Heat management circuit

Abstract

To provide a heat management circuit which can easily switch between circulation of a heat medium and non-circulation in a passage in which the heat medium configured to exchange heat with a battery circulates.SOLUTION: A heat management circuit 100 includes a battery 11, a first flow path 10 through which a heat medium configured to exchange heat with the battery flows, a water pump 21 (a first flow rate adjusting unit), and a water pump 31 (a second flow rate adjusting unit). In the heat management circuit 100, adjustment of a flow rate of the heat medium by each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 switches a flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10 and a stop state in which circulation of the heat medium is stopped in the first flow path 10. In the stop state, the flow of the heat medium toward one side in the first flow path 10 and the flow of the heat medium toward the other side in the first flow path 10 are canceled to stop the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management circuits. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2022 / 208947 (Patent Document 1) discloses that a flow path of a heat medium in a circuit including a secondary battery is switched by a control valve. The circuit is formed with a flow path through which a heat medium that is heat exchanged with the secondary battery flows. By switching the control valve, the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path are switched. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 208947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, as described above, in order to switch between flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path through which the heat medium that exchanges heat with the secondary battery flows, it is necessary to perform control to switch the control valve, which may make the control complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a thermal management circuit that can easily switch between flowing and non-flowing a heat medium in a flow path through which a heat medium that is heat exchanged with a battery flows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A thermal management circuit according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows, the thermal management circuit including a battery, a first flow path through which the heat medium flows for performing heat exchange between the battery and the battery, a first flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium in a first direction in the first flow path, and a second flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the first flow path. By adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium by at least one of the first flow rate adjustment unit and the second flow rate adjustment unit, a (i) flow state in which the heat medium flows through the first flow path and a (ii) stop state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped by canceling out the flow of the heat medium in the first direction in the first flow path and the flow of the heat medium in the second direction in the first flow path.

[0007] In the thermal management circuit according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the flow rate of the heat medium is adjusted in at least one of the first flow rate regulator and the second flow rate regulator, thereby switching between a flow state and a stopped state (non-flow state) in the first flow path. This makes it possible to control the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path simply by controlling at least one of the first flow rate regulator and the second flow rate regulator. As a result, it is possible to easily switch between flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the first flow path.

[0008] The thermal management circuit according to the above aspect preferably includes a first heat source, a second heat source, a second flow path connected to one end of the first flow path and in which the heat medium is heat exchanged between the first heat source and the second heat source, and a third flow path connected to the other end of the first flow path and in which the heat medium is heat exchanged between the second heat source and the second heat source. The first heat source heats the heat medium by supplying heat to the heat medium. The second heat source cools the heat medium by supplying heat from the heat medium. When the heat medium from the second flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the third flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a heating circuit is formed in which the battery is heated. When the heat medium from the third flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the second flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a cooling circuit is formed in which the battery is cooled. The flow of the heat medium from the second flow path and the flow of the heat medium from the third flow path are offset in the first flow path, thereby forming a flow stop circuit in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped. With this configuration, in addition to switching between flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the first flow path, it is possible to switch between heating and cooling the battery by the heat medium flowing through the first flow path.

[0009] In this case, the second heat source is preferably a chiller device. The heat management circuit further includes a refrigeration cycle connected to the chiller device and including a compressor, a first heat exchanger provided downstream of a portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium occurs, a high-temperature circuit connected to the first heat exchanger and in which an electric heater is disposed, and a second heat exchanger in which heat exchange between the heat medium of the refrigeration cycle and the heat medium of the high-temperature circuit occurs. With this configuration, in addition to the heat from the electric heater, heat generated by operating the refrigeration cycle (compressor) can be used for heating, etc.

[0010] The thermal management circuit in which the chiller device and the high-temperature circuit are provided preferably includes a first radiator connected in parallel with each of the second flow path and the third flow path. The high-temperature circuit includes a heater core and a second radiator. When the heating circuit is formed, the waste heat of each of the first heat source and the battery is used for heating via the heater core, or is dissipated to the outside air via the second radiator. When the cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium cooled by the first radiator is further cooled by the chiller device. With this configuration, when the heating circuit is formed, the waste heat of the first heat source and the battery can be easily processed. Also, when the cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium can be efficiently cooled by the first radiator and the chiller device.

