Battery thermal management system for electric or hybrid vehicles

Abstract

Thermal management system for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit (1) including: - a main loop (A) comprising a compression device (2) including a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator (4), a first expansion device (5), a second expansion device (7) and a first heat exchanger (8), - a first bypass line (10) including a second heat exchanger (11), - a second bypass line (20) including a third expansion device (21), - a third bypass line (30) including a fourth expansion device (31), - a fourth bypass line (40). Abbreviated figure: Fig 1

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management circuit comprises a second internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first expansion device, in the first direction of circulation, or from the first pipe bypass, with the intermediate pressure refrigerant flowing through the second bypass line.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a first operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device, passes through the radiator and through the first expansion device without loss of pressure; at the outlet of the first expansion device, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the second expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device; at the outlet of the first expansion device,A second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device. The refrigerant then rejoins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

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

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management circuit comprises: - a fifth bypass line comprising a fifth expansion device disposed upstream of a third heat exchanger, said fifth bypass line connecting the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line, to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, and - a fifth device for redirecting the refrigerant to the fifth bypass line.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a second operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device, passes through the radiator and passes through the first expansion device without loss of pressure, At the outlet of the first expansion device, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the first expansion device, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure as it passes through the third expansion device. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a third operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device, passes through the radiator and through the first expansion device without pressure loss; at the outlet of the first expansion device, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the second expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device; at the outlet of the first expansion device,A second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line, undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device, reaching a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the first expansion device, a third portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach an intermediate pressure as it passes through the third expansion device. This refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a fourth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device; the refrigerant then passes through the first bypass line and the second heat exchanger; at the outlet of the first bypass line, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the second expansion device to reach a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger before joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device, at the outlet of the first bypass line, a second part of the high pressure refrigerant goes up the main branch, passes through the first expansion device undergoing a pressure loss to arrive at low pressure, passes through the radiator and joins the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device via the fourth bypass line.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, at the outlet of the first expansion device, a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device, the refrigerant fluid then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a fifth operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device; at the outlet of the compression device, a first part of the refrigerant passes through the radiator and through the first expansion device without pressure loss; at the outlet of the compression device, a second part of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line, through the second heat exchanger and rejoins the refrigerant coming from the second expansion device.The refrigerant then undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the second expansion device, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger and returning to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in a sixth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device; at the outlet of the compression device, the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line; upstream of the second heat exchanger, a first portion of the refrigerant flows through the third bypass line, passes through the fourth expansion device, undergoing a pressure drop to reach an intermediate pressure, and then rejoins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device; a second portion of the refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger; at the outlet of the first bypass line, a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows back up the main branch and through the first expansion device. undergoing a pressure loss to reach low pressure, passes through the radiator and joins the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device via the fourth bypass line, at the outlet of the first bypass line, another part of the high pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device, the refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the management device is configured to operate in a seventh operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device; at the outlet of the compression device, the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line; upstream of the second heat exchanger, a first portion of the refrigerant flows through the third bypass line, passes through the fourth expansion device, undergoing a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure, and then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device; a second portion of the refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger; at the outlet of the first bypass line,Part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device. This refrigerant then enters the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. At the outlet of the first bypass line, another part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line, undergoes a pressure drop by passing through the fifth expansion device to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and entering the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device includes a sixth expansion device disposed on the main branch upstream of the radiator.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a portion of high-pressure refrigerant fluid exiting the compression device passes through the sixth expansion device and undergoes a pressure loss before joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device via the fourth bypass line.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device comprises a seventh expansion device disposed on the first bypass pipe downstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal management device is configured to operate in an eighth operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device, a first part of the refrigerant passes through the sixth expansion device and undergoes a pressure loss to reach a first intermediate pressure, passes through the radiator and passes through the first expansion device without pressure loss, a second part of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line, upstream of the second heat exchanger, a part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line,passes through the fourth expansion device, undergoing a pressure loss to reach a second intermediate pressure lower than the first intermediate pressure, and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device. Another portion of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger, passes through the seventh expansion device and undergoes a pressure loss to reach the first intermediate pressure, and joins the refrigerant from the first expansion device. A portion of the refrigerant at the first intermediate pressure then passes through the fifth bypass line, undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the fifth expansion device to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger and joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.Another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then flows through the second bypass line and undergoes a pressure drop to reach the second intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device. The refrigerant then rejoins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a cooling circuit of a thermal management device,

[0026] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation of a compression device according to an alternative,

[0027] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig.1 according to a first operating mode,

[0028] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig.1 according to a variant of the first operating mode,

[0029] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of [Fig.1] according to a second operating mode,

[0030] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig.1 according to a third operating mode,

[0031] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig.1 according to a fourth operating mode,

[0032] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig.1] according to a variant of the fourth operating mode of the [Fig.7],

[0033] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig.1 according to a fifth operating mode,

[0034] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig. 1] according to a sixth operating mode,

[0035] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig. 1] according to a variant of the sixth operating mode of the [Fig. 10],

[0036] [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of Fig. 1 according to a seventh operating mode,

[0037] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig.1] according to a variant of the seventh operating mode of the [Fig.12],

[0038] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the refrigerant fluid circuit device of the [Fig.1] according to an eighth mode of operation.

