Heat management circuit

Abstract

To provide a heat management circuit that can improve cooling efficiency of a cooling target device by using a radiator.SOLUTION: A heat management circuit 10 includes a battery circuit 100 (first circuit), a refrigeration cycle 200, and a hear radiation circuit 300 (second circuit). The heat radiation circuit 300 includes a flow passage 370 (first flow passage), a flow passage 380 (second flow passage), and a flow passage 390 (third flow passage). The flow passage 370 connects a port 241b (outlet port) of a condensation unit 241 to an upstream HT radiator 321 (upstream radiator). The flow passage 380 branches from a flow passage 325 connecting the upstream HT radiator 321 to a downstream HT radiator 322 (downstream radiator), to be connected to a port 241a (inlet port) of the condensation unit 241. The flow passage 390 connects a port 243a (inlet port) of a subcooling unit 243 (overcooling unit) to the downstream HT radiator 322.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-186879 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which engine coolant is cooled by a radiator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-186879 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the thermal management circuit of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, as described above, the coolant that cools the engine (the device to be cooled) is cooled by the radiator. It is desired to further improve the cooling efficiency of the device to be cooled by using the radiator.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a thermal management circuit that is capable of improving the cooling efficiency of a device to be cooled by using a radiator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A thermal management circuit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management circuit mounted on an electric device, and includes a first circuit through which a coolant flows that exchanges heat with a cooling target device that is a device to be cooled, a refrigeration cycle including a chiller and a water-cooled condenser, and through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the coolant flowing through the first circuit flows, and a second circuit including a radiator section, and through which a coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle flows in the water-cooled condenser. The second circuit includes a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path, each of which is connected to the water-cooled condenser. The water-cooled condenser includes a condenser section and a subcooler section. The radiator section has an upstream radiator and a downstream radiator that are connected in series to each other in the second circuit. The first flow path connects the outlet port of the coolant in the condenser section to the upstream radiator. The second flow path branches off from a flow path that connects the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator, and is connected to an inlet port of the coolant in the condenser section. The third flow passage connects the coolant inlet port in the subcooling portion and the downstream radiator.

[0007] In the thermal management circuit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the first flow path connects the outlet port of the coolant in the condensation section and the upstream radiator, the second flow path branches off from a flow path connecting the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator and is connected to the inlet port of the coolant in the condensation section, and the third flow path connects the inlet port of the coolant in the supercooling section and the downstream radiator. This allows the coolant flowing out from the upstream radiator to directly flow into the condensation section through the second flow path. As a result, the coolant can flow to the condensation section without passing through the downstream radiator and the supercooling section. This prevents the flow rate (flow force, flow velocity) of the coolant from decreasing due to passing through the downstream radiator and the supercooling section, so the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the second flow path into the condensation section can be relatively large. Note that since the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid in the condensation section, the temperature of the refrigerant hardly changes (decreases) while the condensation heat is released from the refrigerant. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant is maintained at a relatively high value, so that even the relatively high-temperature cooling liquid that has passed only through the upstream radiator and not through the downstream radiator can exchange heat with the refrigerant. In addition, the large flow rate of the cooling liquid passing through the condenser suppresses the rise in the temperature of the cooling liquid caused by passing through the condenser. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the cooling liquid. In these respects, the above-mentioned configuration of the thermal management circuit is effective in increasing the amount of heat exchanged in the condenser.

[0008] In addition, the coolant that has passed through the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator can be made to flow into the supercooling section. This allows the temperature of the coolant flowing into the supercooling section to be lower than when the coolant passes only through the upstream radiator. In the supercooling section, the refrigerant remains liquid, so the temperature of the refrigerant drops due to heat dissipation. Therefore, the lower the temperature of the coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the greater the amount of heat exchanged in the supercooling section. In this respect, the above configuration of the thermal management circuit is effective in increasing the amount of heat exchanged in the supercooling section.

[0009] As a result, the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the cooling liquid in the water-cooled condenser (the amount of heat released by the refrigerant) can be increased, so that the cooling efficiency of the device to be cooled can be easily improved.

