Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: a compression device (7) having a first inlet (7A), a second inlet (7B) and an outlet (7C), a refrigerant circuit (10) comprising: - a main loop (A) comprising successively: - the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), - the outlet (7C) of the compression device (7), - a first heat exchanger (1), - a first expansion valve (21), - a second heat exchanger (2), - a first branch (B) connecting a connection point (11) disposed on the main loop (A) between the first heat exchanger (1) and the first expansion valve (21) to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7), and comprising a second expansion valve (22), a first internal heat exchanger (5) configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger (1) and the refrigerant from the second expansion valve (22).Figure from the summary: 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. Previous technique

[0002] The refrigerant can absorb or release heat at various heat exchangers located in the circuit. Typically, a thermal conditioning system can operate in different modes, depending on the circuit sections and heat exchangers through which the refrigerant circulates. Refrigerant circuits are therefore often complex, with numerous interconnected circulation branches and a large number of shut-off valves to isolate or connect different circuit sections. This complexity also increases the system's size and cost.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to have simpler and more compact 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 compression device having a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit comprising: - a main refrigerant circulation loop comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the first inlet of the compression device, — the outlet of the compression device, — a first heat exchanger, — a first regulator, — a second heat exchanger, - a first branch connecting a first connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first pressure regulator to the second inlet of the compression device, the first branch comprising a second pressure regulator, a first internal heat exchanger arranged jointly on the main loop and on the first branch, the first internal heat exchanger being configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the first connection point, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second expansion valve and upstream of the second inlet of the compression device.

[0005] This refrigerant circuit architecture, including a compression device with two separate refrigerant inlets and an internal heat exchanger, increases the thermal power supplied by both the first and second heat exchangers. Numerous operating modes are possible with a reduced number of components, thus improving the system's compactness.

[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 outlet of the compression device is configured to supply high-pressure refrigerant.

[0012] 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.

[0013] According to one aspect of the proposed thermal conditioning system, the first exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser.

[0014] The first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a first fluid.

[0015] The second exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

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

[0017] The first internal heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section located on the main loop downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first connection point. The first internal heat exchanger includes a second heat exchange section located on the first branch downstream of the second expansion valve and upstream of the second inlet of the compression device.

[0018] The first internal heat exchanger is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the refrigerant circuit includes a second branch arranged in parallel with a portion of the main loop comprising the first expansion valve and the second exchanger, the second branch successively comprising a third expansion valve and a third heat exchanger.

[0020] The third exchanger is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0021] The third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a third fluid.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the main loop includes a second internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the first expansion valve, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device.

[0023] The second internal heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section arranged on the main loop downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the first expansion valve. The second internal heat exchanger has a second heat exchange section arranged on the main loop downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device.

[0024] According to a variant of the thermal conditioning system, the second branch connects a third connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the first expansion valve to a fourth connection point located on the main loop downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device, in which the main loop includes a second internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the third connection point, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the fourth connection point and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device.

[0025] The second internal heat exchanger makes it possible to increase the enthalpy variation of the refrigerant during the thermodynamic cycle and thus improve the performance of the thermal conditioning system.

[0026] The second internal heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section disposed on the main loop downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the third connection point. The second internal heat exchanger has a second heat exchange section arranged on the main loop downstream of the fourth connection point and upstream of the first inlet of the compression device.

[0027] The internal heat exchanger is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section.

[0028] 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 inlet of refrigerant fluid at intermediate pressure, the intermediate pressure being greater than or equal to the low pressure.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The first exchanger is for example thermally coupled with an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0031] The first fluid is, for example, an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The first fluid is then a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0034] The second exchanger is for example thermally coupled with an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0035] The second fluid can be an airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0036] According to one variant, 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 from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0037] The second fluid is then a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0038] The third exchanger can be thermally coupled with an element of an electric traction chain of a motor vehicle.

[0039] The third heat exchanger thus makes it possible to cool the element of the vehicle's electric traction chain.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, 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.

[0041] The third fluid is a heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the element of the vehicle's electric powertrain may include an electrical energy storage battery.

[0043] In addition, or alternatively, the element of the vehicle's electric drive chain includes an electric vehicle traction motor.

[0044] In addition, or alternatively, the element of the vehicle's electric traction chain includes an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the main loop of the refrigerant circuit includes an accumulation device located downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first internal exchanger.

[0046] The accumulation device can be integrated into the first exchanger.

[0047] 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the thermal conditioning system comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit, in which: - the first heat exchanger is positioned jointly on the refrigerant circuit and on the heat transfer fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, - the second heat exchanger is positioned jointly on the refrigerant circuit and on the heat transfer fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, The first heat exchanger is configured to be selectively coupled to an airflow from inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or to an airflow from outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. and in which the second exchanger is configured to be selectively coupled to the outside airflow or the inside airflow.