[0039] In the different figures, the identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0040] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0041] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply a matter of indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. description. This indexing also does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess one criterion or another.

[0042] In this description, "placed upstream" means that an element is positioned before another with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Conversely, "placed downstream" means that an element is positioned after another with respect to the direction of fluid flow.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a thermal management device for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit 1 through which a refrigerant fluid is intended to circulate. This refrigerant fluid may, for example, be R744.

[0044] This thermal management circuit 1 includes in particular in this illustrated architecture, a main loop A as well as five branch lines 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50.

[0045] The main loop A comprises, in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant, a compression device 2 including a low pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet and a high pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator 4, a first expansion device 5, a second expansion device 7 and a first heat exchanger 8 disposed upstream of the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0046] According to a first example illustrated in [Fig.1], the compression device 2 can be a compressor, for example multi-stage, comprising both a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet.

[0047] According to a second example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the compression device 2 may include a first 2a and a second 2b compressor connected in series. This compression device 2 may also include an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet 20b located between the first 2a and second 2b compressors.

[0048] The radiator 4 may in particular be an evaporative condenser or a gas evaporative cooler arranged on the vehicle so as to be traversed by an external airflow, for example at the front.

[0049] The first heat exchanger 8 can be an evaporator located, for example, within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The first heat exchanger 8 is thus also intended to carry an airflow destined for the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0050] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a first internal heat exchanger 6. The first internal heat exchanger 6 is located on the main loop A and is configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first expansion device 5 with the low-pressure refrigerant fluid towards the compression device 2. This first internal heat exchanger 6 makes it possible in particular to improve the coefficient of performance of the thermal management device 1 in certain operating modes.

[0051] The first internal heat exchanger 6 is in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1] arranged, on the main loop A, downstream of the first expansion device 5 with regard to its high pressure part and, also on the main loop A, upstream of the low pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2 with regard to its low pressure part.

[0052] The thermal management circuit 1 may further include, on its main loop A, a phase separation device 9 located upstream of the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2, with respect to its low-pressure section. More specifically, this phase separation device 9 may be located upstream of the low-pressure section of the first internal heat exchanger 6.

[0053] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the thermal management circuit 1 also includes a first bypass line 10 comprising a second heat exchanger 11. This first bypass line 10 connects, in particular, the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2 to the outlet of the first expansion device 5 in a first direction of flow. This first direction of flow will be described in more detail later in this description when explaining different operating modes of the thermal management circuit 1.

[0054] The first branch line 10 can thus connect a first connection point 10a to a second connection point 10b. The first connection point 10a is located on the main loop A downstream of the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2, between said high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device 2 and the radiator 4. The second connection point 10b is located on the main loop A, downstream of the first expansion device 5, between said first expansion device 5 and the second expansion device 7. More specifically, the second connection point 10b can be located downstream of the high-pressure section of the first internal heat exchanger 6.

[0055] The second heat exchanger 11 may be a condenser or a gas cooler located, for example, within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The second heat exchanger 11 is thus also intended to carry an internal airflow destined for the vehicle's passenger compartment. More specifically, the second heat exchanger 11 may be located downstream of the first heat exchanger 8, in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0056] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a first refrigerant redirection device 71, 3 to the radiator 4 and / or to the first bypass line 10. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this first redirection device includes a first shut-off valve 71 and a sixth expansion device 3 with a shut-off function (described later). The first shut-off valve 71 is located on the first bypass line 10 downstream of the first connection point 10a, between the first connection point 10a and the second heat exchanger 11. The sixth expansion device 3 is located on the main loop A downstream of the compression device 2, between the compression device 2 and the radiator 4.Other embodiments of this first redirection device 71.3 can also be envisaged, such as a three-way valve arranged on the first connection point 10a of the first branch pipe 10.

[0057] The thermal management circuit 1 further comprises a second bypass line 20 including a third expansion device 21. This second bypass line 20 connects the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device 5 in the first direction of refrigerant flow, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line 10, to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. This second bypass line 20 can thus connect a first connection point 20a to a second connection point 20b. The first connection point 20a is notably located on the main loop A upstream of the second expansion device 7, between the second connection point 10b of the first bypass line 10 and the second expansion device 7.The second connection point 20b is connected to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0058] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a second internal heat exchanger 22. The second internal heat exchanger 22 is configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the first expansion device 5, in the first direction of circulation, or from the first bypass line 10, with the intermediate-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second bypass line 20. This second internal heat exchanger 22 makes it possible in particular to improve the coefficient of performance of the thermal management device 1 in certain operating modes.

[0059] The second internal heat exchanger 22 is, in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], located on the main loop A in the first direction of flow, upstream of the second connection point 10b of the first branch pipe 10 for This concerns its high-pressure section, between the first pressure-reducing device 5 and the first connection point 10b of the first bypass pipe 10. More specifically, the second internal heat exchanger 22 is located downstream of the first internal heat exchanger 6 in the first direction of flow. As for the intermediate-pressure section of the second internal heat exchanger 22, it is located on the second bypass pipe 20 downstream of the third pressure-reducing device 21.

