Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a refrigerant circuit (10), - a compression device (7) comprising a first inlet (7A), a second inlet (7B) and an outlet (7C), - a liquid / vapor separation device (5) comprising an inlet (5A), a first (5B) and a second outlet (5C), the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising: - a main loop (A) comprising: - the first inlet (7A) and the outlet (7C) of the compression device (7), - a first heat exchanger (1), - a first expansion valve (21), - the inlet (5A) and the first outlet (5B) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5), - a second expansion valve (22), - a second heat exchanger (2), - a first branch (B) comprising a third expansion valve (23) and a third heat exchanger (3),- a second branch (C) connecting the second outlet (5C) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5) to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7), - a third branch (D-1, D-2) connecting the main loop (A) and the second branch (C). Abstract figure: Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal conditioning system technical field

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

[0002] A first heat exchanger receiving high-pressure refrigerant can be used to heat a first heat transfer fluid. A second heat exchanger receiving refrigerant from the first exchanger, and expanded to a low-pressure state, can be used to cool a second heat transfer fluid. A third heat exchanger, arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger, can be used to further cool the second fluid, or to cool a third fluid.

[0003] It is desirable to have thermal conditioning systems with improved efficiency, in particular offering increased thermal power. Summary

[0004] To this end, a thermal conditioning system is proposed, comprising: - a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, - a compression device comprising a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, - a liquid / vapor separation device comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, in which the refrigerant circuit comprises: - a main refrigerant circulation loop comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the first input of the compression device, — the output of the compression device, — a first heat exchanger, — a first regulator, — the inlet of the liquid / vapor separation device, — the first output of the liquid / vapor separation device, — a second regulator, — a second heat exchanger, - a first branch connecting a first connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device and upstream of the second expansion valve to a second connection point located on the main loop downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device, the first branch successively comprising a third expansion valve and a third heat exchanger, - a second branch connecting the second outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device to the second inlet of the compression device, - a third branch connecting a third connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the second connection point to a fourth connection point located on the second branch.

[0005] This architecture allows for heating at the first heat exchanger and cooling at the second and third heat exchangers. The second and third heat exchangers can operate with the same evaporation pressure or with different evaporation pressures, thus adapting the cooling provided to different requirements.

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

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

[0008] The compression device is configured to supply refrigerant fluid at high pressure.

[0009] The first inlet of the compression device is configured to receive low-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0010] The second inlet of the compression device is configured to receive intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0011] The compression device is configured so that the refrigerant admitted through the first inlet is discharged through the outlet, and the refrigerant admitted through the second inlet is also discharged through the outlet.

[0012] The inlet of the liquid / vapor separation device is configured to receive refrigerant in a two-phase state. A two-phase state is understood to mean a mixture of liquid and vapor.

[0013] The first outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device is configured to supply refrigerant fluid in the liquid state.

[0014] The second outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device is configured to supply refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state.

[0015] The liquid / vapor separation device is configured so that the refrigerant received at the inlet is distributed between the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0016] The first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a first fluid.

[0017] The first fluid is, for example, an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0018] The first exchanger is thus thermally coupled with an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an airflow inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0020] The first fluid is then a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0021] The first exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser.

[0022] The second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a second fluid.

[0023] The second fluid is, for example, an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0024] The second exchanger is thus thermally coupled with an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an airflow inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0026] The second fluid is then a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0027] The second exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0028] The third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a third fluid.

[0029] The third exchanger is thermally coupled with an element of an electric traction chain of a motor vehicle.

[0030] The third heat exchanger allows the element of the vehicle's electric traction chain to be cooled.

[0031] The third heat exchanger is thermally coupled with the element of the electric traction chain via a heat transfer fluid circulating in a heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0032] The third fluid is a heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0033] The third exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0034] The element of the vehicle's electric powertrain includes an electrical energy storage battery.

[0035] The element of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electric vehicle traction motor.

[0036] The element of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0037] The second branch of the bypass fluidly connects the second outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device to the second inlet of the compression device.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the third connection point is located on the main loop downstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the refrigerant circuit includes a first three-way valve disposed jointly on the main loop and on the third branch; the first three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to circulate in the third branch and prohibit refrigerant circulation in the main loop from the third connection point to the second connection point, or - allow the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to circulate in the main loop from the third connection point to the second connection point connect and prohibit refrigerant flow in the third branch of the bypass.

[0040] The first three-way valve allows the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to be directed either to the first inlet or to the second inlet of the compression device. The evaporation pressure in the second heat exchanger can thus be equal to the low pressure of the thermodynamic cycle, or to the intermediate pressure.

[0041] According to an example of implementation of the thermal conditioning system, the second branch branch includes a first shut-off valve arranged upstream of the fourth connection point.

[0042] According to one example of implementation, the thermal conditioning system includes a fourth branch connecting a fifth connection point located on the first branch downstream of the third exchanger to a sixth connection point located on the third branch.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the refrigerant circuit includes a second three-way valve disposed jointly on the first branch and on the fourth branch, the second three-way valve being configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger to circulate in the fourth branch and prohibit refrigerant circulation in the first branch from the fifth connection point to the second connection point, or - allow the refrigerant from the third exchanger to flow in the first branch of the fifth connection point to the second connection point and prohibit refrigerant flow in the fourth branch of the branch.

[0044] The second three-way valve allows the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger to be directed either to the first or second inlet of the compression device. The evaporation pressure in the third heat exchanger can thus be equal to the low pressure of the thermodynamic cycle, or to the intermediate pressure.

[0045] According to an example of implementation of the thermal conditioning system, the third connection point is located on the main loop upstream of the second expansion valve.

[0046] The third branch branch includes a fourth heat exchanger.

[0047] The fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a fourth fluid.

[0048] The fourth fluid can be an airflow from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

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

[0050] According to an example of implementation of the thermal conditioning system, the main loop includes an internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating between the first outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device and the first connection point, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second connection point and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device.