[0011] The heat management circuit in which the first heat source and the second heat source are provided is preferably provided downstream of a first portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium is performed, and includes a first flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow path of the heat medium. The heat management circuit is provided upstream of a second portion of the third flow path where heat exchange between the second heat source and the heat medium is performed, and includes a second flow path switching valve capable of switching the flow path of the heat medium. The heat management circuit is provided downstream of the second portion of the third flow path and includes a flow valve capable of controlling the flow of the heat medium. If a portion of the first flow path between the third portion where heat exchange between the battery and the heat medium is performed and the first flow path switching valve is defined as a first connection portion, the heat management circuit includes a first connection flow path connecting the first connection portion and the second flow path switching valve. If a portion of the third flow path between the second portion and the second flow path switching valve is defined as a second connection portion, the heat management circuit includes a second connection flow path connecting the second connection portion and the first flow path switching valve. If a portion of the third flow path between the second portion and the flow valve is defined as a third connection portion, the first flow path connects the first flow path switching valve and the third connection portion. With this configuration, the flow direction of the heat medium in the first flow path can be easily switched by the first flow path switching valve, the second flow path switching valve, and the flow valve.

[0012] In the thermal management circuit according to the above aspect, preferably, when the outputs of the first flow rate regulator and the second flow rate regulator are increased or decreased at a predetermined cycle, the boundary surface between the heat media that are offset from each other is reciprocated in the region of the first flow path corresponding to the battery. With this configuration, the temperature of the multiple cells of the battery can be easily equalized by the heat medium. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily switch between flow and non-flow of the heat medium in a flow path through which the heat medium that exchanges heat with the battery flows. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a thermal management system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a state in which the flow of the heat medium through a first flow path is stopped in a heat management circuit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a second diagram of the thermal management circuit according to the embodiment in a state where the flow of the heat medium through the first flow path is stopped. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a battery and unit circuits being cooled in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a battery being equalized in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow rate of the water pump in the state shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which cooling of a unit circuit and heat pump heating using heat generated by cooling a battery are performed in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a state in which a battery is being heated and a unit circuit is being cooled in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a high-temperature circuit is heated before a battery is heated in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates a thermal management circuit in accordance with one embodiment, in which a high temperature circuit is being heated while a battery is being heated. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which battery cooling and heat pump heating using heat generated by cooling a unit circuit are performed in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating a state in which the battery is being heated and the unit circuits are being cooled in the thermal management circuit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The thermal management circuit according to the present disclosure will be described below. The thermal management circuit is mounted, for example, on an electric vehicle (not shown). The electric vehicle on which the thermal management circuit is mounted is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving, such as an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). However, the use of the thermal management circuit according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0016] <Overall composition> 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 200.

[0017] The thermal management circuit 100 includes a first flow path 10, a battery 11, a second flow path 20, a water pump (W / P) 21, a unit circuit 22, a heat exchanger 23, a four-way valve 24, a third flow path 30, a water pump 31, a three-way valve 32, a chiller device 33, an FSV (Flow Shut Valve) 34, a first connection flow path 40, a second connection flow path 50, a reservoir tank (R / T) 60, a low temperature (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 70, a refrigeration cycle 80, and a high temperature circuit 90. The unit circuit 22 and the chiller device 33 are examples of the "first heat source" and the "second heat source" of the present disclosure, respectively. The water pump 21 and the water pump 31 are examples of the "first flow rate adjustment unit" and the "second flow rate adjustment unit" of the present disclosure, respectively. Additionally, four-way valve 24 and three-way valve 32 are examples of a "first flow path switching valve" and a "second flow path switching valve" of the present disclosure, respectively. Additionally, heat exchanger 23 and FSV 34 are examples of a "first heat exchanger" and a "flow valve" of the present disclosure, respectively. Additionally, low-temperature radiator 70 is an example of a "first radiator" of the present disclosure.

[0018] In the thermal management circuit 100, the first flow path 10, the second flow path 20, and the third flow path 30 form a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0019] The heat medium flowing through the first flow path 10 exchanges heat with the battery 11. In other words, the first flow path 10 is provided with a portion 10a that exchanges heat with the battery 11. The first flow path 10 connects the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30. Note that, hereinafter, the flow of the heat medium through the portion 10a may be described as the heat medium flowing through the battery 11. Also, the portion 10a is an example of the "third portion" and the "region corresponding to the battery" in the present disclosure.