[0049] The thermal conditioning system can thus operate in a mode in which the first heat exchanger can heat an indoor airflow, notably using heat recovered from an outdoor airflow by the second heat exchanger. The thermal conditioning system can also operate in a mode in which the second heat exchanger can cool an indoor airflow using heat dissipated in an outdoor airflow by the first heat exchanger. The circulation of the refrigerant is the same for these two modes of operation, which differ only in the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a primary heat transfer fluid circulation loop, the primary loop including the first heat exchanger and a heat exchanger referred to as the passenger compartment heater core. The primary loop includes a first circulation pump.

[0051] The first circulation pump is, for example, a unidirectional pump.

[0052] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a secondary heat transfer fluid circulation loop, the secondary loop comprising the second heat exchanger heat and a heat exchanger called a cabin cooling radiator. The secondary loop includes a second circulation pump.

[0053] The second circulation pump is, for example, a unidirectional pump.

[0054] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first branch branch arranged in parallel with the primary loop, the first branch branch including a heat exchanger called an external radiator.

[0055] The heat exchanger referred to as the external radiator is configured to exchange heat with an external airflow to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0056] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second branch branch arranged in parallel with the secondary loop, the second branch branch comprising the element of the vehicle's electric traction chain.

[0057] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third branch connecting the first branch to the second branch.

[0058] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fourth branch connecting the first branch to the second branch.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first three-way valve arranged jointly on the primary loop and on the first branch of the bypass. The first three-way valve is configured to selectively: - to allow the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to circulate in the primary loop towards the heat exchanger known as the passenger compartment heater core, and simultaneously to prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first branch of the bypass, or - allow the heat transfer fluid from the first exchanger to circulate in the first branch of the bypass towards the heat exchanger known as the external radiator and simultaneously prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid towards the heat exchanger known as the passenger compartment heater radiator.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second three-way valve arranged jointly on the secondary loop and on the second bypass branch. The second three-way valve is configured to selectively: - to allow the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator to circulate in the secondary loop towards the second heat exchanger and simultaneously to prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch, or - allow the heat transfer fluid from the second branch of the bypass to circulate in the secondary loop towards the second heat exchanger and simultaneously prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third three-way valve arranged jointly on the second branch and on the third branch. The third three-way valve is configured to selectively: - to allow the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of the bypass between the vehicle's electric drivetrain element and the third connection point, and simultaneously to prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the third branch of the bypass, or - allow a flow of heat transfer fluid in the third branch of the bypass and jointly prohibit a flow of heat transfer fluid between the element of the vehicle's electric drive chain and the sixth connection point.

[0062] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in which: - an initial flow of refrigerant circulates through the compression device where it is under high pressure, then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it releases heat, through the first internal heat exchanger, and is divided into: - a second flow of refrigerant circulating in the first bypass branch, successively in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the first internal heat exchanger, the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the first internal heat exchanger joining the second inlet of the compression device, - a third flow of refrigerant circulating in the main loop, successively in the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger where it evaporates, the low-pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger returning to the first inlet of the compression device.

[0063] The invention also relates to a method of operating the proposed air conditioning system, in a so-called passenger compartment cooling mode in which: - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant, then successively in the first bypass branch, in the heat exchanger called external radiator where it releases heat to the outside air flow, in the first bypass branch, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the fluid refrigerant, then in the heat exchanger called cooling radiator where it receives heat from the internal airflow, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0064] In this operating mode, the flow of heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger known as the passenger compartment heater radiator can be zero.

[0065] The invention also relates to a method of operating the proposed thermal conditioning system, in a so-called passenger compartment heating mode in which: - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, then in the heat exchanger called the heating radiator where it releases heat to the indoor airflow, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop in the second exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, then successively in the second bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the heat exchanger called external radiator where it receives heat from the outside air flow, in the fourth bypass branch, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0066] In this operating mode, the flow of heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator can be zero. Brief description of the drawings

[0067] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0068] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a first example of a system of thermal conditioning according to the invention,

[0069] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a second example of a system of thermal conditioning according to the invention,

[0070] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a third example of a system of thermal conditioning according to the invention,

[0071] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.3],

[0072] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.3],

[0073] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of one embodiment of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.l],

[0074] [Fig.7] is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.l],

[0075] [Fig-8] is a schematic view of one embodiment of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.1], operating according to a first mode of operation called passenger compartment cooling,

[0076] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of one embodiment of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.l], operating according to a second mode of operation called passenger compartment heating. Description of the implementation methods

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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..

[0079] 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.

[0080] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0081] The thermal conditioning system 100 that will be described includes an electronic control unit receiving information from various sensors measuring, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit also receives instructions issued by the occupants of the vehicle, such as the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as the battery management system for electrical energy storage. The electronic control unit implements control laws to operate the various actuators, ensuring that the climate control system is controlled in a way that adheres to the received instructions.

[0082] A compression device 7 allows a refrigerant to circulate in a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed loop in which the refrigerant can circulate. The refrigerant circuit 10 is leak-proof when it is in its nominal operating condition, that is, without any faults or leaks. Each connection point of the 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 that converge at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the shut-off valves, check valves, or expansion devices included on each of these sections. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at that connection point.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Each refrigerant expansion device, also called an expansion valve, can be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the passage area through which the refrigerant passes can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. To achieve this, an electronic control module for the expansion valve drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter, thus controlling the passage area available to the refrigerant.