[0051] The internal heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section disposed on the main loop between the first outlet of the liquid / vapor separation device and the first connection point. The internal heat exchanger comprises a second heat exchange section disposed on the main loop between the second connection point and the first inlet of the compression device.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the compression device is a two-stage compression compressor, in which: - the first inlet of the compression device is a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, - the second inlet of the compression device is an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet, the intermediate pressure being greater than or equal to the low pressure.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the compression device comprises a first compressor having an inlet and an outlet, and a second compressor having an inlet and an outlet, in which: - a first refrigerant circulation channel connects the outlet of the first compressor to the inlet of the second compressor, and - a second refrigerant circulation channel connects the second inlet of the compression device to the first refrigerant circulation channel.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the liquid / vapor separation device is an expansion tank comprising: - an inlet configured to receive the refrigerant from the first expansion valve, - a first outlet configured to circulate refrigerant in liquid state, the first outlet being fluidly connected to an inlet of the second expansion valve, - a second outlet configured to circulate refrigerant fluid in a gaseous state, the second outlet being fluidly connected to the second inlet of the compression device.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the liquid / vapor separation device comprises: - a first refrigerant circulation channel connecting the inlet to the first outlet, - a second refrigerant circulation channel connecting a connection point on the first channel to the second outlet, - an expansion device located on the second channel, - a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the first channel between the inlet and the first connection point and the refrigerant flowing in the second channel between the expansion device and the second outlet.

[0056] The heat exchanger is an internal exchanger that allows heat exchange between the refrigerant entering the liquid / vapor separation device and the refrigerant coming from the expansion device located on the second channel and flowing towards the second outlet. The heat exchanger thus increases the enthalpy change of the refrigerant during the thermodynamic cycle.

[0057] The main loop of the refrigerant circuit may include an accumulation device located downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first expansion valve.

[0058] The accumulation device can be integrated into the first exchanger. The accumulation device can thus be arranged between a first part of the heat exchange of the first heat exchanger in which the refrigerant is condensed, and a second part of the heat exchange of the first heat exchanger in which the refrigerant in liquid state is subcooled.

[0059] Alternatively, the main loop of the refrigerant circuit may include an accumulation device located downstream of the third heat exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the refrigerant compression device.

[0060] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a first mode of operation in which: - A first flow of refrigerant circulates in the compression device where it is under high pressure, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, and through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and is reduced to a lower pressure intermediate pressure lower than high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device where it splits into: — a second flow of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop, and — a third flow of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch and joining the second inlet of the compression device, — the second flow of refrigerant circulates in the main loop and splits in: — a fourth flow circulating in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and drops to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second heat exchanger where it evaporates, and — a fifth flow circulating in the third expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then in the third exchanger where it evaporates, the low pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger and the low pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger joining together and returning to the first inlet of the compression device.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a second mode of operation in which: - an initial flow of refrigerant circulates through the compression device where it is subjected to high pressure, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, and through the liquid / vapor separation device where it splits into: — a second flow of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop, and — a third flow of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch, - the second flow of refrigerant circulating in the main loop and splits in: — a fourth flow circulating in the second expansion valve without undergoing expansion, then in the second exchanger where it evaporates, in the third bypass branch, and rejoins the second bypass branch, — a fifth flow circulating in the third expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet of the compression device, the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device joining and returning to the second inlet of the compression device.

[0062] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a third operating mode in which: - A first flow of refrigerant circulates in the compression device where it is under high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve, in the liquid / vapor separation device, exits the liquid / vapor separation device through the second outlet, and divides into: — a second flow of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the second heat exchanger where it evaporates, — a third flow circulating in the third expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then in the third exchanger where it evaporates, the low pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger and the low pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger joining together and returning to the first inlet of the compression device.

[0063] In this operating mode, the flow rate of refrigerant fluid in the second bypass branch is zero.

[0064] According to an example of implementation of the process, in which the refrigerant circulating in the first expansion valve undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the process, the refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve without undergoing expansion.

[0066] The invention further relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a fourth operating mode in which: - A first flow of refrigerant circulates in the compression device where it is under high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve, in the liquid / vapor separation device, exits the liquid / vapor separation device through the second outlet, and divides into: — a second flow of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve, then in the second heat exchanger where it evaporates, in the third bypass branch, and returns to the second inlet of the compression device, — a third flow circulating in the third expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet of the compression device.

[0067] According to an example of implementation of the process: - the refrigerant circulating in the first expansion valve undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, and - the refrigerant circulates in the second expansion valve without undergoing expansion.

[0068] According to one implementation variant: - the refrigerant circulates in the first expansion valve without undergoing any expansion, and - the refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve undergoes expansion to the intermediate pressure.

[0069] The invention also relates to a variant of the second operating mode in which: - an initial flow of refrigerant circulates through the compression device where it is subjected to high pressure, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, and through the liquid / vapor separation device where it splits into: — a second flow of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop, and — a third flow of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch, - the second flow of refrigerant circulates in the main loop and splits into: — a fourth flow circulating in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and drops to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet of the compression device, and — a fifth flow circulating in the third expansion valve without undergoing expansion, then in the third exchanger where it evaporates, in the fourth bypass branch and rejoins the second bypass branch, the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device joining and returning to the second inlet of the compression device. Brief description of the drawings

[0070] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0071] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a first example of a system of thermal conditioning according to the invention,

[0072] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a second example of a thermal conditioning system according to the invention,

[0073] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a third example of a thermal conditioning system according to the invention,

[0074] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of a fourth example of a thermal conditioning system according to the invention,

[0075] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a fifth example of a thermal conditioning system according to the invention,

[0076] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.2],

[0077] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.2],

[0078] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.4],

[0079] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.4],

[0080] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of an embodiment of a thermal conditioning system according to a sixth example of the invention,

[0081] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 1], operating according to a first mode of operation,

[0082] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 1], operating according to a second mode of operation,

[0083] [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 1], operating according to a third mode of operation,

[0084] [Fig. 14] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 1], operating according to a fourth mode of operation,

[0085] [Fig. 15] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 2], operating according to the second operating mode,

[0086] [Fig. 16] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 2], operating according to a variant of the second operating mode. Description of embodiments

[0087] To facilitate reading the figures, the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numerals. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations may be interchanged.

[0088] In the following description, the expression "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed after the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of the fluid in question. In the case of the refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant flows successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant exits the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, and then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements..

[0089] The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path to go from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0090] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0091] The thermal conditioning system 100, which will be described below, includes an electronic control unit, not shown in the various figures, that receives information from different sensors measuring, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit also receives instructions from the vehicle occupants, such as the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as the electrical energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit implements control laws to operate the various actuators in order to control the thermal conditioning system 100 and ensure compliance with the received instructions.