[0060] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a second redirection device 7, 21 for the refrigerant to the second bypass line 20 and / or to the first heat exchanger 8. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this second redirection device consists of the second 7 and third 21 expansion devices. These latter devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function. Other embodiments of this second redirection device 7, 21 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located at the first connection point 20a of the second bypass line 20 or simple shut-off valves.

[0061] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a third bypass line 30 comprising a fourth expansion device 31. This third bypass line 30 connects the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger 11 to the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. The third bypass line 30 can thus connect a first connection point 30a to a second connection point 30b. The first connection point 30a is located on the first bypass line 10 upstream of the second heat exchanger 11, between said second heat exchanger 11 and the first connection point 10a of the first bypass line 10.The second connection point 30b is located on the second bypass line 20 downstream of the third expansion device 21, between the third expansion device 21 and the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. More specifically, the second connection point 30b is located downstream of the intermediate pressure part of the second internal heat exchanger 22.

[0062] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a third refrigerant redirection device 12, 31 to the third bypass line 30 and / or to the main loop A via the second heat exchanger 11. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this third redirection device consists of the fourth expansion device 31 and a seventh expansion device 12 (described in more detail later in this description). For this purpose, the fourth 31 and the sixth 12 expansion devices may be electronic expansion valves comprising a stop function. The seventh pressure-reducing device 12 is located on the first bypass pipe 10, downstream of the first connection point 30a of the third bypass pipe 30, more specifically downstream of the second heat exchanger 11. Other embodiments of this third redirection device 12, 31 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 30a of the third bypass pipe 30.

[0063] The thermal management circuit 1 may include a check valve 72 located on the second branch line 20 upstream of the second connection point 30b of the third branch line 30. This check valve 72 is configured to prevent the backflow of refrigerant from the third branch line 30 to the second expansion device 21. More particularly, this check valve 72 may be located downstream of the intermediate pressure section of the second internal heat exchanger 22.

[0064] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fourth branch line 40 connecting the refrigerant inlet of the radiator 4, in the first direction of refrigerant flow, to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compressor device 2. The fourth branch line 40 can thus connect a first connection point 40a to a second connection point 40b. The first connection point 40a is located on the main loop A upstream of the radiator 4, between the first connection point 10a of the first branch line 10 and the radiator 4. The second connection point 40b is located on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 8, between the second heat exchanger 8 and the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compressor device 2.More specifically, the second connection point 40b can be located upstream of the phase separation device 9 or upstream of the low pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 6.

[0065] The thermal management circuit 1 also includes a fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 for the refrigerant to the fourth bypass line 40. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this fourth redirection device consists of the first 5 and sixth 6 expansion devices and a shut-off valve 74. Indeed, the expansion devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function and can serve both the first redirection device and this fourth redirection device. The shut-off valve 74 is located on the fourth bypass line 40. Other embodiments of this fourth redirection device 3, 7, 74 can also be considered, such as a three-way valve located on the first connection point 40a of the fourth bypass line 40.

[0066] The thermal management circuit 1 may include a non-return valve 75 disposed on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 8, between the second heat exchanger 8 and the second connection point 40b of the fourth bypass line 40. This non-return valve 75 is configured to prevent the backflow of refrigerant fluid from the fourth bypass line 40 to the second heat exchanger 8.

[0067] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a fifth bypass line 50 comprising a fifth expansion device 51 located upstream of a third heat exchanger 52. This fifth bypass line 50 connects the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device 5, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line 10, to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. The fifth bypass line 50 can thus connect a first connection point 50a to a second connection point 50b. The first connection point 50a is notably located on the main loop A upstream of the second expansion device 7, between the second connection point 10b of the first bypass line 10 and the second expansion device 7.In the illustrated example, this first connection point 50a is located between the first connection point 20a of the second branch line 20 and the second expansion device 7. The second connection point 50b is connected to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. More specifically, this second connection point 50b can be located upstream of the phase separation device 9 or upstream of the low-pressure part of the first internal heat exchanger 6.

[0068] The second heat exchanger 52 can be configured to thermally regulate the batteries of the motor vehicle. This second heat exchanger 52 can thus be in direct contact with the batteries or be thermally connected to a heat transfer fluid loop itself configured to thermally manage the batteries

[0069] The thermal management circuit 1 may also include a fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 for the refrigerant to the fifth bypass line 50. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], this fifth redirection device is composed of the second 7, third 21, and fifth 51 expansion devices. These latter devices may be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function. Other embodiments of this fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 may also be considered, such as a three-way valve located at the first connection point 50a of the fifth bypass line 50, or simple shut-off valves.

[0070] The thermal management circuit 1 may include a sixth expansion device 3 disposed on the main branch A upstream of the radiator 4. This sixth expansion device 3 may more particularly be disposed on the main branch A downstream of the first connection point 10a of the first branch pipe 10 and upstream of the first connection point 40a of the fourth branch pipe 40, in the first direction of flow

[0071] The thermal management circuit 1 may further include a seventh expansion device 12 disposed on the first bypass pipe 10 downstream of the second heat exchanger IL

[0072] The thermal management device can be configured to operate according to different operating modes illustrated in Figures 3 to 14. In these figures, arrows are shown to illustrate the direction of refrigerant flow. Active pipes and components are shown with solid lines, and inactive pipes and components are shown with dashed lines.