[0010] In the thermal management circuit according to the above aspect, the downstream radiator is preferably disposed upstream of the upstream radiator in the flow direction of the outside air flowing into the radiator section. With this configuration, the outside air passes through the downstream radiator before passing through the upstream radiator, so that the temperature of the outside air passing through the downstream radiator can be made relatively low. As a result, the amount of heat dissipated by the cooling liquid in the downstream radiator can be increased. This allows the amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant in the supercooling section to be increased.

[0011] In the thermal management circuit according to the above aspect, the second circuit preferably includes a fourth flow path connecting the first flow path with the second flow path or the third flow path. The second circuit also includes a heater core provided in the fourth flow path and a first valve provided in the first flow path. The first valve is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the cooling water flowing to the upstream radiator and the flow rate of the cooling water flowing to the heater core. With this configuration, the balance between the amount of heat dissipated by the cooling liquid in the radiator and the amount of heat dissipated by the cooling liquid in the heater core (i.e., heating capacity) can be adjusted by the first valve.

[0012] In this case, the second circuit preferably includes a second valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the cooling water flowing from the upstream radiator to the downstream radiator. With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the balance between the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the downstream radiator and the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the second flow path into the condenser. This makes it possible to adjust the balance between the amount of heat dissipated by the cooling water in the downstream radiator and the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the cooling liquid in the condenser.

[0013] In the thermal management circuit in which the second circuit includes the second valve, the second valve is preferably formed integrally with the first valve. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration of the thermal management circuit can be simplified compared to a case in which the second valve and the first valve are provided separately. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the cooling efficiency of a device to be cooled can be improved by using a radiator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a thermal management system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first flow pattern of a heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second flow pattern of a heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a third flow pattern of a heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a water-cooled condenser according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation circuit according to a first modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation circuit according to a second modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation circuit according to a third modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation circuit according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a heat dissipation circuit according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 12]12A is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the five-way valve in FIG. 11. (FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a case where heat is supplied to a heater core. FIGS. 12B and 12C are diagrams showing a case where heat is supplied to a radiator. FIGS. 12D and 12E are diagrams showing a case where heat is supplied to a heater core and a radiator.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 including a thermal management circuit 10 according to this embodiment. The thermal management system 1 includes the thermal management circuit 10, an electronic control unit (ECU) 20, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 30.

[0018] The thermal management system 1 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle 2 (see FIG. 2). The electric vehicle 2 is an example of the "electrical device" of the present disclosure.

[0019] The thermal management circuit 10 includes a battery circuit 100, a refrigeration cycle 200, a heat dissipation circuit 300, a low-temperature circuit 400, and a four-way valve 500. In this specification, the heat medium flowing in the refrigeration cycle 200 is referred to as a "refrigerant," and the heat medium flowing in the other circuits (100, 300, 400) is referred to as a "coolant." The battery circuit 100 and the heat dissipation circuit 300 are examples of the "first circuit" and "second circuit," respectively, of the present disclosure.

[0020] The battery circuit 100 includes a battery 110 and a water pump 120. A coolant flows through the battery circuit 100 and exchanges heat with the battery 110. The battery 110 stores electric power used for propelling the electric vehicle 2. The battery 110 is an example of a "device to be cooled" in the present disclosure.

[0021] The refrigeration cycle 200 includes a chiller 210 , an evaporator 220 , a compressor 230 , a water-cooled condenser 240 , an expansion valve 250 , and an expansion valve 260 .

[0022] The chiller 210 is connected to each of the flow paths of the refrigeration cycle 200 and the battery circuit 100. Thus, heat is exchanged in the chiller 210 between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 200 and the cooling liquid flowing through the battery circuit 100.

[0023] The refrigerant (gas phase refrigerant or liquid phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 200 flows through one or both of a first path of the compressor 230-water-cooled condenser 240-expansion valve 260-evaporator 220-compressor 230 and a second path of the compressor 230-water-cooled condenser 240-expansion valve 250-chiller 210-compressor 230.