[0092] A compression device 7 allows a refrigerant to circulate in a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant can circulate. The refrigerant circuit 10 is leak-proof when it is in a nominal operating state, that is, without any fault or leak. Each connection point of circuit 10 allows the refrigerant to flow into one or the other of the circuit sections that converge at that connection point. The distribution of the refrigerant between the circuit sections converging at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the shut-off valves. Check valves or pressure-reducing devices are included on each of these sections. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at that point. Various shut-off valves and check valves thus allow the refrigerant to be selectively directed into the different branches of the refrigerant circuit, in order to ensure different operating modes, as will be described later.

[0093] The refrigerant used by the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a natural fluid, such as R290 or R744. A chemical refrigerant such as R1234yf, or 134a can also be used.

[0094] Each refrigerant expansion device, also called an expansion valve, can be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the passage area through which the refrigerant flows can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. To achieve this, an electronic control module drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter, thus controlling the passage area available to the refrigerant. Each expansion valve comprises exactly one refrigerant inlet and one refrigerant outlet.

[0095] The thermal conditioning system 100 may also include one or more heat transfer fluid circuits. The heat transfer fluid circuit(s) also form one or more closed and sealed circuits in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate.

[0096] The term "interior airflow Fi" refers to an airflow directed towards the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior airflow Fi may circulate within a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system. This system is not shown in the various figures. A first motor-fan unit, not shown, is located within the HVAC system to increase the flow rate of the interior airflow Fi if necessary.

[0097] The term "external airflow Fe" refers to an airflow that is not directed towards the vehicle's passenger compartment. In other words, this airflow Fe remains outside the vehicle's passenger compartment. A second motor-fan unit, also not shown, can be activated to increase the flow rate of the external airflow Fe if necessary. The airflow provided by both the first and second motor-fan units can be adjusted in real time according to heat exchange requirements, for example, by the electronic control unit of the climate control system 100.

[0098] The term "first exchanger" is equivalent to the term "first heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "internal exchanger" is equivalent to the term "internal heat exchanger". The term "storage device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant storage device".

[0099] Figure [1] shows a first example of a thermal conditioning system 100 as proposed. The 100 thermal conditioning system includes: - a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant, - a compression device 7 comprising a first inlet 7A, a second inlet 7B and an outlet 7C, - a liquid / vapor separation device 5 comprising an inlet 5A, a first output 5B and a second output 5C. The refrigerant circuit 10 comprises a main refrigerant circulation loop A, which includes, successively according to the direction of refrigerant circulation: - the first input 7A of the compression device 7, - the 7C output of the compression device 7, - a first heat exchanger 1, - a first regulator 21, - the 5A input of the liquid / vapor separation device 5, - the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5, - a second 22 regulator, - a second heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first branch B connecting a first connection point 11 located on the main loop A downstream of the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and upstream of the second expansion valve 22 to a second connection point 12 located on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, the first branch B comprising successively a third expansion valve 23 and a third heat exchanger 3. The refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes a second branch C connecting the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a third branch Dl, D-2 connecting a third connection point 13-1, 13-2 located on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the second connection point 12 to a fourth connection point 14 located on the second branch C.

[0100] This architecture allows heating at the first heat exchanger 1 and cooling at the second heat exchanger 2 and at the third heat exchanger 3. The second heat exchanger 2 and the third heat exchanger 3 can operate with the same evaporation pressure or with different evaporation pressures, which allows the cooling provided to be adapted to different needs.

[0101] The thermal conditioning system 100 is, for example, a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

[0102] The compression device 7 is configured to supply high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant supplied by the compression device 7 circulates in the circuit 10.

[0103] The compression device 7 includes a refrigerant outlet 7C and two refrigerant inlets 7A, 7B. A first inlet 7A of the compression device 7 is configured to receive low-pressure refrigerant. The second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 is configured to receive intermediate pressure refrigerant. Intermediate pressure is a pressure greater than or equal to the low pressure. High pressure is a pressure greater than intermediate pressure.

[0104] The compression device 7 is configured so that the refrigerant admitted through the first inlet 7A is discharged through the outlet 7C, and the refrigerant admitted through the second inlet 7B is also discharged through the outlet 7C.

[0105] The refrigerant fluid discharged from outlet 7C is in a state of high pressure. The compression device 7 comprises a first inlet 7A for low-pressure refrigerant and a second inlet 7B for intermediate-pressure refrigerant. The compression device 7 increases the pressure of the incoming low-pressure refrigerant to a high-pressure state and discharges it through outlet 7C. Similarly, the compression device 7 increases the pressure of the incoming intermediate-pressure refrigerant to a high-pressure state and discharges it through outlet 7C.

[0106] The liquid / vapor separation device 5 is a vapor generation device. The liquid / vapor separation device 5 includes a refrigerant inlet 5A and two refrigerant outlets 5B, 5C.

[0107] The inlet 5A of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is configured to receive refrigerant in a two-phase state. A two-phase state is understood to mean a mixture of liquid and vapor.

[0108] The first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is configured to supply refrigerant fluid in the liquid state. The second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is configured to supply refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state. The liquid / vapor separation device 5 is configured so that the refrigerant received by the inlet 5A is distributed between the first outlet 5B and the second outlet 5C.

[0109] The liquid / vapor separation device 5 allows the liquid phase and the gaseous phase of the admitted refrigerant to be separated. The refrigerant admitted into the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is in a two-phase state. The refrigerant exiting the first outlet 5B is in the liquid phase, i.e., in a liquid state. The refrigerant exiting the second outlet 5C is in the vapor phase, i.e., in a gaseous state. A minimal fraction of vapor may remain in the liquid phase from the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5. This fraction of vapor remaining in the so-called liquid phase is less than 5%. Similarly, a minimal fraction of liquid may remain in the vapor phase from the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5. This fraction of liquid remaining in the so-called vapor phase is less than 5%.

[0110] The first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a first fluid FL

[0111] According to one embodiment, illustrated in particular in [Fig.6], the first fluid Fl is for example an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The first exchanger 1 is thus configured to exchange heat with an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The first exchanger 1 is thus thermally coupled with an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and this thermal coupling is then said to be direct. The first heat exchanger 1 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0112] According to another embodiment, illustrated in particular in [Fig.7], the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit 20, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprising a heat exchanger IA configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The first fluid Fl is then a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed circuit 20 of heat transfer fluid. In this case, the first exchanger 1 is thermally coupled with the internal airflow Fi in a so-called indirect way, since the thermal couple takes place via a heat transfer fluid. The IA heat exchanger, also known as the passenger compartment heater radiator, is located in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0113] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a circulation pump, not shown, which allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the circuit.

