 19 and cools the second heat transfer fluid, which also flows through the fourth heat exchanger 19. The refrigerant is also evaporated within the fourth heat exchanger 19. Once evaporated, the refrigerant returns to the main channel 45 and then flows through the storage device 51 where a potential The fraction of fluid that did not evaporate is retained there. The refrigerant is then re-compressed by the compression device 46.

[0088] As previously mentioned, the second heat transfer fluid is cooled within the fourth heat exchanger 19, then circulates within the first heat treatment module 21 to cool the electrical storage device. At the outlet of the first heat treatment module 21, the second heat transfer fluid circulates within the fourth branch 32 via the fourth divergence point 33.

[0089] The electric motor is passively cooled. Another volume of the second heat transfer fluid, circulating independently of the second heat transfer fluid responsible for cooling the electrical storage device, circulates within the second heat treatment module 22 to capture the heat released by the electric motor, and then circulates within the sixth branch 40 and then the seventh heat exchanger 43 so that the captured heat is dissipated by the outside air flow 8. The second heat transfer fluid then circulates again to the second heat treatment module 22.

[0090] Figure 6 illustrates the heat treatment system 1 comprising a second embodiment of the heat treatment device 2 according to the invention. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in particular with regard to the structural and functional characteristics of the seventh heat exchanger 43.

[0091] Indeed, the second embodiment of the heat treatment device 2 includes a seventh branch 52 disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit 4 and extending between a seventh divergence point 53 disposed on the first branch 6 between the first heat exchanger 7 and the second divergence point 26 and the second convergence point 27.

[0092] The seventh branch 52 includes a third pumping device 54, and the seventh heat exchanger 43 is configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh branch 52 and the second heat transfer fluid circulating in the sixth branch 40.

[0093] Thus, the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 does not include its own means of dissipating heat via the outside airflow 8, but the heat from the second heat transfer fluid can nevertheless be dissipated indirectly via the seventh heat exchanger 43.

[0094] Figure 7 illustrates a mode of circulation implementing the second mode of the implementation of the heat treatment device 2. The objectives of this circulation mode are identical to those of the fourth circulation mode illustrated in [Fig. 5] and applied to the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2, to We will discuss the cooling of the electrical storage device and the electric motor. Only the differences in circulation compared to what is illustrated in [Fig.5] will be mentioned.

[0095] In [Fig. 7], the first heat transfer fluid circulating downstream of the first heat exchanger 7 splits into two fractions at the seventh divergence point 53. The first fraction continues its circulation in the first branch 6 and then in the second branch 23, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The second fraction circulates in the seventh branch 52, driven by the third pumping device 54, and flows through the seventh heat exchanger 43. The two fractions then rejoin at the second convergence point 27.

[0096] The second heat transfer fluid circulating within the second heat treatment module 22 and capturing the calories released by the electric motor subsequently circulates in the sixth branch 40 as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0097] Unlike the first embodiment, these captured calories are not directly dissipated using a heat exchanger through which the outside air flow 8 passes, but are initially transferred to the second fraction of the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh branch 52, via the seventh heat exchanger 43, and then these transferred calories are dissipated within the first heat exchanger 7 by means of the outside air flow 8. The heat treatment carried out according to this circulation method is thus similar to that described in [Fig. 5] for the first embodiment of the heat treatment device 2.