[0085] The thermal conditioning system 100 also includes a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forming a closed loop in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 is leak-proof when it is in its nominal operating state, i.e., without any faults or leaks. Each connection point of the circuit 20 allows the heat transfer fluid to pass into one or the other of the circuit sections that converge at that connection point. The distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the circuit sections that converge at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the valves located on each of these sections. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the heat transfer fluid arriving at that connection point. Various valves thus allow the heat transfer fluid to be selectively directed into the different branches of the circuit 20, in order to ensure different modes of operation, as will be described later.

[0086] 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 fan-motor unit, not shown, is located within the HVAC system to increase the flow rate of the interior airflow Fi if necessary.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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".

[0089] A first example of the proposed thermal conditioning system 100 has been shown in [Fig.1]. The 100 thermal conditioning system includes: - a compression device 7 comprising a first input 7A, a second input 7B and an output 7C, - a refrigerant circuit 10 configured for circulating a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 10 comprises a main refrigerant circulation loop A, which includes, successively in the direction of refrigerant flow: - 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, - 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 heat exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21 to the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The first branch of the bypass B includes a second regulator 22. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first internal heat exchanger 5 located jointly on the main loop A and on the first branch B. The first internal heat exchanger 5 is configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant downstream of the first heat exchanger 1 and upstream of the first connection point 11, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second expansion valve 22 and upstream of the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0090] This refrigerant circuit architecture 10, including a compression device 7 with two separate refrigerant inlets 7A, 7B and an internal heat exchanger 5, makes it possible to increase the thermal power supplied by the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2. Numerous operating modes are possible, with a reduced number of components. The system's compactness is thus improved.

[0091] The thermal conditioning system 100 can be a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

[0092] The compression device 7 is configured to supply high-pressure refrigerant. The compression device 7 includes a refrigerant outlet 7C and two refrigerant inlets 7A, 7B.

[0093] The 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. The 7C outlet of the compression device 7 is configured to supply high-pressure refrigerant.

[0094] Intermediate pressure is a pressure greater than or equal to low pressure. High pressure is a pressure greater than intermediate pressure.

[0095] The compression device 7 is thus 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. The refrigerant fluid discharged from outlet 7C is in a state of high pressure.

[0096] The first exchanger 1 receives the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant fluid from the outlet 7C of the compression device 7. The first exchanger 1 is thus configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a first fluid Fl.

[0097] The second exchanger 2 can receive low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first expansion valve 21. The second exchanger 2 is thus configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. The second heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat with a second fluid F2.

[0098] The first internal heat exchanger 5 has a first heat exchange section 5a arranged on the main loop A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first connection point 11. The first internal heat exchanger 5 has a second heat exchange section 5b arranged on the first branch branch B downstream of the second expansion valve 22 and upstream of the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7.

[0099] The first internal heat exchanger 5 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 5a and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 5b. The first internal heat exchanger 5 thus performs a heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first exchanger 1, having undergone a heat exchange with the first fluid Fl, and the intermediate-pressure refrigerant fluid from the second expansion valve 22. The first internal exchanger 5 increases the enthalpy change experienced by the refrigerant during the thermodynamic cycle described, and thus improves the performance of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0100] Fig. 2 schematically represents a second example of the proposed thermal conditioning system.

[0101] According to this second embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 includes a second branch C. The second branch C is arranged in parallel with a portion of the main loop A comprising the first expansion valve 21 and the second heat exchanger 2. The second branch C successively comprises a third expansion valve 23 and a third heat exchanger 3.

[0102] The third exchanger 3 can receive low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the third expansion valve 23. The third exchanger 3 is configured to operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with a third fluid F3.

[0103] Fig. 3 schematically represents a third example of the proposed thermal conditioning system.

[0104] According to this third example, the main loop A includes a second internal exchanger 6. The second internal heat exchanger 6 is configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0105] The second internal heat exchanger 6 has a first heat exchange section 6a arranged on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21. The second internal heat exchanger 6 has a second heat exchange section 6b arranged on the main loop A downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7. The second 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.

[0106] The second internal heat exchanger 6 thus performs a heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid from the first internal heat exchanger 5, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid from the second heat exchanger 2.

[0107] According to the example of [Fig.3], the second branch C connects a third connection point 13 located on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the first expansion valve 21 to a fourth connection point 14 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 main loop A thus includes a second internal heat exchanger 6 configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant circulating downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the third connection point 13, and - the refrigerant fluid downstream of the fourth connection point 14 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0108] The second internal heat exchanger 6, when present on the refrigerant circuit, further increases the enthalpy change of the fluid refrigerant during the thermodynamic cycle and thus improve the performance of the thermal conditioning system.

[0109] According to the example of [Fig.3], the second internal heat exchanger 6 has a first heat exchange section 6a arranged on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the third connection point 13. The second internal heat exchanger 6 has a second heat exchange section 6b arranged on the main loop A downstream of the fourth connection point 14 and upstream of the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0110] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate two different embodiments of a thermal conditioning system according to the third example. Figure 6 illustrates one embodiment of a thermal conditioning system according to the first example.