[0020] Specifically, one end 10b of the first flow path 10 is connected to the second flow path 20 (four-way valve 24). The other end 10c of the first flow path 10 is connected to the third flow path 30 (portion 36). Portion 36 is provided between the chiller unit 33 and the FSV 34. Note that portion 36 is an example of a "third connection portion" in this disclosure.

[0021] The heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20 is heat exchanged with the unit circuit 22. In other words, the second flow path 20 is provided with a portion 20a that exchanges heat with the unit circuit 22. The heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20 is heated by heat supplied from the unit circuit 22. The unit circuit 22 is provided with a power control unit (PCU), an oil cooler (O / C), a step-up / step-down converter, and the like (not shown). Note that, hereinafter, the flow of the heat medium through the portion 20a may be described as the heat medium flowing through the unit circuit 22. Note that the portion 20a is an example of a "first portion" in the present disclosure.

[0022] The water pump 21 is provided in the second flow path 20. The water pump 21 adjusts the flow rate (flow speed) of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium from the second flow path 20 that flows (attempts to flow) in the first flow path 10 is adjusted by the water pump 21.

[0023] The heat exchanger 23 is provided in the second flow path 20. The heat exchanger 23 is provided downstream of the portion 20a (the unit circuit 22). The heat exchanger 23 is a water-water heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 23 is connected to the high-temperature circuit 90.

[0024] The high temperature circuit 90 includes an electric heater 91, a four-way valve 92, a high temperature (HT) radiator 93, a heater core 94, and a reservoir tank 95. The high temperature circuit 90 is also connected to a water-cooled condenser 85. The heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 flows through any one of a first path passing through the reservoir tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-heater core 94-reservoir tank 95, a second path passing through the reservoir tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-heat exchanger 23-reservoir tank 95, and a third path passing through the reservoir tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-high temperature radiator 93. For example, the heat medium may flow through both the first path and the second path. The water-cooled condenser 85 and the high-temperature radiator 93 are examples of the "second heat exchanger" and the "second radiator" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0025] The four-way valve 92 has a port P31 connected to a flow path between the heater core 94 and the four-way valve 92, and a port P32 connected to a flow path between the heater core 94 and the heat exchanger 23.

[0026] The four-way valve 24 is provided in the second flow path 20. The four-way valve 24 is provided downstream of the portion 20a (unit circuit 22) and the heat exchanger 23. In other words, the four-way valve 24 is provided on the opposite side of the portion 20a (unit circuit 22) and the heat exchanger 23 to the water pump 21. The four-way valve 24 is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the heat medium. The four-way valve 24 is connected to each of the first flow path 10, the second flow path 20 (upstream and downstream sides), and the second connection flow path 50.

[0027] The four-way valve 24 has a port P1 connected to a flow path between the heat exchanger 23, a port P2 connected to the second connection flow path 50, a port P3 connected to the first flow path 10, and a port P4 connected to a flow path of the second flow path 20 downstream of the four-way valve 24.

[0028] The heat medium flowing through the third flow path 30 exchanges heat with the chiller device 33. In other words, the chiller device 33 is provided in the portion 30a of the third flow path 30. The heat medium flowing through the third flow path 30 is cooled by supplying heat to the chiller device 33. The portion 30a is an example of the "second portion" in the present disclosure.

[0029] The water pump 31 is provided in the third flow path 30. The water pump 31 is configured to be capable of adjusting the flow rate (flow speed) of the heat medium flowing through the third flow path 30. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium from the third flow path 30 that flows (attempts to flow) in the first flow path 10 is adjusted by the water pump 31.

[0030] The three-way valve 32 is provided on the upstream side of the portion 30a (chiller device 33) of the third flow path 30. The three-way valve 32 is provided on the third flow path 30 between the portion 30a (chiller device 33) and the water pump 31.

[0031] The three-way valve 32 has a port P11 connected to the flow path between the third flow path 30 and the water pump 31, a port P12 connected to the first connection flow path 40, and a port P13 connected to the flow path between the third flow path 30 and the chiller unit 33 (part 30a).

[0032] The FSV 34 is provided on the opposite side of the portion 30a of the third flow path 30 from the three-way valve 32 (that is, on the downstream side of the portion 30a). The FSV 34 is configured to be able to switch between flowing and non-flowing of the heat medium.