[0114] The first exchanger 1 is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first heat exchanger 1 receives the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant fluid discharged by the compression device 7. The refrigerant fluid condenses in the first heat exchanger 1, and the heat of condensation is supplied to the first fluid FL

[0115] The second heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat with a second fluid F2.

[0116] According to one embodiment, illustrated in particular in [Fig.6], the second fluid F2 is for example an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0117] The second exchanger 2 is thus configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The second heat exchanger 2 is thus thermally coupled with an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and the thermal coupling is therefore said to be direct. The second heat exchanger 2 is located within the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning system. The second heat exchanger 2 is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 1 in a direction of flow of the interior airflow Fi. In other words, the interior airflow first exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 2, then with the first heat exchanger 1.

[0118] According to another embodiment, illustrated in particular in [Fig.7], the second heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed circuit 30 of heat transfer fluid, the circuit 30 of heat transfer fluid comprising a heat exchanger 2A configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The 2A exchanger, also known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator, is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0119] The second fluid F2 is in this case a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed circuit 30 of heat transfer fluid. Circuit 30 includes a pump, not shown, which allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in circuit 30.

[0120] The second exchanger 2 is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. In other words, the refrigerant can evaporate as it passes through the second exchanger 2, which allows the indoor airflow Fi to be cooled, either directly or via the heat transfer fluid of the circuit 30.

[0121] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with a third fluid F3.

[0122] According to the illustrated embodiments, the third exchanger 3 is thermally coupled with an element 25 of an electric traction chain of a motor vehicle. The third heat exchanger 3 thus allows the element 25 of the vehicle's electric powertrain to be cooled.

[0123] According to the illustrated embodiments, the third heat exchanger 3 is thermally coupled with the element 25 of the electric traction chain via a heat transfer fluid circulating in a heat transfer fluid circuit 40. The third fluid F3 is therefore a heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit 40.

[0124] The third exchanger 3 is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. The third exchanger 3 receives the low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the third expansion valve 23.

[0125] According to one embodiment, element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electrical energy storage battery. Alternatively, or in addition, element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electric vehicle traction motor. According to yet another variant, or in a complementary manner, element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0126] The second branch of the bypass C fluidly connects the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0127] The second branch branch C is arranged in parallel with the main loop A. The second branch branch C connects a connection point 17 to a connection point 18. The connection point 17 coincides with the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5. The connection point 18 coincides with the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0128] In other words, the second branch of the bypass C allows the refrigerant to pass from the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 without passing through either the second expansion valve 22 or the third expansion valve 23.

[0129] According to an example of an implementation of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in particular in Figures 2 to 4, the second branch of the C includes a first shut-off valve 41 located upstream of the fourth connection point 14.

[0130] The first shut-off valve 41 is arranged between the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and the fourth connection point 14.

[0131] The third branch of the bypass can take two different configurations Dl, D-2 within the refrigerant fluid circuit 10.

[0132] According to the examples of embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100 illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the third connection point 13-1 is arranged on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2. The third connection point 13-1 is located on the main loop A upstream of the second connection point 12. The third connection point 13-1 is located between the outlet of the second exchanger 2 and the second connection point 12.

[0133] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprises a first three-way valve 31 disposed jointly on the main loop A and on the third branch DL. The first three-way valve 31 is configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 to circulate in the third branch of the bypass D-1 and prohibit refrigerant circulation in the main loop A from the third connection point 13-1 to the second connection point 12, or - allow the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 to circulate in the main loop A from the third connection point 13-1 to the second connection point 12 and prohibit refrigerant circulation in the third branch DL

[0134] The first three-way valve 31 allows the refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 to be selectively directed either to the first inlet 7A or to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The evaporation pressure in the second heat exchanger 2 can thus be equal to either the low pressure of the thermodynamic cycle, or to the intermediate pressure.

[0135] According to another embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig.5], the third connection point 13-2 is arranged on the main loop A upstream of the second expansion valve 22. The third connection point 13-2 is thus arranged between the first connection point 11 and the inlet of the second regulator 22.

[0136] The third branch D-2 includes a fourth heat exchanger 4. The fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with a fourth fluid F4.

[0137] The fourth fluid F4 can be an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0138] The third branch of the D-2 branch includes a second shut-off valve 42. The second shut-off valve 42 allows for selectively enabling or prohibiting the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fourth exchanger 4.

[0139] Fig. 2 illustrates a second example of the proposed thermal conditioning system 100.

[0140] According to this second embodiment, the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a fourth branch E connecting a fifth connection point 15 located on the first branch B downstream of the third heat exchanger 3 to a sixth connection point 16 located on the third branch DL

[0141] The fourth branch of derivation E is also present in the third example and the fourth example, illustrated in figures 3 and 4.

[0142] According to these embodiment examples, the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes a second three-way valve 32 arranged jointly on the first branch B and on the fourth branch E. The second three-way valve 32 is configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 to circulate in the fourth branch line E and prohibit refrigerant circulation in the first branch line B from the fifth connection point 15 to the second connection point 12, or - allow the refrigerant from the third exchanger 3 to flow in the first branch of bypass B from the fifth connection point 15 to the second connection point 12 and prohibit refrigerant flow in the fourth branch of bypass E.

[0143] The second three-way valve 32 allows the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 to be selectively directed either to the first inlet 7A or to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The evaporation pressure in the third heat exchanger 3 can thus be selectively equal to the low pressure of the thermodynamic cycle, or to the intermediate pressure of the cycle.

[0144] The first connection point 11 forms the input of the first branch of branch B and the second connection point 12 forms the output of the first branch of branch B. The third connection point 13-1, 13-2 forms the input of the third branch of the branch Dl, D-2 and the fourth connection point 14 forms the output of the third branch of the branch Dl, D-2. The fifth connection point 15 forms the input of the fourth branch E and the sixth connection point 16 forms the output of the fourth branch E.

[0145] The second branch C extends between a seventh connection point 17 arranged on the main loop A and an eighth connection point 18 arranged on the main loop A. The seventh connection point 17 forms the input of the second branch of the branch C and the eighth connection point 18 forms the output of the second branch of the branch C. The seventh connection point 17 coincides with the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5. The eighth connection point 18 coincides with the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0146] Fig. 3 illustrates a third example of the proposed thermal conditioning system 100.