[0111] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig.4], the compression device 7 is a two-stage compression compressor 7. The first inlet 7A of the compression device 7 is a low-pressure refrigerant fluid inlet. The second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 is an intermediate pressure refrigerant fluid inlet, the intermediate pressure being greater than or equal to the low pressure.

[0112] The two-stage compression compressor of this embodiment can also be referred to as a two-stage compressor. The first compression stage moves the refrigerant from a low-pressure state to an intermediate-pressure state. The second compression stage brings the refrigerant from an intermediate pressure state to a high pressure state. The refrigerant admitted at the first inlet 7A is compressed successively by the two compression stages. The refrigerant admitted at the second inlet 7B is compressed only by the second compression stage of the compression device 7.

[0113] According to another embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig.5], 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. 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. A second refrigerant circulation channel C2 connects the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7 to the first refrigerant circulation channel Cl.

[0114] The first inlet 7A of the compression device 7 corresponds to the inlet 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 8b of the first compressor 8 is internal to the compression device 7. The first channel Cl and the second channel C2 are fluidly connected at a connection point RL. The connection point RI is also internal to the compression device 7.

[0115] The first compressor 8 draws in the refrigerant at the first inlet 8a and compresses it. The refrigerant exits at the outlet 8b of the first intermediate-pressure compressor 8. 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.

[0116] 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. The combination of the two single-stage compressors ensures operation equivalent to that of the two-stage compressor.

[0117] We will now describe the role of the various heat exchangers 1, 2, 3 arranged on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10.

[0118] According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and in Figures 8 and 9, the first heat exchanger 1 is thermally coupled with an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The first heat exchanger 1 thus heats the internal airflow Fi, and therefore the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0119] This thermal coupling between the first exchanger 1 and the internal airflow Fi can be ensured in different ways.

[0120] According to the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the thermal coupling is said to be direct. In other words, the refrigerant exchanges heat with an internal airflow Fi as it circulates in the first exchanger 1. The first heat exchanger 1 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system. The first fluid Fl in this case is an internal airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0121] According to the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the thermal coupling is said to be indirect. In other words, the refrigerant exchanges heat with an internal airflow Fi via a heat transfer fluid. 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 includes a heat exchanger IA configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The heat exchanger IA is referred to as a heater core and is located within the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning system.

[0122] The first fluid Fl is in this case a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed circuit 20 of heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol. The circuit 20 includes a circulation pump not shown in the figures.

[0123] According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and in Figures 8 and 9, the second heat exchanger 2 is thermally coupled with an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The second heat exchanger 2 thus allows the vehicle's passenger compartment to be cooled.

[0124] As with the first exchanger 1, the thermal coupling between the second exchanger 2 and the internal airflow Fi can be ensured in different ways.

[0125] According to the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the thermal coupling is said to be direct. In other words, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the internal airflow Fi as it circulates in the second exchanger 2. The second heat exchanger 2 is called the passenger compartment cooling evaporator. The second heat exchanger 2 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, upstream of the interior airflow direction of heat exchanger 1, which provides heating for the interior airflow Fi.

[0126] The second fluid F2 is in this case an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0127] According to the embodiment of [Fig.4], the thermal coupling is indirect. The second heat exchanger 2 is thus configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit 30, and the heat transfer fluid circuit 30 includes a heat exchanger 2A configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0128] The second fluid F2 is in this case a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed heat transfer fluid circuit 30. Circuit 30 includes a circulation pump not shown in the figures. The heat transfer fluid in circuit 30 is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol.

[0129] The heat exchanger 2A is referred to as the cooling radiator, and is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, upstream of the heat exchanger IA which heats the interior airflow Fi. The upstream side is understood here according to the direction of flow of the interior airflow Fi.

[0130] In the example of [Fig.4], the thermal coupling between the first exchanger 1 and the indoor airflow Fi and the thermal coupling between the second exchanger 2 and the indoor airflow Fi are both of the indirect type. In the example of [Fig.5], the thermal coupling between the first exchanger 1 and the indoor airflow Fi and the thermal coupling between the second exchanger 2 and the indoor airflow Fi are both of the direct type. According to unrepresented embodiments, the thermal coupling between one of the exchangers and the indoor airflow Fi can be indirect, while the thermal coupling between the other exchanger and the indoor airflow Fi can be direct.

[0131] According to the illustrated example, 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.

[0132] According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, 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.

[0133] The third fluid F3 is thus a heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit 40. Circuit 40 includes a heat transfer fluid circulation pump, not shown. As before, the heat transfer fluid in circuit 40 is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol.

[0134] Element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain may include an electrical energy storage battery. In addition, or as an alternative, element 25 of the vehicle's electric powertrain may include an electric vehicle traction motor. As a further addition, or alternative, element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain may include an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0135] The main loop A of the refrigerant circuit 10 includes an accumulation device 19 disposed downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first internal exchanger 5. Accumulation device 19 is a desiccant bottle. The accumulation device 19 makes it possible to compensate, depending on the selected operating mode and thermal conditions, for variations in the quantity of refrigerant circulating in the circuit 10. The accumulation device 19 can be integrated into the first exchanger 1.