[0033] The third flow path 30 has a connection portion 35 between the chiller device 33 (portion 30a) and the three-way valve 32. The second connection flow path 50 connects the connection portion 35 and the four-way valve 24. The connection portion 35 is an example of the “second connection portion” of the present disclosure.

[0034] The first flow path 10 is provided with a connection portion 12 between the battery 11 (portion 10a) and the four-way valve 24. The first connection flow path 40 connects the connection portion 12 and the three-way valve 32. The connection portion 12 is an example of the "first connection portion" of the present disclosure.

[0035] The reservoir tank 60 is connected to each of the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30 on the upstream side of the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30. The reservoir tank 60 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the heat management circuit 100 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the heat management circuit 100 (the first flow path 10, the second flow path 20, and the third flow path 30).

[0036] Low-temperature radiator 70 is disposed so that the heat medium flows through at least one of second flow path 20 and third flow path 30. In low-temperature radiator 70, the heat medium is heat exchanged with outside air. The heat medium that has been heat exchanged between low-temperature radiator 70 and the outside air flows into reservoir tank 60.

[0037] The refrigeration cycle 80 is connected to the chiller device 33. The refrigeration cycle 80 is provided with a compressor 81, an evaporator 82, and an expansion valve 83 and an expansion valve 84. The refrigeration cycle 80 is connected to a water-cooled condenser 85. The heat medium of the refrigeration cycle 80 and the heat medium of the high-temperature circuit 90 are heat exchanged in the water-cooled condenser 85.

[0038] The heat transfer medium (gas phase refrigerant or liquid phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 80 flows through one or both of a first path of the compressor 81-water-cooled condenser 85-expansion valve 84-evaporator 82-compressor 81 and a second path of the compressor 81-water-cooled condenser 85-expansion valve 83-chiller device 33-compressor 81.

[0039] The ECU 200 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, and an interface 204.

[0040] The processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The memory 202 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The processor 201 reads out a system program and a control program stored in the storage 203, expands them in the memory 202, and executes them to realize various processes. The interface 204 controls communication between the ECU 200 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0041] The ECU 200 generates control commands based on sensor values ​​acquired from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. Based on the control commands from the ECU 200, the states of the three-way valve 32, the four-way valve 24, the four-way valve 92, and the FSV 34 are controlled. Based on the control commands from the ECU 200, the outputs of the electric heater 91, the water pump 21, and the water pump 31 are controlled.

[0042] In a conventional heat management circuit, the flow path of the heat medium is switched by a switching valve, thereby switching between flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path corresponding to the first flow path 10. In contrast, it is desired to more easily switch between flow and non-flow of the heat medium.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, when controlling the flow of the heat medium in the first flow passage 10, the flow rate of the heat medium in each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 is adjusted. This switches between a flow state in which the heat medium flows through the first flow passage 10 and a stop state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow passage 10 is stopped. In the stop state, the flow of the heat medium toward one side in the first flow passage 10 (for example, from the portion 36 toward the four-way valve 24) and the flow of the heat medium toward the other side in the first flow passage 10 (for example, from the four-way valve 24 toward the portion 36) are offset. As a result, the flow of the heat medium (water flow) in the first flow passage 10 is stopped.

[0044] 2 shows an example of a stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped. In this example, the outputs of the water pumps 21 and 31 are adjusted so that the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the second flow path 20 at the four-way valve 24 is equal to the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the portion 36 of the third flow path 30. This causes the flow of the heat medium from the four-way valve 24 side toward the battery 11 and the flow of the heat medium from the portion 36 side toward the battery 11 to be offset in the first flow path 10. As a result, the heat medium does not flow into the first flow path 10 from either the second flow path 20 or the third flow path 30. The FSV 34 is in an open state.

[0045] 2, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 connected to the second connection flow path 50 is closed. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P2 connected to the first connection flow path 40 is closed. As a result, the heat medium from the water pump 21 (see dashed line) flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 (see dashed line) flows through the three-way valve 32-chiller device 33-FSV 34-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. In addition, the unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20.