[0073] First mode of operation:

[0074] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a first operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 3], in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then circulates through the radiator 4. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example, to the external airflow. The refrigerant then passes through the first expansion device 5 without any pressure loss.

[0075] If the sixth expansion device 3 is present upstream of the radiator 4, the refrigerant fluid passes through the latter without loss of pressure.

[0076] Upon exiting the first expansion device 5, a first portion of high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the second expansion device 7, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 8. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example from the internal airflow, thereby cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0077] At the outlet of the first expansion device 5, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0078] The high-pressure sections of the first 6 and second 22 internal heat exchangers are traversed by high-pressure refrigerant and their low-pressure sections are traversed respectively by low-pressure refrigerant and by intermediate pressure refrigerant. These two internal heat exchangers 6 and 22 are therefore both in active operation.

[0079] The direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid within the main loop A defined in this first mode of operation is the direction of circulation considered as the first direction of circulation.

[0080] This first operating mode thus makes it possible to cool the internal airflow passing through the first heat exchanger 8 in order, for example, to cool the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0081] In this first mode of operation, the first redirection device 71.3 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0082] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 4 to the second bypass line 20 and to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0083] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0084] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0085] In this first operating mode, as well as in the other operating modes mentioned below, the injection of intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 allows for operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio, which can be rapidly reached when the low pressure is very low.

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig.4], temporarily when the first operating mode is switched on, for example for a few seconds, the second redirection device 7, 21 can prevent the circulation of the refrigerant from the outlet of the radiator 4 to the second bypass line 20. The third redirection device 12, 31 can, on the other hand, allow the circulation of the refrigerant through the fourth expansion device 31 so as to at least partially drain the refrigerant contained in the first bypass line 10 and the second heat exchanger 11.

[0087] The advantage of this draining when this first operating mode is activated is related to respecting the maximum average density of the refrigerant. permitted in the loop. When the refrigerant is R744, this maximum average density is approximately 260 g / L. The refrigerant, with a density corresponding to that prior to the activation of this first operating mode, trapped in the second heat exchanger 11 and in the pipes, is then reinjected into the main loop A. It is therefore possible and advantageous to have small volumes of high-pressure refrigerant and large volumes of low-pressure refrigerant to best respect the maximum average density of the refrigerant in the loop.

[0088] Second mode of operation:

[0089] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a second operating mode illustrated in [Fig.5] and in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop A in its first direction of circulation.

[0090] The refrigerant is first compressed by the compression device 2, passes through the radiator 4 and through the first expansion device 5 without loss of pressure. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0091] If the sixth expansion device 3 is present upstream of the radiator 4, the refrigerant fluid passes through the latter without loss of pressure.

[0092] At the outlet of the first expansion device 5, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line 50 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 51, reaching a low pressure. The refrigerant then passes through the third heat exchanger 52 and joins the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the third heat exchanger 52, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them.

[0093] At the outlet of the first expansion device 5, a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0094] This second mode of operation thus makes it possible to cool the batteries of the motor vehicle via the third heat exchanger 52. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant fluid is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0095] The high-pressure sections of the first 6 and second 22 internal heat exchangers are traversed by high-pressure refrigerant, and their low-pressure sections are traversed respectively by low-pressure refrigerant and intermediate-pressure refrigerant. These two internal heat exchangers 6 and 22 are therefore both in active operation.

[0096] In this second mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0097] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the radiator 4 to the second bypass line 20 and prevents the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 4 to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0098] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0099] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7,21,51 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0100] Third mode of operation:

[0101] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a third operating mode illustrated in [Fig.6] and in which the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop A in its first direction of circulation.

[0102] The refrigerant is first compressed by the compression device 2, passes through the radiator 4 and through the first expansion device 5 without loss of pressure. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0103] If the sixth expansion device 3 is present upstream of the radiator 4, the refrigerant fluid passes through the latter without loss of pressure.

[0104] Upon exiting the first expansion device 5, a first portion of high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the second expansion device 7, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 8. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example from the internal airflow, thereby cooling it. The refrigerant then returns to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0105] At the outlet of the first expansion device 5, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line 50 and undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the fifth expansion device 51, reaching a low pressure. The refrigerant then flows through the third heat exchanger 52 and joins the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the third heat exchanger 52, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from, for example, the batteries, thus cooling them.

[0106] At the outlet of the first expansion device 5, a third portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a loss of pressure to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0107] This third mode of operation thus makes it possible to cool the internal airflow passing through the first heat exchanger 8 in order, for example, to cool the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle as well as its batteries via the third heat exchanger 52. The excess heat energy of the refrigerant is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0108] The high-pressure sections of the first 6 and second 22 internal heat exchangers are traversed by high-pressure refrigerant, and their low-pressure sections are traversed by low-pressure refrigerant. These two internal heat exchangers 6 and 22 are therefore both in active operation.

[0109] In this third mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 towards the first bypass line 10.