[0098] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0099] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and provides a heat treatment device capable of improved performance through division into two separate fluid circuits, each containing a different heat transfer fluid. Variations not described herein could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include a heat treatment device conforming to the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Heat treatment device (2) of a vehicle, comprising a first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and a second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) separate from the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4), the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) both being traversed by a heat transfer fluid, the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) comprising a first branch (6) and a loop (9), the first branch (6) comprising a first heat exchanger (7) configured to operate a heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and an outside airflow (8) to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the loop of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) comprising a first pumping device (10), a second heat exchanger (11) configured to operate a heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit (3),and a third heat exchanger (12) configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and an interior airflow (13) intended to be sent into the vehicle's passenger compartment, the first branch (6) extending between a first divergence point (15) located on the loop (9) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) downstream of the second heat exchanger (11) and upstream of the third heat exchanger (12) and a first convergence point (16) located on the loop (9) downstream of the third heat exchanger (12) and upstream of the second heat exchanger (11), the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) comprising a loop (17) including a first pumping element (18), a fourth heat exchanger (19) configured to perform heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (3),and a heat treatment module (20) configured to thermally treat an electrical storage device of the vehicle, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) is configured to be traversed by a first heat transfer fluid and in that the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) is configured to be traversed by a second heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid being dielectric and different from the first heat transfer fluid, the heat treatment module (20) being configured, for thermally treating the electrical storage device by direct conduction, the device comprising a second branch (23) disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and extending between a second divergence point (26) disposed on the first branch (6) between the first heat exchanger (7) and the first convergence point (16) and a second convergence point (27) disposed on the first branch (6) between the first divergence point (15) and the first heat exchanger (7), the second branch (23) comprising a second pumping device (24) and a fifth heat exchanger (25) configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (3),the device comprising a third branch (28) disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and extending between a third divergence point (30) disposed on the second branch (23) between the fifth heat exchanger (25) and the second convergence point (27) and a third convergence point (31) disposed on the second branch (23) between the second divergence point (26) and the fifth heat exchanger (25), the third branch (28) comprising a sixth heat exchanger (29) configured to perform a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid and the internal airflow (13).

2. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the heat treatment module (20) is a first heat treatment module (21), the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) comprising a second heat treatment module (22) configured to heat treat an electric motor of the vehicle, the second heat treatment module (22) being configured to heat treat the electric motor by direct conduction.

3. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 1, in combination with claim 2, comprising a fourth branch (32) disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) and extending between a fourth divergence point (33) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) downstream of the first heat treatment module (21) and upstream of the second heat treatment module (22) and a fourth convergence point (34) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) between the second heat treatment module (22) and the fourth heat exchanger (19), the fourth branch (32) comprising a second pumping unit (35) and an electric heating element (36).

4. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 3, comprising a fifth branch (37) disposed in the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) and extending between a fifth divergence point (38) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) between the fourth heat exchanger (19) and the first heat treatment module (21) and a fifth convergence point (39) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) between the first heat treatment module (21) and the fourth divergence point (33).

5. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the first divergence point (15) and / or the third divergence point (30) and / or the fifth divergence point (38) comprise a bypass member (44).

6. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a sixth branch (40) extending between a sixth divergence point (41) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) between the second heat treatment module (22) and the fourth convergence point (34) and a sixth convergence point (42) disposed on the loop (17) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) between the fourth divergence point (33) and the second heat treatment module (22).

7. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 6, wherein the sixth branch (40) comprises a seventh heat exchanger (43) configured to operate a heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid and the outside airflow (8).

8. Heat treatment device (2) according to claim 6, comprising a seventh branch (52) disposed in the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and extending between a seventh divergence point (53) disposed on the first branch (6) between the first heat exchanger (7) and the second divergence point (26) and the second convergence point (27), the seventh branch (52) comprising a third pumping device (54), the heat treatment device (2) comprising a seventh heat exchanger (43) configured to operate a heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh branch (52) and the second heat transfer fluid circulating in the sixth branch (40).

9. Heat treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the sixth divergence point (41) comprises a bypass member (44).

10. Heat treatment device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the heat exchangers (7, 11, 12, 19, 25, 29, 43) is configured to perform indirect conduction heat treatment.

11. Heat treatment system (1) of a vehicle, comprising a heat treatment device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a coolant circuit (3).

12. A method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) while no fluid circulation is implemented within the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5).

13. A method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second heat transfer fluid is circulated in the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) while no fluid circulation is implemented within the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4).

14. A method for heat-treating a vehicle, implemented by a heat-treating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first heat transfer fluid is circulated in the first heat transfer fluid circuit (4) and the second heat transfer fluid is circulated in the second heat transfer fluid circuit (5) simultaneously.

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