[0046] 3 shows an example of a stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped. In this example, the outputs of the water pumps 21 and 31 are adjusted so that the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium (heat medium in the connection portion 12) passing through the second connection flow path 50 from the three-way valve 32 is equal to the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the portion 36 of the third flow path 30. This cancels out the flow of the heat medium from the connection portion 12 side toward the battery 11 and the flow of the heat medium from the portion 36 side toward the battery 11. Specifically, the heat medium from both sides press against each other in the portion 10a, thereby stopping the flow of the heat medium.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P3 and the port P4 are in a closed state. The FSV 34 is in an open state. As a result, the heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-chiller device 33-FSV 34-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60 and the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-chiller device 33-battery 11. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows through the path of the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11. In addition, the unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 3, heat from the high-temperature circuit 90 (see FIG. 1) is supplied to the heat medium in the second flow path 20 through the heat exchanger 23. The heat from the high-temperature circuit 90 supplied to the heat medium in the second flow path 20 is then supplied to the refrigeration cycle 80 through the chiller device 33. This increases the amount of heat medium gasified in the refrigeration cycle 80, which increases the pumping work of the compressor 81. As a result, the heat generated in the compressor 81 increases. The heat generated in the compressor 81 is supplied to the high-temperature circuit 90 through the water-cooled condenser 85. This increases the temperature of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90. In the following, circulating heat to increase the temperature of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90 as described above is referred to as "heat circulation". When this heat circulation is performed, the port P32 of the four-way valve 92 of the high-temperature circuit 90 is opened. When the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90 is sufficiently warmed by the heat circulation, the heat circulation may be stopped by closing the expansion valve 83 connected to the chiller device 33.

[0049] 3, the port P13 may be opened instead of the port P12 of the three-way valve 32. In this case, the heat medium presses against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connection portion 35, thereby stopping the flow of the heat medium.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an example of a flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is closed. The FSV 34 is closed. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P2 is closed. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows through the three-way valve 32-chiller device 33-battery 11-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. That is, the heat medium cooled in the low-temperature radiator 70 is further cooled in the chiller device 33. In addition, the unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20.

[0051] 4, the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the second flow path 20 at the four-way valve 24 is smaller than the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the portion 36 of the third flow path 30. As a result, the heat medium is not offset by each other in the first flow path 10, and the heat medium flows from the portion 36 toward the four-way valve 24. The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10.

[0052] The example shown in FIG. 5 has the same circuit state as the example shown in FIG. 3, but the output of the water pump 21 (31) is different from that shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the waveforms indicating the output (flow rate) of the water pump 21 (31) change into a sine wave (see FIG. 6) in a state where they are synchronized with each other. Specifically, the peaks of the waveform of the water pump 21 and the peaks of the waveform of the water pump 31 are shifted from each other. As a result, the magnitude relationship of the flow rates (flow velocities) of the heat media pushing against each other in the portion 10a changes (switches) over time. As a result, the boundary surface between the heat media moves back and forth in the portion 10a (in the direction in which the first flow path 10 extends). In the portion 11a, the heat medium sequentially switches between a flow direction from the portion 11a toward the portion 36, a stopped state, and a flow direction from the portion 11a toward the portion 12, and the heat medium oscillates in the portion 10a.

[0053] The battery 11 includes a plurality of cells, and the cells are arranged in the portion 11a in the direction in which the first flow path 10 extends (arrangement direction). When the flow direction of the heat medium is fixed, the temperature of the heat medium increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction. The cells located downstream in the flow direction exchange heat with the heat medium whose temperature is relatively high. As a result, the temperature of the cells located downstream in the flow direction of the heat medium tends to be higher than the temperature of the cells located upstream in the flow direction.

[0054] Therefore, as described above, in the portion 10a, the flow direction of the heat medium is oscillated, so that the heat medium is mixed and the temperature of the heat medium in the portion 10a is uniformized. By cooling each cell with the heat medium whose temperature is uniformized in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature variations in the cells.

[0055] 7 is an example of a flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is closed. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P3 is closed. The FSV 34 is closed. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows through the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11-chiller device 33-first connecting flow path 40-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20.