[0110] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the radiator 4 to the second bypass line 20 and to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0111] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0112] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7,21,51 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0113] Fourth mode of operation:

[0114] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a fourth operating mode illustrated in [Fig.7]. In this fourth operating mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then passes through the first bypass line 10 and the second heat exchanger 11. As it passes through the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0115] If the seventh expansion device 12 is present on the first bypass line 10, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant passes through this seventh expansion device 12 without loss of pressure.

[0116] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a first portion of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop as it passes through the second expansion device 7, reaching a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 8 and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 8, the The refrigerant fluid recovers heat energy, for example from the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0117] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows back up the main branch A, passes through the first expansion device 5, undergoing a pressure drop to reach a low pressure. The refrigerant then passes through the radiator 4 and reaches the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2 via the fourth bypass line 40. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the external airflow.

[0118] This fourth operating mode thus makes it possible to cool and then reheat the internal airflow via the first heat exchanger 8 and the second heat exchanger 11 in order to dehumidify the internal airflow, for example, to demist the passenger compartment. The heat energy required to reheat the internal airflow is recovered from the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0119] In this fourth mode of operation, only the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure part being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure part being traversed by low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger 8.

[0120] In this fourth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and prevents its direct circulation to the radiator 4 via the main branch A.

[0121] The second redirection device 7, 21 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 to the second bypass line 20 and allows the circulation of the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0122] The third redirection device 31, 12 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0123] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0124] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0125] Variant of the fourth operating mode:

[0126] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a variant of the fourth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 8]. In this variant, the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2 and then passes through the first bypass line 10 and the second heat exchanger of heat 11. By passing through the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0127] If the seventh expansion device 12 is present on the first bypass line 10, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant passes through this seventh expansion device 12 without loss of pressure.

[0128] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss by passing through the second expansion device 7 to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 8 and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. By passing through the first heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant recovers heat energy, for example from the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0129] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows back up the main branch A, passes through the first expansion device 5, undergoing a pressure drop to reach a low pressure. The refrigerant then passes through the radiator 4 and joins the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2 via the fourth bypass line 40. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the external airflow.

[0130] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a third part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21, the refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0131] This variant of the fourth operating mode is identical to the fourth operating mode except that the refrigerant flows through the second bypass pipe 20. This variant thus makes it possible to cool and then heat the internal airflow via the first heat exchanger 8 and the second heat exchanger 11 in order to dehumidify the internal airflow, for example, to demist the passenger compartment. The heat energy required to heat the internal airflow is recovered from the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0132] Injecting intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 via the second bypass line 20 allows operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio that can be quickly achieved when the low pressure is very low.

[0133] In this variant of the fourth operating mode, the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure section being traversed by low-pressure refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 8. The second heat exchanger 22 is also in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure section being traversed by intermediate-pressure refrigerant from the second bypass line 20.

[0134] In this variant of the fourth operating mode, the first redirection device 71.3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compressor device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and prevents its direct circulation to the radiator 4 via the main branch A.

[0135] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the first bypass pipe 10 to the second bypass pipe 20 and allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0136] The third redirection device 31, 12 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0137] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0138] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0139] Fifth mode of operation:

[0140] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a fifth operating mode illustrated in [Fig.9]. In this fifth operating mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2.

[0141] At the outlet of the compression device 2, a first portion of the refrigerant flows through the radiator 4 and through the first expansion device 5 without pressure loss. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example to the external airflow.

[0142] If the sixth expansion device 3 is present upstream of the radiator 4, the refrigerant fluid passes through the latter without loss of pressure.

[0143] At the outlet of the compression device 2, a second portion of the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line 10, passes through the second heat exchanger 11 and rejoins the refrigerant coming from the second device expansion 5. By passing through the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0144] If the seventh expansion device 12 is present on the first bypass line 10, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant passes through this seventh expansion device 12 without loss of pressure.

[0145] The refrigerant then undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the second expansion device 7 to reach a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger 8 and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the first heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant recovers heat energy, for example from the internal airflow to the passenger compartment.

[0146] This fifth operating mode thus makes it possible to cool and then reheat the internal airflow via the first heat exchanger 8 and the second heat exchanger 11 in order to dehumidify the internal airflow, for example, to demist the passenger compartment. The heat energy required to reheat the internal airflow is obtained by compressing the refrigerant fluid through the compression device 2, and the excess heat energy is discharged into the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0147] In this fifth mode of operation, only the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure part being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure part being traversed by low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first heat exchanger 8.

[0148] In this fifth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the outlet of the compression device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and also allows its direct circulation to the radiator 4 via the main branch A.

[0149] The second redirection device 7, 21 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid towards the second bypass line 20 and allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid towards the first heat exchanger 8.

[0150] The third redirection device 31, 12 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass line 30.

[0151] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0152] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0153] According to a variant of this fifth operating mode, when the sixth 3 and seventh 12 expansion devices are present, these can allow the power discharged by the radiator 4 to be controlled and adjusted. Indeed, a drop The pressure of the refrigerant fluid by the sixth expansion device 3 will limit the power evacuated from the radiator 4. More power will then be available to be evacuated by the second heat exchanger 11, for example to heat the passenger compartment.

[0154] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the seventh expansion device 12 so as to have a pressure equal to the pressure of the refrigerant coming from the first expansion device 5.