[0147] According to this third example, the main loop A includes an internal heat exchanger 6 configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating between the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and the first connection point 11, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second connection point 11 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0148] The internal heat exchanger 6 includes a first heat exchange section 6a arranged on the main loop A between the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and the first connection point 11. The internal heat exchanger 6 includes a second heat exchange section 6b arranged on the main loop A between the second connection point 11 and the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0149] The internal heat exchanger 6 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 6a and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 6b.

[0150] Different types of liquid / vapor separation device 5 can be used.

[0151] According to the embodiment examples in Figures 1 to 3, the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is a pressure-reducing tank comprising: - a 5A input configured to receive the refrigerant from the first expansion valve 21, - a first outlet 5B configured to circulate refrigerant in liquid state, the first outlet 5B being fluidly connected to an inlet of the second expansion valve 22, - a second outlet 5C configured to circulate refrigerant fluid in a gaseous state, the second outlet 5C being fluidically connected to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0152] Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the proposed thermal conditioning system 100, in which the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is of the so-called "economizer" type.

[0153] According to this embodiment, the liquid / vapor separation device 5 comprises: - a first refrigerant circulation channel C3 connecting inlet 5A to first outlet 5B, - a second refrigerant circulation channel C4 connecting a connection point R2 located on the first channel C3 to the second outlet 5C, - an expansion device 24 located on the second channel C4, - a heat exchanger 45 configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the first channel C3 between the inlet 5A and the first connection point R2 and the refrigerant circulating in the second channel C4 between the expansion device 24 and the second outlet 5C.

[0154] The heat exchanger 45 is an internal exchanger that allows heat exchange between the refrigerant entering the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and the refrigerant coming from the expansion device 24 and flowing towards the second outlet 5C. The heat exchanger 45 thus makes it possible to increase the enthalpy change of the refrigerant during the thermodynamic cycle.

[0155] The dotted line designated by the symbol 5 schematically groups the components forming part of the liquid / vapor separation device 5.

[0156] Fig. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment described, in which the third connection point 13-2 of the third branch D-2 is disposed on the main loop A upstream of the second expansion valve 22. The main loop A also includes an internal exchanger 6.

[0157] Figures 6 to 9 represent different embodiments of the thermal conditioning system examples shown in Figures 2 and 4. Figures 6 and 7 respectively illustrate a first and a second embodiment of the second example, shown in [Fig.2]. Figures 8 and 9 respectively schematically represent a first and a second embodiment of the fourth example, illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0158] Depending on the embodiment, the compression device 7 can be of different types.

[0159] According to embodiments of Figures 6 and 8, the compression device 7 is a two-stage compression compressor 7, in which: - the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7 is a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, - the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 is an inlet of intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid, the intermediate pressure being greater than or equal to the low pressure.

[0160] In this embodiment, the compression device 7 is a two-stage compressor, also referred to as a two-stage compressor. The first compression stage brings the refrigerant from a low-pressure state to an intermediate-pressure state. The second compression stage brings the refrigerant from the intermediate-pressure state to a high-pressure state. The refrigerant admitted at the first inlet 7A is compressed successively by both compression stages. The refrigerant admitted at the second inlet 7B is compressed only by the second compression stage.

[0161] The two-stage compressor 7 can be an electric compressor, that is to say a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor.

[0162] According to the embodiments of Figures 7 and 9, the compression device 7 comprises a first compressor 8 having an inlet 8a and an outlet 8b, and a second compressor 9 having an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b, in which: - a first refrigerant fluid circulation channel Cl connects the outlet 8b of the first compressor 8 to the inlet 9a of the second compressor 9, and - a second refrigerant circulation channel C2 connects the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 to the first refrigerant circulation channel Cl.

[0163] The first input 7A of the compression device 7 corresponds to the input 8a of the first compressor 8. The second input 7B of the compression device 7 corresponds to the input of the second channel C2. Output 7C of compression device 7 corresponds to output 9b of the second compressor 9. The outlet 8a of the first compressor 8 is internal to the compression device 7. The first channel Cl and the second channel C2 are fluidically connected at a connection point RL. The connection point RI is also internal to the compression device 7. By fluidly connected, we mean that fluid communication is established between the first channel Cl and the second channel C2.

[0164] The first compressor 8 draws in the refrigerant at the first inlet 8a and compresses it. The refrigerant exits the first compressor 8b at an intermediate pressure. The second compressor 9 draws in refrigerant from outlet 8b of the first compressor 8 or from the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 and compresses it. The refrigerant is then discharged at outlet 9b of the second compressor 9 at high pressure.

[0165] The first compressor 8 and the second compressor 9 are single-stage compressors and are arranged in series. The second channel C2 allows refrigerant to enter downstream of the first compressor 8 and upstream of the second compressor 9. As before, each compressor 8,9 can be an electric compressor, that is, its internal moving parts are driven by an electric motor.

[0166] In the embodiments of Figures 6 and 9, the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 are directly coupled to the internal airflow Fi. In the embodiments of figures 7 and 8, the first exchanger 1 and the second exchanger 2 are coupled with the internal air flow Fi indirectly, via a heat transfer fluid. The choice of the type of compression device 7 is independent of the choice of the liquid / vapor separation device 5, and is independent of the type of thermal coupling between the exchangers 1 and 2 and the internal airflow Fi. Other combinations than those shown are of course possible.

[0167] According to the illustrated embodiments, the main loop A of the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes an accumulation device 19 located downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21. Accumulation device 19 is a desiccant bottle. The accumulation device 19 can be integrated into the first exchanger 1. The accumulation device 19 can thus be arranged between a first part of heat exchange of the first heat exchanger 1, in which the refrigerant is condensed, and a second part of heat exchange of the first heat exchanger 1 in which the refrigerant, which is in a liquid state after condensation, is subcooled.

[0168] According to an unrepresented variant, the main loop A of the refrigerant circuit 10 may include an accumulation device disposed downstream of the third exchanger 3 and upstream of an inlet 7A of the refrigerant compression device 7. In this case, the accumulation device is an accumulator.

[0169] The [Fig. 10] is an embodiment of a sixth example of the proposed thermal conditioning system. In this embodiment, the liquid / vapor separation device 5 is of the so-called "economizer" type, and the first pressure regulator 21 is not present. The refrigerant fluid from the storage device 19 reaches the inlet 5A of the economizer 5 without undergoing expansion or heat exchange.