[0056] The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 10. The heat medium that has absorbed heat from the battery 11 supplies heat to the refrigeration cycle 80 via the chiller device 33. Then, heat is supplied from the refrigeration cycle 80 to the high-temperature circuit 90 via the water-cooled condenser 85. As a result, the heat supplied to the high-temperature circuit 90 is used to send warm air from the heater core 94 to the cabin (not shown). That is, heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 11 is performed. At this time, the port P31 (see FIG. 1) of the four-way valve 92 of the high-temperature circuit 90 is in an open state, and the port P32 is in a closed state. When heat pump heating is not required, the waste heat is released to the outside air via the high-temperature radiator 93 (see FIG. 1). This is the same in the other circuits that can perform heat pump heating as described below.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an example of a flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, all the ports P1 to P4 are in an open state. The FSV 34 is in a closed state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-battery 11-chiller device 33-first connection flow path 40 (with branching to the three-way valve 32 side)-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. The heat medium from the water pump 31 also tries to flow through the three-way valve 32 to the chiller device 33 side. In this case, the heat medium pushes against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connection part 35. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20. The heat medium flowing through the first flow path 10 supplies heat from the unit circuit 22 to the battery 11. As a result, the temperature of the battery 11 is increased.

[0058] 8, unlike the example of Fig. 7 in which heat pump heating is performed using waste heat from the unit circuit 22, the waste heat from the battery 11 (and the heat of the outside air) can be used for heat pump heating in addition to the unit circuit 22. At this time, the port P32 of the four-way valve 92 of the high-temperature circuit 90 (see Fig. 1) is in a closed state.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a circuit for increasing the temperature of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90 (see FIG. 1) before the temperature of the battery 11 is increased. In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, the ports P3 and P4 are in a closed state. The FSV 34 is in an open state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-the heat exchanger 23-the four-way valve 24-the first connecting flow path 40-the chiller device 33 (with a branch on the three-way valve 32 side)-the FSV 34-the low-temperature radiator 70-the reservoir tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 tries to flow through the three-way valve 32 to the chiller device 33 side. In this case, the heat medium pushes against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connection portion 35. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20.

[0060] 9, the port P32 of the four-way valve 92 of the high-temperature circuit 90 (see FIG. 1) is opened. This causes the above-mentioned heat circulation to occur. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90 rises. After the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 90 has been raised in advance, when the thermal management circuit 100 is switched so that the heat medium flows through the battery 11, the battery 11 is heated by the heat generated by the heat circulation. Note that the port P31 of the four-way valve 92 may be opened.

[0061] The example shown in Fig. 10 differs from the example shown in Fig. 9 in that heat circulation is performed while the temperature of the battery 11 is increased by the heat medium. In the example shown in Fig. 10, waste heat from the battery 11 can also be used for heat circulation. Note that the port P31 of the four-way valve 92 may be in an open state.

[0062] FIG. 11 is an example of a flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the ports P3 and P4 are in a closed state. The FSV 34 is in an open state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-chiller device 33-FSV 34-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows through the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11-FSV 34-low-temperature radiator 70-reservoir tank 60. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 20. The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 10. In addition, the waste heat of the unit circuit 22 (and the heat of the outside air) can be used for heat pump heating. At this time, the port P32 of the four-way valve 92 of the high temperature circuit 90 (see FIG. 1) is in a closed state.

[0063] The example shown in Fig. 12 differs from the example shown in Fig. 8 in that the electric heater 91 of the high-temperature circuit 90 (see Fig. 1) is turned off. The circuit in Fig. 12 may be formed, for example, before the vehicle is driven, when only the temperature of the battery 11 is increased without operating the heater. The circuit in Fig. 12 may also be formed when the amount of heat generated by the unit circuit 22 becomes relatively large while the vehicle is driven, and heating (and raising the temperature of the battery 11) is possible using only the heat generated by the unit circuit 22.

[0064] 3, 8 to 10, and 12, the ports P11 to P13 of the three-way valve 32 may be closed to turn off the water pump 31.

[0065] Moreover, air bleeding for circulating the heat medium through all of the flow paths in the heat management circuit 100 is performed by sequentially switching the open / closed states of the ports of the switching valves (32, 24).

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow rate of the heat medium is adjusted by each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31, so that the flow of the heat medium toward one side in the first flow path 10 and the flow of the heat medium toward the other side in the first flow path 10 are offset. This allows switching between a stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped and a flowing state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10. In other words, by adjusting the relationship between the flow rate of the water pump 21 and the flow rate of the water pump 31, the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 can be easily switched.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow passage 10 is switched by adjusting the flow rate of each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The flow state of the heat medium in the first flow passage 10 may be switched by adjusting the flow rate of only one of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the heat source that heats the heat medium is the unit circuit 22, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heat source that heats the heat medium may be something other than the unit circuit 22 (for example, an electric heater). In addition, the heat source that cools the heat medium may be something other than the chiller device 33 (for example, a radiator).