[0155] Sixth mode of operation:

[0156] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a sixth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 10]. In this sixth operating mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2.

[0157] At the outlet of the compression device 2 the refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line 10.

[0158] Upstream of the second heat exchanger 11, a first part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line 30, crosses the fourth expansion device 31 undergoing a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0159] A second part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger 11. By passing through the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant fluid gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow.

[0160] If the seventh expansion device 12 is present on the first bypass line 10, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant passes through this seventh expansion device 12 without loss of pressure.

[0161] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows back up the main branch A, passes through the first expansion device 5, undergoing a pressure drop to reach a low pressure. The refrigerant then passes through the radiator 4 and reaches the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2 via the fourth bypass line 40. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy, for example, from the external airflow.

[0162] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, another part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0163] This sixth mode allows the internal airflow to be heated via the second heat exchanger 11, in particular to heat the passenger compartment. The heat energy required to heat the internal airflow is recovered from the outside air via the radiator 4.

[0164] Injecting intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 via the second bypass line 20 allows for operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio, which can be rapidly reached when the low pressure is very low.

[0165] The circulation of the refrigerant in the third bypass line 30 and in the fourth expansion device 31 makes it possible in particular to control the intermediate pressure of the refrigerant reinjected into the compression device 2 and thus the superheating of the refrigerant at the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0166] In this sixth operating mode, the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure section being traversed by low-pressure refrigerant from the fourth bypass line. The second heat exchanger 22 is also in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure section being traversed by intermediate-pressure refrigerant from the second bypass line 20.

[0167] In this sixth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compressor device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and prevents its direct circulation to the radiator 4 via the main branch A.

[0168] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the refrigerant to circulate from the first bypass line 10 to the second bypass line 20 and prevents the refrigerant from circulating to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0169] The third redirection device 31, 12 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third bypass line 30.

[0170] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0171] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7, 21, 51 prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0172] Variant of the sixth operating mode:

[0173] According to a variant of the sixth mode of operation, illustrated in [Fig. 1 l], a portion of high-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device 2 passes through the sixth expansion device 3 and undergoes a pressure loss before joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2 via the fourth bypass line 40.

[0174] For this purpose, the first redirection device 71.3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compression device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and also allows its circulation in the main branch A to the sixth expansion device 3.

[0175] The passage of a portion of the refrigerant fluid from the compression device 3 through the sixth expansion device 3 allows control of the pressure, in particular the low pressure at the low pressure inlet of the compression device 2.

[0176] Seventh mode of operation:

[0177] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in a seventh operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 12]. In this seventh operating mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device 2.

[0178] At the outlet of the compression device 2 the refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line 10.

[0179] Upstream of the second heat exchanger 11, a first part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line 30, crosses the fourth expansion device 31 undergoing a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0180] A second part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the second heat exchanger 11. By passing through the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant fluid gives up heat energy, for example to the internal airflow.

[0181] If the seventh expansion device 12 is present on the first bypass line 10, at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant passes through this seventh expansion device 12 without loss of pressure.

[0182] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21, the refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0183] At the outlet of the first bypass line 10, another part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the fifth bypass line 50 and undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device 51 to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 52 and joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant fluid recovers heat energy, for example from batteries.

[0184] This seventh mode allows the internal airflow to be heated via the second heat exchanger 11, in particular to heat the passenger compartment. The heat energy required to heat the internal airflow is recovered from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 52.

[0185] Injecting intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 via the second bypass line 20 allows operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio, which can be rapidly reached when the low pressure is very low.

[0186] The circulation of the refrigerant in the third bypass line 30 and in the fourth expansion device 31 makes it possible in particular to control the intermediate pressure of the refrigerant reinjected into the compression device 2 and thus the superheating of the refrigerant at the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0187] In the seventh operating mode, the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure side being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant from the first bypass line 10 and its low-pressure side being traversed by low-pressure refrigerant from the fourth bypass line. The second heat exchanger 22 is not in operation, its high-pressure side not being traversed by high-pressure refrigerant.

[0188] In this seventh mode of operation, the first redirection device 71, 3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compressor device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and prevents its direct circulation to the radiator 4 via the main branch A.

[0189] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the first bypass line 10 to the second line of bypass 20 and prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid towards the first heat exchanger 8.

[0190] The third redirection device 31, 12 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third bypass line 30.

[0191] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0192] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7,21,51 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0193] Variant of the seventh operating mode:

[0194] According to a variant of the seventh mode of operation, illustrated in [Fig.13], a portion of high-pressure refrigerant fluid exiting the compression device 2 passes through the sixth expansion device 3 and undergoes a pressure loss before joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2 via the fourth bypass line 40.

[0195] For this purpose, the first redirection device 71.3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compression device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and also allows its circulation in the main branch A to the sixth expansion device 3.

[0196] The passage of a portion of the refrigerant fluid from the compression device 3 through the sixth expansion device 3 allows the pressure to be controlled, in particular the low pressure at the low pressure inlet of the compression device 2.