[0136] 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 storage device is an accumulator. The accumulator is located between the fourth connection point 14 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the second internal exchanger 6.

[0137] [Fig.6] illustrates one embodiment of the first example of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0138] According to this embodiment, the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit 20. The first exchanger 1 is arranged jointly on the refrigerant circuit 10 and on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The second exchanger 2 is arranged jointly on the refrigerant circuit 10 and on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The first exchanger 1 is configured to be selectively coupled to an interior airflow Fi to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or to an exterior airflow Fe to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and the second exchanger 2 is configured to be selectively coupled to the outside airflow Fe or the inside airflow Fi.

[0139] This thermal conditioning system 100 can thus operate in a mode in which the first exchanger 1 heats an indoor airflow Fi, notably from the heat recovered from an outdoor airflow by the second exchanger 2. The thermal conditioning system 100 can also operate in another mode in which the second exchanger 2 allows an indoor airflow Fi to be cooled by the heat dissipated in an outdoor airflow Fe by the first exchanger 1. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same for these two modes of operation, which differ only in the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.

[0140] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 comprises a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, as well as a heat transfer fluid inlet and a heat transfer fluid outlet. The heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant circulating together in the first heat exchanger 1 can exchange heat. The same is true for the second heat exchanger 2.

[0141] According to the embodiment of [Fig. 6], the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a primary loop 20A for circulating the heat transfer fluid. The primary loop 20A includes the first heat exchanger 1 and a heat exchanger IA, referred to as the passenger compartment heater core. The primary loop 20A also includes a first circulation pump 31. The first circulation pump 31 is, for example, a unidirectional pump. The first circulation pump 31 is, for example, an electric pump, the activation of which allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate.

[0142] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a secondary loop 20B for circulating the heat transfer fluid. The secondary loop 20B includes a second circulation pump 32, a second heat exchanger 2, and a heat exchanger 2A, also known as the cabin cooling radiator. The secondary loop 20B also includes a second circulation pump 32. The second circulation pump 32 is, for example, a unidirectional pump. The second circulation pump 32 is, for example, an electric pump, the activation of which allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate.

[0143] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes several branch branches allowing the primary loop 20A and the secondary loop 20B to be connected or separated, so that the circuit 20 can have different configurations, i.e. different ways of circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0144] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a first branch 20C arranged in parallel with the primary loop 20A, the first branch 20C including a heat exchanger 4 called an external radiator. The heat exchanger 4, called the external radiator, is configured to exchange heat with an external airflow Fe to the vehicle's passenger compartment. Heat exchanger 4 is located, for example, at the front of the vehicle, just behind the grille.

[0145] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second branch 20D arranged in parallel with the secondary loop 20B, the second branch 20D comprising the element 25 of the vehicle's electric traction chain.

[0146] For example, a casing of the element 25 of the electric traction chain is traversed by the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid and the element 25 can thus exchange heat.

[0147] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third branch branch 20E connecting the first branch branch 20C to the second branch branch 20D. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fourth branch branch 20F connecting the first branch branch 20C to the second branch branch 20D.

[0148] The first branch branch 20C connects a first connection point 51 located on the primary loop 20A between a first inlet / outlet Cl-1 of the first exchanger 1 and a first inlet / outlet 1A-1 of the heat exchanger IA called the passenger compartment heater radiator to a second connection point 52 located on the primary loop 20A between a second inlet / outlet 1A-2 of the heat exchanger IA called the passenger compartment heater radiator and a second inlet / outlet Cl-2 of the first exchanger 1. The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 31 is here arranged between the second connection point 52 and the second inlet / outlet Cl-2 of the first exchanger 1.

[0149] The second branch branch 20D connects a third connection point 53 located on the secondary loop 20B between a first inlet / outlet C2-1 of the second exchanger 2 and a first inlet / outlet 2A-1 of the heat exchanger 2A, known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator, to a fourth connection point 54 located on the secondary loop 20B between a second inlet / outlet 2A-2 of the heat exchanger 2A, known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator, and a second inlet / outlet C2-2 of the second exchanger 2. The second heat transfer fluid circulation pump 32 is here arranged between the fourth connection point 54 and the second inlet / outlet C2-2 of the second exchanger 2.

[0150] The third branch branch 20E connects a fifth connection point 55 located on the first branch branch 20C between the first connection point 51 and a first input / output 4-1 of the fourth interchange 4 to a sixth connection point 56 located on the second branch branch 20D between the third connection point 53 and a first input / output 25-1 of the element 25 of the vehicle's electric traction chain.

[0151] The fourth branch 20F connects a seventh connection point 57 located on the first branch 20C between a second inlet / outlet 4-2 of the fourth exchanger 4 and the second connection point 52 and to an eighth connection point 58 disposed on the second branch of branch 20D between a second input / output 25-2 of the element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain and the fourth connection point 54.