[0069] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 first flow path, 10a part (third part), 10b one end, 10c other end, 11 battery, 12 connection part (first connection part), 20 second flow path, 20a part (first part), 21 water pump (first flow rate adjustment part), 22 unit circuit (first heat source), 23 heat exchanger (first heat exchanger), 24 four-way valve (first flow rate switching valve), 30 third flow path, 30a part (second part), 31 water pump (second flow rate adjustment part), 32 three-way valve (second flow rate switching valve), 33 chiller device (second heat source), 34 FSV (circulation valve), 35 connection part (second connection part), 36 part (third connection part), 40 first connection flow path, 70 low-temperature radiator (first radiator), 80 refrigeration cycle, 81 compressor, 85 water-cooled condenser (second heat exchanger), 90 high-temperature circuit, 91 Electric heater, 93 high temperature radiator (second radiator), 94 heater core, 100 thermal management circuit.

Claims

1. A thermal management circuit through which a heat transfer medium flows, A battery; a first flow path through which a heat medium flows to exchange heat with the battery; a first flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a flow rate of the heat medium flowing in a first direction in the first flow path; a second flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts a flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The flow rate of the heat medium is adjusted by at least one of the first flow rate adjustment unit and the second flow rate adjustment unit, a flow state in which a heat medium flows through the first flow path; a stopped state in which the flow of heat medium in the first flow path is stopped by canceling out the flow of heat medium in the first direction in the first flow path and the flow of heat medium in the second direction in the first flow path.

2. A first heat source; and A second heat source; and a second flow path connected to one end of the first flow path, and through which a heat medium is exchanged between the second flow path and the first heat source; a third flow path connected to the other end of the first flow path and through which a heat medium is exchanged between the third flow path and the second heat source, The first heat source supplies heat to a heat medium to raise the temperature of the heat medium, The second heat source cools the heat medium by receiving heat from the heat medium; a heating circuit is formed in which the temperature of the battery is raised when the heat medium from the second flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the third flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path; a cooling circuit for cooling the battery is formed when the heat medium from the third flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the second flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path; 2. The thermal management circuit according to claim 1, wherein a flow of the heat medium from the second flow path and a flow of the heat medium from the third flow path are offset in the first flow path to form a flow stop circuit in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped.

3. The second heat source is a chiller device, a refrigeration cycle connected to the chiller device and including a compressor; a first heat exchanger provided downstream of a portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium occurs; a high-temperature circuit connected to the first heat exchanger and in which an electric heater is disposed; The thermal management circuit according to claim 2 , further comprising a second heat exchanger in which heat exchange between the heat medium of the refrigeration cycle and the heat medium of the high-temperature circuit takes place.

4. a first radiator connected in parallel to each of the second flow path and the third flow path; The high-temperature circuit includes a heater core and a second radiator. When the heating circuit is formed, waste heat from the first heat source and the battery is utilized for heating via the heater core, or is radiated to the outside air via the second radiator; The thermal management circuit according to claim 3 , wherein, when the cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium cooled by the first radiator is further cooled by the chiller device.

5. a first flow path switching valve that is provided downstream of a first portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium occurs and that is capable of switching a flow path of the heat medium; a second flow path switching valve that is provided upstream of a second portion of the third flow path where heat exchange between the second heat source and the heat medium occurs and that is capable of switching a flow path of the heat medium; a flow valve that is provided on the opposite side of the second flow path switching valve with respect to the second portion of the third flow path and is capable of controlling the flow of the heat medium; a first connection flow path that connects the first connection portion and the second flow path switching valve, where a third portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the battery and the heat medium is performed, and a portion between the first flow path switching valve and the third portion of the first flow path that connects the first connection portion and the second flow path switching valve; a second connection flow path that connects the second connection portion and the first flow path switching valve, where a portion of the third flow path between the second portion and the second flow path switching valve is defined as a second connection portion, A thermal management circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a portion of the third flow path between the second portion and the circulation valve is defined as a third connection portion, and the first flow path connects the first flow path switching valve and the third connection portion.

6. 5. The thermal management circuit according to claim 1, wherein when the outputs of the first flow rate control unit and the second flow rate control unit are increased or decreased at a predetermined cycle, a boundary surface between the heat media that are offset from each other is moved back and forth in a region of the first flow path corresponding to the battery.

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