[0197] Eighth mode of operation:

[0198] The thermal management device 1 can be configured to operate in an eighth operating mode illustrated in [Fig. 14]. In this eighth operating mode, the refrigerant circulates in the main loop A in its first direction of flow.

[0199] The refrigerant fluid is compressed by the compression device 2.

[0200] At the outlet of the compression device 2, a first portion of the refrigerant fluid The refrigerant passes through the sixth expansion device 3 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach a first intermediate pressure. It then flows through the radiator 4 and the first expansion device 5 without any pressure loss. As it passes through the radiator 4, the refrigerant releases some of its heat energy, for example, to the external airflow.

[0201] At the outlet of the compression device 2, a second part of the refrigerant fluid passes through the first bypass line 10.

[0202] Upstream of the second heat exchanger 11, part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line 30, through the fourth device expansion 31 undergoing a pressure loss to reach a second intermediate pressure, lower than the first intermediate pressure, and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0203] Another portion of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 11. As it passes through the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat energy, for example, to the internal airflow. The refrigerant then passes through the seventh expansion device 12 and undergoes a pressure drop to reach the first intermediate pressure, where it rejoins the refrigerant from the first expansion device 5.

[0204] Part of the refrigerant fluid at the first intermediate pressure then passes through the fifth bypass line 50, undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device 51 to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger 52 and joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device 2. As it passes through the third heat exchanger 52, the refrigerant fluid absorbs heat energy, for example from batteries.

[0205] Another part of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the second bypass line 20 and undergoes a pressure loss to reach the second intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device 21. The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device 2.

[0206] This eighth mode allows the radiator 4 to be heated, in particular for defrosting purposes. The heat energy required to heat the radiator 4 is recovered from the batteries via the third heat exchanger 52. The fact that part of the refrigerant also passes through the second heat exchanger 11 allows the internal airflow to be heated as well.

[0207] Injecting intermediate-pressure refrigerant into the compression device 2 via the second bypass line 20 allows for operation with high compression ratios. The final compression ratio can thus be high while maintaining reasonable intermediate ratios and respecting the maximum permissible discharge temperature at the outlet of the compression device 2. Indeed, in a single-stage compressor, there is a constraint to be respected regarding the maximum compression ratio, which can be rapidly reached when the low pressure is very low.

[0208] The circulation of the refrigerant in the third bypass line 30 and in the fourth expansion device makes it possible in particular to control the intermediate pressure of the refrigerant reinjected into the compression device 2 and thus the superheating of the refrigerant at the inlet of the intermediate pressure refrigerant of the compression device 2.

[0209] In the eighth operating mode, the first internal heat exchanger 6 is in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by refrigerant fluid at the first intermediate pressure from the first expansion device 5 and its low-pressure section being traversed by refrigerant fluid at low pressure from the fifth bypass line 50. The second heat exchanger 22 is also in operation, its high-pressure section being traversed by refrigerant fluid at the first intermediate pressure from the first expansion device 5 and its low-pressure section being traversed by refrigerant fluid at the second intermediate pressure through the second bypass line 20.

[0210] In this eighth mode of operation, the first redirection device 71.3 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate from the compression device 2 to the first bypass line 10 and allows its circulation to the sixth expansion device 3 via the main branch A.

[0211] The second redirection device 7, 21 allows the circulation of the refrigerant fluid from the first bypass line 10 to the second bypass line 20 and prevents the circulation of the refrigerant fluid to the first heat exchanger 8.

[0212] The third redirection device 31, 12 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third bypass line 30.

[0213] The fourth redirection device 3, 5, 74 prevents the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the fourth bypass line 40.

[0214] Finally, the fifth redirection device 7,21,51 allows the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the fifth bypass line 50.

[0215] Thus, it is clear that the architecture of the thermal management device 1 allows optimal operation in particular of the compression device 2 comprising a first low-pressure inlet and a second intermediate-pressure inlet.

Claims

1. Demands Thermal management device for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a thermal management circuit (1) within which a refrigerant fluid is intended to circulate, said thermal management circuit (1) comprising: - a main loop (A) comprising, in a first direction of refrigerant flow, a compression device (2) including a low-pressure refrigerant inlet, an intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet and a high-pressure refrigerant outlet, a radiator (4), a first expansion device (5), a second expansion device (7) and a first heat exchanger (8) disposed upstream of the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a first bypass line (10) comprising a second heat exchanger (11) and connecting the high-pressure refrigerant outlet of the compression device (2) to the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device (5) in the first direction of refrigerant flow, - a first refrigerant redirection device (71,3) towards the radiator (4) and / or towards the first bypass line (10), - a second bypass line (20) comprising a third expansion device (21) and connecting the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device (5) in the first direction of refrigerant flow, and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line (10), to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a second refrigerant redirection device (7, 21) towards the second bypass line (20) and / or towards the first heat exchanger (8), - a third bypass line (30) comprising a fourth expansion device (31) and connecting the refrigerant inlet of the second heat exchanger (11) on the first bypass line (10) to the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a third refrigerant redirection device (12, 31) towards the third bypass line (30) and / or towards the main loop (A) via the second heat exchanger (11), - a fourth bypass line (40) connecting the refrigerant inlet of the radiator (4), in the first direction of refrigerant flow, to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), - a fourth refrigerant redirection device (3, 5, 74) to the fourth bypass line (40).