[0170] The thermal conditioning system 100 comprises: - a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant, - a compression device 7 comprising a first inlet 7A, a second inlet 7B and an outlet 7C, - a liquid / vapor separation device 5 comprising an inlet 5A, a first output 5B and a second output 5C. The refrigerant circuit 10 comprises a main refrigerant circulation loop A, which includes, successively according to the direction of refrigerant circulation: - the first input 7A of the compression device 7, - the 7C output of the compression device 7, - a first heat exchanger 1, - the 5A input of the liquid / vapor separation device 5, - the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5, - a first regulator 21', - a second heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first branch B connecting a first connection point 11 located on the main loop A downstream of the first outlet 5B of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21' to a second connection point 12 located on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, the first branch B comprising successively a second expansion valve 22' and a third heat exchanger 3. The refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes a second branch C connecting the second outlet 5C of the liquid / vapor separation device 5 to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a third branch Dl, D-2 connecting a third connection point 13-1, 13-2 located on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the second connection point 12 to a fourth connection point 14 located on the second branch C.

[0171] The liquid / vapor separation device 5 is in this fourth embodiment of the "economizer" type, and comprises: - a first refrigerant circulation channel C3 connecting inlet 5A to first outlet 5B, - a second refrigerant circulation channel C4 connecting a connection point R2 located on the first channel C3 to the second outlet 5C, - an expansion device 24 located on the second channel C4, - a heat exchanger 6 configured to allow heat exchange between: — the refrigerant circulating in the first channel C3 between inlet 5A and the first connection point R2, and: — the refrigerant circulating in the second channel C4 between the expansion device 23 and the second outlet 5C

[0172] In [Fig. 10], the compression device 7 comprises a single two-stage compression compressor. The refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes a fourth branch E. The third branch of derivation takes the Dl configuration. The thermal coupling between the first heat exchanger 1 and the indoor airflow Fi is indirect. Similarly, the thermal coupling between the second heat exchanger 2 and the indoor airflow Fi is indirect.

[0173] According to unrepresented variants of this embodiment: The compression device 7 may include two separate compressors. The thermal coupling between the first exchanger 1 and the indoor airflow Fi can be direct, and the same is true for the second exchanger 2. The fourth branch of derivation D may not be present. The third branch of derivation takes the D-2 configuration. These variants can be combined independently of each other.

[0174] The proposed thermal conditioning system 100 can operate in several operating modes. Figures 11 to 16 illustrate different modes of operation. In these figures, the type of compression device 7 has not been detailed. It is possible to use a two-stage compressor or two single-stage compressors. Similarly, the type of liquid / vapor separation device 5 has not been detailed, and it is possible to use either a pressure-reducing tank or an economizer.

[0175] In these figures, the portions of the refrigerant circuit 10 in which a flow of refrigerant circulates are represented by a thick solid line, while the portions in which the refrigerant does not circulate are represented by thin dashed lines. Different arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow in the different sections of circuit 10.

[0176] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the first example, illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0177] In this first mode of operation: - a first flow Q1 of refrigerant circulates in the compression device 7 where it passes through high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve 21 where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device 5 where it divides into: — a second flow rate Q2 of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop A, and — a third flow Q3 of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second branch of bypass C and joining the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. - The second flow Q2 of refrigerant circulates in the main loop A and splits into: — a fourth flow Q4 circulating in the second expansion valve 22 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger 2 where it evaporates, and — a fifth flow Q5 circulating in the third expansion valve 23 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then in the third heat exchanger 3 where it evaporates. The low-pressure refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 and the low-pressure refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 join together and return to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0178] A portion Q3 of the refrigerant returns to the intermediate pressure compression device 7. The evaporation pressure of the refrigerant is the same in the second heat exchanger 2 and in the third heat exchanger 3. The distribution of the second flow Q2 between the fourth flow Q4 and the fifth flow Q5 allows the cooling power of the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 to be adjusted. The first three-way valve 31 directs the refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 to the second connection point 12, and blocks the circulation of refrigerant to the third bypass branch DL. The flow of refrigerant in the third bypass branch Dl is zero.

[0179] The value of the so-called high pressure is for example between 15 bar and 33 bar. The value of the pressure called intermediate pressure is, for example, between 5 bar and 15 bar. The value of the so-called low pressure is, for example, between 2 bar and 7 bar.

[0180] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the first example, illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0181] In this second mode of operation: - a first flow Q1 of refrigerant circulates in the compression device 7 where it passes through high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve 21 where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device 5 where it divides into: — a second flow rate Q2 of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop A, and — a third flow Q3 of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second branch of bypass C. - The second flow Q2 of refrigerant circulates in the main loop A and splits into: — a fourth flow Q4 circulating in the second expansion valve 22 without undergoing expansion, then in the second exchanger 2 where it evaporates, in the third bypass branch Dl, and joins the second bypass branch C, — a fifth flow Q5 circulating in the third expansion valve 23 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger 3 where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7. - The intermediate pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device 5 join together and return to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0182] A portion of the refrigerant returns to the intermediate-pressure compression device 7. The evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 2 differs from the evaporation pressure in the third heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the pressure in the second heat exchanger 2 is equal to the intermediate pressure, while the pressure in the third heat exchanger 3 is equal to the low pressure. Two different evaporation temperatures can thus be obtained, with the third heat exchanger 3 having a lower evaporation temperature. The first three-way valve 31 directs the refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 to the third branch of the bypass Dl, and blocks the circulation of refrigerant in the main loop A between the third connection point 13-1 and the second connection point 12. The refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 joins the refrigerant circulating in the second branch of bypass C between the seventh connection point 17 and the fourth connection point 14, and the assembly formed joins the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0183] Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the first example, illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0184] In this third mode of operation: - a first flow Q1 of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compression device 7 where it is under high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve 21, in the liquid / vapor separation device 5, exits the liquid / vapor separation device 5 through the first outlet 5B, and divides into: — a second flow Q2 of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve 22 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the second heat exchanger 2 where it evaporates, — a third flow Q3 circulating in the third expansion valve 23 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then in the third exchanger 3 where it evaporates, the low pressure refrigerant fluid from the second exchanger 2 and the low pressure refrigerant fluid from the third exchanger 3 joining and returning to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0185] In this operating mode, the flow rate of refrigerant fluid in the second branch of bypass C is zero. Similarly, the refrigerant flow rate in the third branch of the D-1 bypass is zero.