[0152] According to the embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100 illustrated in [Fig.6], the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a first three-way valve 35 arranged jointly on the primary loop 20A and on the first branch 20C. The first three-way valve 35 is configured to selectively: - allow the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to circulate in the primary loop 20A towards the heat exchanger IA, also known as the passenger compartment heater core, and simultaneously prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first bypass branch 20C, or - allow the heat transfer fluid from the first exchanger 1 to circulate in the first branch of bypass 20C towards the heat exchanger 4, known as the external radiator, and simultaneously prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid towards the heat exchanger IA, known as the passenger compartment heater radiator.

[0153] In other words, the first three-way valve 35 and the first pump 31 allow the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to be selectively directed either to the heating radiator IA or to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0154] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second three-way valve 36 arranged jointly on the secondary loop 20B and on the second branch 20D. The second three-way valve 36 is configured to selectively: - to allow the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger 2A, also known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator, to circulate in the secondary loop 20B towards the second heat exchanger 2, and simultaneously to prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20D, or - allow the heat transfer fluid from the second branch of the bypass 20D to circulate in the secondary loop 20B towards the second heat exchanger 2 and simultaneously prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0155] The second three-way valve 36 and the second pump 32 allow the heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger 2 to be selectively directed either to the cooling radiator 2A or to the fourth heat exchanger 4 via the second bypass branch 20D and the third bypass branch 20E.

[0156] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third three-way valve 37 arranged jointly on the second branch 20D and on the third branch 20E. The third three-way valve 37 is configured to selectively: - permit heat transfer fluid circulation in the second branch of bypass 20D between the element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain and the third connection point 53 and jointly prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation in the third branch of bypass 20E, or - permit heat transfer fluid circulation in the third branch of bypass 20E and jointly prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation between the element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive chain and the sixth connection point 56.

[0157] The third three-way valve 37 allows either to selectively allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid in the element 25 of the electric traction chain, or to prohibit this circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0158] The first three-way valve 35 is, for example, an electrically operated valve. Similarly, the second three-way valve 36 and the third three-way valve 37 can be electrically operated valves. The first connection point 51 is part of the first three-way valve 35. The fourth connection point 54 is part of the second three-way valve 36. The sixth connection point 56 is part of the third three-way valve 37.

[0159] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 according to different operating modes.

[0160] In these figures, the portions of the circuit 10 in which a flow of refrigerant circulates are shown as a thick solid line, while the portions in which the refrigerant does not circulate are shown as thin dashed lines. The various single arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow in the different portions of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0161] Similarly, the portions of the circuit 20 in which a flow of heat transfer fluid circulates are shown as a thick solid line, while the portions in which the heat transfer fluid does not circulate are shown as thin dashed lines. The various double arrows indicate the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20.

[0162] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a method of operation of a system of thermal conditioning 100 as described above, in particular on [Fig.1]. This operating process corresponds to a mode of operation in which a first flow Qrl of refrigerant circulates in the compression device 7 where it passes through high pressure, circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it releases heat, in the first internal heat exchanger 5, and divides into: - a second flow Qr2 of refrigerant circulating in the first branch of the bypass B, successively in the second expansion valve 22 where it undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the first internal heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant at intermediate pressure coming from the first internal heat exchanger 5 joining the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7, - a third flow Qr3 of refrigerant circulating in the main loop A, successively in the first expansion valve 21 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger 2 where it evaporates, the low-pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger 2 returning to the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0163] The refrigerant fluid gives up heat to the first fluid Fl at the level of the first exchanger 1. The refrigerant receives heat from the second fluid F2 at the level of the second exchanger 2.

[0164] 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. The first flow Qrl from the first heat exchange section 5a of the first internal exchanger 5 is divided at the first connection point 11 into a second flow Qr2 going towards the second expansion valve 22 and a third flow Qr3, complementary to the second flow Qr2, going towards the first expansion valve 21. The second flow Qr2 is expanded to an intermediate pressure by the second expansion valve 22, then flows into the second heat exchange section 5b of the first internal exchanger 5, and joins the second inlet 7B of the compression device 7. The third flow Qr3 is expanded to a low pressure, lower than the intermediate pressure, by the first expansion valve 21, then circulates in the second exchanger 2, and joins the first inlet 7A of the compression device 7.

[0165] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a method of operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 described in Fig. 8.

[0166] This method of operation of the conditioning system 100 corresponds to a mode of operation known as passenger compartment cooling. In this operating mode: - a first flow Qcl of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, then successively in the first branch of bypass 20C, in the heat exchanger 4 called external radiator where it gives up heat to the outside air flow Fe, in the first branch of bypass 20C, and returns to the first exchanger 1, - a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, then in the heat exchanger 2A called cooling radiator where it receives heat from the inside air flow Fi, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0167] In this operating mode, the flow rate of heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger IA, also called the passenger compartment heater radiator, can be zero. The first pump 31 is active, meaning it is circulating the heat transfer fluid. The second pump 32 is also active.