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

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

4. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal management circuit (1) comprises a first internal heat exchanger (6) disposed on the main loop (A) and configured to permit heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant from the first expansion device (5) with the low-pressure refrigerant towards the compression device (2).

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

6. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a first operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) in its first direction of circulation: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2), passes through the radiator (4) and through the first expansion device (5) without loss of pressure. At the outlet of the first expansion device (5), a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the second expansion device (7) to reach a low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger (8) and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). At the outlet of the first expansion device (5), a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure as it passes through the third expansion device (21). The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

7. Thermal management device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, temporarily when the first operating mode is switched on, the second redirection device (7, 21) prevents the circulation of the refrigerant from the outlet of the first expansion device (5) to the second bypass line (20) and the third redirection device (12, 31) allows the circulation of the refrigerant through the fourth expansion device (31) so as to at least partially drain the refrigerant contained in the first bypass line (10) and the second heat exchanger (11).

8. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal management circuit (1) comprises: - a fifth bypass line (50) comprising a fifth expansion device (51) disposed upstream of a third heat exchanger (52), said fifth bypass line (50) connecting the refrigerant outlet of the first expansion device (5), and / or the refrigerant outlet of the first bypass line (10), to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), and - a fifth refrigerant redirection device (7, 21, 51) to the fifth bypass line (50).

9. Thermal management device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a second operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2), passes through the radiator (4) and passes through the first expansion device (5) without loss of pressure, at the outlet of the first expansion device (5), a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the fifth bypass line (50), undergoes a loss of pressure while passing through the fifth expansion device (51) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (52) and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the first expansion device (5),A second portion of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device (21). The refrigerant fluid then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device (2).

10. Thermal management device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a third operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2), passes through the radiator (4) and passes through the first expansion device (5) without loss of pressure, at the outlet of the first expansion device (5), a first part of the high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a loss of pressure while passing through the second expansion device (7) to reach low pressure before passing through the first heat exchanger (8) and joining the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the first expansion device (5),a second part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the fifth bypass line (50), undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the fifth expansion device (51) to reach low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (52) and reaching the inlet, low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the compression device (2), at the outlet of the first expansion device (5), a third part of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device (21), the refrigerant fluid then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device (2).

11. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a sixth operating mode in which: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2), at the outlet of the compression device (2) the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line (10), upstream of the second heat exchanger (11), a first part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line (30), passes through the fourth expansion device (31) undergoing a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), a second part of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (11), at the outlet of the first bypass line (10), a part of the high-pressure refrigerant returns up the main branch (A),passing through the first expansion device (5), undergoing a pressure loss to reach low pressure, passes through the radiator (4) and joins the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2) via the fourth bypass line (40). At the outlet of the first bypass line (10), another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device (21). The refrigerant then joins the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

12. Thermal management device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a seventh operating mode in which: The refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2). At the outlet of the compression device (2), the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line (10). Upstream of the second heat exchanger (11), a first part of the refrigerant flows through the third bypass line (30), passes through the fourth expansion device (31), undergoing a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure, and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). A second part of the refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger (11). At the outlet of the first bypass line (10), a part of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach an intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device (21).The refrigerant then enters the intermediate-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2), at the outlet of the first bypass line (10). Another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant flows through the fifth bypass line (50), undergoes a pressure loss as it passes through the fifth expansion device (51) to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (52) and entering the low-pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).

13. Thermal management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sixth expansion device (3) disposed on the main branch (A) upstream of the radiator (4).

14. Thermal management device according to claim 13 in combination with any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that a portion of high-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compression device (2) passes through the sixth expansion device (3) and undergoes a pressure loss before joining the low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet of the compression device (2) via the fourth bypass line (40).

15. Thermal management device according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a seventh expansion device (12) arranged

16. on the first bypass pipe (10) downstream of the second heat exchanger (11). Thermal management device according to claim 13 in combination with claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to operate in an eighth operating mode in which the refrigerant circulates in the main loop (A) in its first direction of circulation: the refrigerant is compressed by the compression device (2), a first part of the refrigerant passes through the sixth expansion device (3) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach a first intermediate pressure, passes through the radiator (4) and passes through the first expansion device (5) without pressure loss, a second part of the refrigerant passes through the first bypass line (10), upstream of the second heat exchanger (11), a part of the refrigerant passes through the third bypass line (30),passes through the fourth expansion device (31), undergoing a pressure loss to reach a second intermediate pressure lower than the first intermediate pressure, and then joins the intermediate pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2). Another part of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (11), passes through the seventh expansion device (12) and undergoes a pressure loss to reach the first intermediate pressure and joins the refrigerant from the first expansion device (5). A part of the refrigerant at the first intermediate pressure then passes through the fifth bypass line (50), undergoes a pressure loss while passing through the fifth expansion device (51) to reach a low pressure before passing through the third heat exchanger (52) and joining the low pressure refrigerant inlet of the compression device (2).another portion of the high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the second bypass line (20) and undergoes a pressure drop to reach the second intermediate pressure by passing through the third expansion device (21), the refrigerant rejoins, then the inlet of intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid from the compression device (2).

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