[0186] The shut-off valve 41 is in the closed position. The three-way valve 31 prevents the circulation of refrigerant in the third branch of the bypass DL. The second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 does not receive refrigerant. The evaporation pressure of the refrigerant is the same in the second heat exchanger 2 and in the third heat exchanger 3. The first three-way valve 31 directs the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 to the second connection point 12, and blocks the flow of refrigerant to the third branch of the bypass DL

[0187] According to an example of implementation of the process, the refrigerant circulating in the first expansion valve 21 undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure.

[0188] In this case, the first expansion valve 21 reduces the high-pressure refrigerant to the intermediate pressure. The refrigerant exits the liquid / vapor separation device 5 at the intermediate pressure. The second expansion valve 22 reduces the fluid The intermediate pressure refrigerant is reduced to the low pressure. Similarly, the third expansion valve 23 reduces the intermediate pressure refrigerant to the low pressure.

[0189] According to one embodiment of the process, the refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve 21 without undergoing expansion.

[0190] The refrigerant exits the liquid / vapor separation device 5 at high pressure. The second expansion valve 22 reduces the high-pressure refrigerant to low pressure. Similarly, the third expansion valve 23 reduces the high-pressure refrigerant to low pressure.

[0191] Fig. 14 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the second example, illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0192] According to this fourth mode of operation: - a first flow Q1 of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compression device 7 where it is under high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve 21, in the liquid / vapor separation device 5, exits the liquid / vapor separation device 5 through the first outlet 5B, and divides into: — a second flow Q2 of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve 22, then in the second exchanger 2 where it evaporates, in the third branch of the bypass D1, and returns to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7, — a third flow Q3 circulating in the third expansion valve 23 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger 3 where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0193] The shut-off valve 41 is in the closed position. The refrigerant flow in the portion of the second branch of the bypass C between the seventh connection point 17 and the fourth connection point 14 is zero. The three-way valve 31 directs the refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 only into the third branch of the bypass Dl, and blocks the circulation of refrigerant in the main loop A between the third connection point 13-1 and the second connection point 12. The second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 receives the intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid from the second exchanger 2. The first inlet 7A of the compression device 7 receives the low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the third exchanger 3. The evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the second exchanger 2 is therefore lower than the evaporation pressure in the third exchanger 3. The liquid / vapor separation device 5 does not ensure liquid / vapor separation.

[0194] As before, the refrigerant may or may not undergo expansion before joining the liquid / vapor separation device 5.

[0195] According to an example of implementation of the process: - the refrigerant circulating in the first expansion valve 21 undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, and - the refrigerant fluid circulates in the second expansion valve 22 without undergoing expansion.

[0196] The first expansion valve 21 reduces the refrigerant pressure from high to intermediate. The second expansion valve 22 does not change the refrigerant pressure. The third expansion valve 23 reduces the refrigerant pressure from high to low.

[0197] According to one implementation variant: - the refrigerant circulates in the first expansion valve 21 without undergoing any expansion, and - the refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve 22 undergoes expansion to the intermediate pressure.

[0198] In this case, the first expansion valve 21 does not change the pressure of the refrigerant. The second expansion valve 22 reduces the refrigerant from the high pressure to the intermediate pressure. The third expansion valve 23 reduces the refrigerant from the high pressure to the low pressure.

[0199] Fig. 15 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the second example, according to the second mode of operation.

[0200] The refrigerant circulation is the same as that described for [Fig. 12]. The second three-way valve 32 directs the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, and blocks the refrigerant circulation in the fourth bypass branch E. The fourth bypass branch E does not participate in the refrigerant circulation.

[0201] Fig. 16 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 according to the second example, according to a variant of the second mode of operation.

[0202] According to this variant of the second operating mode: - a first flow Q1 of refrigerant circulates in the compression device 7 where it passes through high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve 21 where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device 5 where it divides into: — a second flow rate Q2 of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop A, and — a third flow Q3 of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second branch of bypass C. - The second flow Q2 of refrigerant circulates in the main loop A and splits into: — a fourth flow Q4 circulating in the second expansion valve 22 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger 2 where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, and — a fifth flow Q5 circulating in the third expansion valve 23 without undergoing expansion, then in the third exchanger 3 where it evaporates, in the fourth branch of bypass E and joins the second branch of bypass C. - The intermediate pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger 3 and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device 5 join together and return to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0203] This variant differs from the second mode of operation in that the evaporator operating at intermediate pressure is this time the third exchanger 3, and the evaporator operating at low pressure is the second exchanger 2. Indeed, the fourth branch E and the two three-way valves 31, 32 allow: - either to direct the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, and to direct the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 to the second branch of the bypass C, passing successively through the fourth branch of the bypass E and part of the third branch of the bypass Dl, as shown schematically in [Fig. 16], - or to direct the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 2 to the second branch of the bypass C, passing through the third branch of the bypass Dl, and to direct the refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 3 to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7, as shown schematically in [Fig. 15].

[0204] By adjusting the respective positions of the two three-way valves 31, 32, it is thus possible to select which of the second heat exchanger 2 and the third heat exchanger 3 has the lowest evaporation temperature.The cooling provided by the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 is thus adapted to the needs of the operating conditions.

Claims

1. Demands Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, - a compression device (7) comprising a first input (7A), a second input (7B) and an output (7C), - a liquid / vapor separation device (5) comprising an inlet (5A), a first outlet (5B) and a second outlet (5C), in which the refrigerant circuit (10) comprises: - a main refrigerant circulation loop (A) comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the first input (7A) of the compression device (7), — the output (7C) of the compression device (7), — a first heat exchanger (1), — a first regulator (21), — the input (5A) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5), — the first outlet (5B) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5), — a second regulator (22), — a second heat exchanger (2), - a first branch branch (B) connecting a first connection point (11) located on the main loop (A) downstream of the first outlet (5B) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5) and upstream of the second expansion valve (22) to a second connection point (12) located on the main loop (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), the first branch branch (B) comprising successively a third expansion valve (23) and a third heat exchanger (3), - a second branch (C) connecting the second outlet (5C) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5) to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7), - a third branch (Dl, D-2) connecting a third connection point (13-1, 13-2) located on the main loop (A) downstream of the first connection point (11) and upstream of the second connection point (12) to a fourth point of connection (14) arranged on the second branch of the branch (C).