[0168] In this operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises two disjoint circulation loops, i.e. not connected to each other.

[0169] A first circulation loop is formed by the circuit portions comprising the first interchange 1, the primary loop portion 20A extending between the first interchange 1 and the first connection point 51, the first branch portion 20C included between the first connection point 51 and the fourth interchange 4, the fourth interchange 4, the first branch portion 20C included between the fourth interchange 4 and the second connection point 52, the primary loop portion 20A extending between the second connection point 52 and the first interchange 1.

[0170] The second circulation loop formed is the secondary loop 20B. The heat transfer fluid of the second circulation loop circulates successively in the second pump 32, in the second exchanger 2, in the heat exchanger 2A called the passenger compartment cooling radiator, and returns to the second pump 32.

[0171] At the first connection point 51, the first three-way valve 35 directs the heat transfer fluid from the first exchanger 1 to the fourth exchanger 4. At the fourth connection point 54, the second three-way valve 36 directs the heat transfer fluid from the cooling radiator 2A to the second pump 32 and the second heat exchanger 2. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the third branch of bypass 20E, nor in the fourth branch of bypass 20F, nor in the second branch of bypass 20D.

[0172] The heat given to the heat transfer fluid by the desuperheating and condensation of the refrigerant at the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the outside air flow Fe at the fourth exchanger 4. At the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid and evaporates, thus cooling the heat transfer fluid. The cooled heat transfer fluid then circulates through heat exchanger 2A, also known as the radiator. This cools the interior airflow Fi, thereby cooling the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0173] Fig.9 schematically illustrates a method of operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 described in Fig.8.

[0174] This method of operation of the conditioning system 100 corresponds to a mode of operation known as passenger compartment heating. In this operating mode: - a first flow Qcl of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, then in the heat exchanger IA called heating radiator where it gives up heat to the indoor air flow Fi, and returns to the first exchanger 1, - a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B in the second exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, then successively in the second branch of bypass 20D, in the third branch of bypass 20E, in the heat exchanger 4 called external radiator where it receives heat from the outdoor air flow Fe, in the fourth branch of bypass 20F, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0175] In this operating mode, the flow of heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 2A, also known as the passenger compartment cooling radiator, is zero. The first pump 31 is active. The second pump 32 is also active.

[0176] In this operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises two disjoint circulation loops, which differ from those formed for the previous operating mode.

[0177] A first circulation loop is formed by the primary loop 20A. The heat transfer fluid of the first circulation loop circulates successively in the first pump 31, in the first exchanger 1, in the heat exchanger IA called the passenger compartment heater radiator, and returns to the first pump 31.

[0178] A second circulation loop is formed by the circuit portions comprising the second interchange 2, the secondary loop portion 20B extending between the second interchange 2 and the third connection point 53, the third branch portion 20D between the third connection point 53 and the sixth connection point 56, the fourth branch portion 20E, the portion of first branch of branch 20C between the fifth connection point 55 and the fourth interchange 4, the fourth interchange 4, the portion of first branch of branch 20C between the fourth interchange 4 and the seventh connection point 57, the fifth branch of branch 20F, the portion of third branch of branch 20D between the eighth connection point 58 and the fourth connection point 54, the portion of secondary loop 20B extending between the fourth connection point 54 and the second interchange 2.

[0179] The first three-way valve 35 directs the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the heating radiator IA. At the fourth connection point 54, the second three-way valve 36 directs the heat transfer fluid from the eighth connection point 58 to the second pump 32 and the second heat exchanger 2. The third three-way valve 37 directs the heat transfer fluid from the third connection point 53 to the fifth connection point 55.

[0180] The heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid by the desuperheating and condensation of the refrigerant at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the interior airflow Fi at the heater core IA. The vehicle passenger compartment is thus heated. At the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid and evaporates. The cooled heat transfer fluid then circulates through the fourth heat exchanger 4 and is heated by the outside airflow Fe. The heat extracted from the outside airflow Fe is thus used to heat the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0181] The circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same for both passenger compartment cooling and passenger compartment heating modes. The two operating modes differ in the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0182] Other operating modes, not described, are of course possible.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: a compression device (7) having a first inlet (7A), a second inlet (7B) and an outlet (7C), a refrigerant circuit (10) configured for circulating a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising: - a main refrigerant circulation loop (A) comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), — the outlet (7C) of the compression device (7), — a first heat exchanger (1), — a first expansion valve (21), — a second heat exchanger (2), - a first branch (B) connecting a first connection point (11) disposed on the main loop (A) downstream of the first heat exchanger (1) and upstream of the first expansion valve (21) to the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7),the first branch (B) comprising a second expansion valve (22), a first internal heat exchanger (5) arranged jointly on the main loop (A) and on the first branch (B), the first internal heat exchanger (5) being configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the first connection point (11), and - the refrigerant downstream of the second expansion valve (22) and upstream of the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7).

2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant circuit (10) comprises a second branch (C) arranged in parallel with a portion of the main loop (A) comprising the first expansion valve (21) and the second heat exchanger (2), the second branch (C) comprising successively a third expansion valve (23) and a third heat exchanger (3).

3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main loop (A) comprises a second internal exchanger (6) configured to allow heat exchange between: - the refrigerant flowing downstream of the first connection point (11) and upstream of the first expansion valve (21), and - the refrigerant flowing downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second branch (C) connects a third connection point (13) disposed on the main loop (A) downstream of the first connection point (11) and upstream of the first expansion valve (21) to a fourth connection point (14) disposed on the main loop (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7), wherein the main loop (A) includes a second internal exchanger (6) configured to permit heat exchange between: - the refrigerant flowing downstream of the first connection point (11) and upstream of the third connection point (13), and - the refrigerant downstream of the fourth connection point (14) and upstream of the first inlet (7A) of the compression device (7).

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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.

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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), wherein: - a first refrigerant 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).

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first heat exchanger (1) is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a closed circuit (20) of heat transfer fluid, the circuit (20) of heat transfer fluid comprising a heat exchanger (IA) configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow (Fi) to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - 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.

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the third heat exchanger (3) is thermally coupled with an element (25) of an electric traction chain via a heat transfer fluid circulating in a heat transfer fluid circuit (40).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to , comprising a heat transfer fluid circuit (20), in which: - the first heat exchanger (1) is jointly arranged on the refrigerant circuit (10) and on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) so as to permit heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, - the second heat exchanger (2) is jointly arranged on the refrigerant circuit (10) and on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) so as to permit heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which the first exchanger (1) is configured to be selectively coupled to an interior airflow (Fi) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle or to an exterior airflow (Fe) to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, and in which the second exchanger (2) is configured to be selectively coupled to the outside airflow (Fe) or the inside airflow (Fi).

10. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: - a first flow (Qrl) of refrigerant circulates in the compression device (7) where it passes through a high pressure, circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat, in the first internal heat exchanger (5), and divides into: - a second flow (Qr2) of refrigerant circulating in the first bypass branch (B), successively in the second expansion valve (22) where it undergoes expansion and passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, then in the first internal heat exchanger (5), the intermediate pressure refrigerant from the first internal heat exchanger (5) joining the second inlet (7B) of the compression device (7), - a third flow (Qr3) of refrigerant circulating in the main loop (A), successively in the first expansion valve (21) where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, then in the second exchanger (2) where it evaporates, the low-pressure refrigerant from the second exchanger (2) returning to the first inlet (7 A) of the compression device (7).

11. Method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 9, in a so-called passenger compartment cooling mode, the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprising: - a primary loop (20A) for circulating heat transfer fluid, the primary loop (20A) comprising the first heat exchanger (1) and a heat exchanger (IA) called the passenger compartment heater radiator,

12. - a secondary loop (20B) for circulating heat transfer fluid, the secondary loop (20B) comprising the second heat exchanger (2) and a heat exchanger (2A) called the passenger compartment cooling radiator, - a first branch (20C) arranged in parallel with the primary loop (20A), the first branch (20C) comprising a heat exchanger (4) called an external radiator, configured to exchange heat with the outside airflow (Fe) to the vehicle's passenger compartment, a process in which: - a first flow (Qcl) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A) in the first exchanger (1) where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, then successively in the first bypass branch (20C), in the heat exchanger (4) called external radiator where it gives up heat to the outside air flow (Fe), in the first bypass branch (20C), and returns to the first exchanger (1), - a second flow (Qc2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2) where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, then in the heat exchanger (2A) called cooling radiator where it receives heat from the internal air flow (Fi), and returns to the second exchanger (2). Method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 9, in a so-called passenger compartment heating mode, the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprising: - a primary loop (20A) for circulating heat transfer fluid, the primary loop (20A) comprising the first heat exchanger (1) and a heat exchanger (IA) called the passenger compartment heater radiator, - a secondary loop (20B) for circulating heat transfer fluid, the secondary loop (20B) comprising the second heat exchanger (2) and a heat exchanger (2A) called the passenger compartment cooling radiator, - a first branch (20C) arranged in parallel with the primary loop (20A), the first branch (20C) comprising a heat exchanger (4) called an external radiator, configured to exchange heat with the outside airflow (Fe) to the vehicle's passenger compartment, a process in which: - a first flow (Qc1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A), successively in the first exchanger (1) where it receives heat from the refrigerant, then in the heat exchanger (IA), also called the heating radiator, where it releases heat to the indoor airflow (Fi), and returns to the first exchanger (1), - a second flow (Qc2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B) in the second exchanger (2) where it releases heat to the refrigerant, then successively in a second bypass branch (20D), in a third bypass branch (20E), in the heat exchanger (4), also called the external radiator, where it receives heat from the outdoor airflow (Fe), in a fourth bypass branch (20F), and returns to the second exchanger (2), the second branch branch (20D) being arranged in parallel with the secondary loop (20B) and comprising the element (25) of the vehicle's electric traction chain, the third branch branch (20E) connecting the first branch branch (20C) to the second branch branch (20D), and the fourth branch branch (20F) connecting the first branch branch (20C) to the second branch branch (20D).

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