2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third connection point (13-1) is disposed on the main loop (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2).

3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant circuit (10) comprises a first three-way valve (31) jointly disposed on the main loop (A) and on the third branch (Dl), the first three-way valve (31) is configured to selectively: - permit the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger (2) to flow in the third branch (Dl) and prohibit a refrigerant flow in the main loop (A) from the third connection point (13-1) to the second connection point (12), or - permit the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger (2) to flow in the main loop (A) from the third connection point (13-1) to the second connection point (12) and prohibit a refrigerant flow in the third branch (Dl).

4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second branch of the bypass (C) includes a first shut-off valve (41) disposed upstream of the fourth connection point (14).

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fourth branch (E) connecting a fifth connection point (15) disposed on the first branch (B) downstream of the third exchanger (3) to a sixth connection point (16) disposed on the third branch (Dl).

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the refrigerant circuit (10) comprises a second three-way valve (32) disposed jointly on the first branch (B) and on the fourth branch (E), the second three-way valve (32) is configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant from the third exchanger (3) to flow in the fourth branch (E) and prohibit refrigerant flow in the first branch (B) from the fifth connection point (15) to the second connection point (12), or - allow the refrigerant from the third exchanger (3) to flow in the first branch (B) from the fifth connection point (15) to the second connection point (12) and prohibit refrigerant flow in the fourth branch (E).

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third connection point (13-2) is disposed on the main loop (A) upstream of the second expansion valve (22), and wherein the third branch branch (D-2) comprises: - a fourth heat exchanger (4), - a second shut-off valve (42).

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main loop (A) includes an internal exchanger (6) configured to permit heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating between the first outlet (5B) of the liquid / vapor separation device (5) and the first connection point (11), and - the refrigerant downstream of the second connection point (11) and upstream of the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the compression device (7) is a two-stage compression compressor (7), wherein: - the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7) is a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, - the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7) is an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet, the intermediate pressure being greater than or equal to the low pressure.

10. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the compression device (7) comprises a first compressor (8) having an inlet (8a) and an outlet (8b), and a second compressor (9) having an inlet (9a) and an outlet (9b), in which: - a first refrigerant (Cl) circulation channel (Cl) connects the outlet (8b) of the first compressor (8) to the inlet (9a) of the second compressor (9), and - a second refrigerant circulation channel (C2) connects the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7) to the first refrigerant circulation channel (Cl).

11. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid / vapor separation device (5) is an expansion tank comprising: - an inlet (5A) configured to receive the refrigerant from the first expansion valve (21), - a first outlet (5B) configured to circulate refrigerant in liquid form, the first outlet (5B) being fluidly connected to an inlet of the second expansion valve (22), - a second outlet (5C) configured to circulate refrigerant in gaseous form, the second outlet (5C) being fluidly connected to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7).

12. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid / vapor separation device (5) comprises: - a first refrigerant circulation channel (C3) connecting the inlet (5A) to the first outlet (5B), - a second refrigerant circulation channel (C4) connecting a connection point (R2) disposed on the first channel (C3) to the second outlet (5C), - an expansion device (24) disposed on the second channel (C4), - a heat exchanger (45) configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the first channel (C3) between the inlet (5A) and the first connection point (R2) and the refrigerant circulating in the second channel (C4) between the expansion device (24) and the second outlet (5C).

13. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in a first operating mode in which: - a first flow (Q1) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve (21) where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device (5) where it divides into: — a second flow (Q2) of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop (A), and — a third flow (Q3) of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch (C) and joining the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7), - the second flow (Q2) of refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) and divides into: — a fourth flow (Q4) circulating in the second expansion valve (22) where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second heat exchanger (2) where it evaporates,and — a fifth flow (Q5) circulating in the third expansion valve (23) where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then in the third heat exchanger (3) where it evaporates, the low-pressure refrigerant from the second heat exchanger (2) and the low-pressure refrigerant from the third heat exchanger (3) joining and returning to the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

14. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claim 2, in a second mode of operation in which: - a first flow (Q1) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve (21) where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device (5) where it divides into: — a second flow (Q2) of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop (A), and — a third flow (Q3) of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch (C), - the second flow (Q2) of refrigerant circulating in the main loop (A) and divides into: — a fourth flow (Q4) circulating in the second expansion valve (22) without undergoing expansion, then in the second exchanger (2) where it evaporates, in the third branch of the bypass (D1), and joins the second branch of the bypass (C), — a fifth flow (Q5) circulating in the third expansion valve (23) where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger (3) where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger (2) and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device (5) joining and returning to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7).

15. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claim 2, in a third mode of operation in which: - a first flow (Q1) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve (21), in the liquid / vapor separation device (5), exits the liquid / vapor separation device (5) through the first outlet (5B), and divides into: — a second flow (Q2) of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve (22) where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the second heat exchanger (2) where it evaporates, — a third flow (Q3) circulating in the third expansion valve (23) where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low pressure,then in the third exchanger (3) where it evaporates, the low-pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger (2) and the low-pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger (3) rejoin and return to the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

16. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claim 2, in a fourth mode of operation in which: - a first flow (Q1) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve (21), in the liquid / vapor separation device (5), exits the liquid / vapor separation device (5) through the first outlet (5B), and divides into: — a second flow (Q2) of refrigerant circulating in the second expansion valve (22), then in the second heat exchanger (2) where it evaporates, in the third bypass branch (D1), and returns to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7),— a third flow (Q3) circulating in the third expansion valve (23) where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the third exchanger (3) where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

17. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claims 2 and 5, in a variant of the second mode of operation in which: - a first flow (Q1) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first expansion valve (21) where it undergoes expansion and passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the liquid / vapor separation device (5) where it splits into: — a second flow (Q2) of liquid refrigerant circulating in the main loop (A), and — a third flow (Q3) of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch (C),- the second flow (Q2) of refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) and divides into: — a fourth flow (Q4) circulating in the second expansion valve (22) where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second heat exchanger (2), where it evaporates, and returns to the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), and — a fifth flow (Q5) circulating in the third expansion valve (23) without undergoing expansion, then in the third exchanger (3) where it evaporates, in the fourth bypass branch (E) and joins the second bypass branch (C), the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the third exchanger (3) and the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the liquid / vapor separation device (5) joining and returning to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7).

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