[0024] The water-cooled condenser 240 includes a condenser section 241, a receiver 242, a subcooler section 243, and a circulation pipe 244. The condenser section 241, the receiver 242, and the subcooler section 243 are connected in series to one another in the refrigeration cycle 200 (in a circulation path of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 200). The refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 200 flows through the condenser section 241, the receiver 242, and the subcooler section 243 in this order. The subcooler section 243 is an example of a "supercooler section" in this disclosure.

[0025] The condenser 241 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant pumped from the compressor 230 to change it into a liquid refrigerant, and exchanges heat between the liquid refrigerant and the cooling liquid flowing through the heat dissipation circuit 300. The receiver 242 separates the liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 241 into gas and liquid. The subcooler 243 exchanges heat between the liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the receiver 242 and the cooling liquid flowing through the heat dissipation circuit 300.

[0026] The condensation section 241 has a port 241a, a port 241b, and a port 241c. The port 241a is an inlet port into which the cooling liquid of the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows in. The port 241b is an outlet port from which the cooling liquid of the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows out. The port 241c is an inlet port into which the gas refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200, which is pressure-fed from the compressor 230, flows in.

[0027] The subcooling unit 243 has a port 243a and a port 243b. The port 243a is an inlet port into which the coolant of the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows in. The port 243b is an outlet port from which the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200 flows out.

[0028] The circulation pipe 244 connects the subcooling section 243 and the condensing section 241. The cooling liquid in the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through the circulation pipe 244 from the subcooling section 243 to the condensing section 241.

[0029] The low temperature circuit 400 includes an eAxle 410, a water pump 420, and an LT (Low Temperature) radiator 430. A coolant flows through the low temperature circuit 410 and exchanges heat with the eAxle 410. The eAxle 410 includes a PCU (Power Control Unit), an oil cooler, and the like (not shown).

[0030] The four-way valve 500 has ports P1 to P4. Port P1 is an inlet port into which the coolant that has exchanged heat with the eAxle 410 flows in. Port P2 is an outlet port from which the coolant flows out toward the LT radiator 430. Port P3 is an inlet port into which the coolant in the battery circuit 100 (the coolant that has passed through the chiller 210) flows in. Port P4 is an outlet port from which the coolant flows out to the battery circuit 100 (the battery 110 side).

[0031] The ECU 20 controls the thermal management circuit 10. The ECU 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, and an interface 24. The ECU 20 controls the open / closed state of each port of the four-way valve 500. By switching the open / closed state of each port of the four-way valve 500, the flow path of the coolant is switched.

[0032] Here, in the conventional thermal management circuit, it is desired to further improve the cooling efficiency of the device to be cooled, such as a battery.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat dissipation circuit 300 having the following configuration is used, which will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a first flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300.

[0034] Heat dissipation circuit 300 includes heater core 310, radiator section 320 (see FIG. 1), three-way valve 330, valve 340, check valve 350, and water pump 360. The flow rate (output) of the cooling water by water pump 360 and the respective states of three-way valve 330 and valve 340 are controlled by ECU 20 (see FIG. 1). Note that three-way valve 330 and valve 340 are examples of a "first valve" and a "second valve," respectively. Also, check valve 350 is an example of a "second valve" in the present disclosure.

[0035] The radiator section 320 has an upstream HT (High Temperature) radiator 321, a downstream HT radiator 322, and a flow path 325. The upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322 are connected in series to each other in the heat dissipation circuit 300. The flow path 325 connects the upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322. The upstream HT radiator 321 is disposed upstream of the downstream HT radiator 322 in the flow direction of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300. The upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322 are examples of the "upstream radiator" and the "downstream radiator" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0036] The heat dissipation circuit 300 includes a flow path 315, a flow path 370, a flow path 380, and a flow path 390. Each of the flow paths 370, 380, and 390 connects the radiator unit 320 and the water-cooled condenser 240. The flow paths 370 and 380 are examples of a "first flow path" and a "second flow path" in the present disclosure, respectively. The flow paths 390 and 315 are examples of a "third flow path" and a "fourth flow path" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0037] Specifically, flow path 370 connects port 241b of condensation section 241 and upstream HT radiator 321. Flow path 380 branches off from flow path 325 that connects upstream HT radiator 321 and downstream HT radiator 322, and is connected to port 241a of condensation section 241. Flow path 390 connects port 243a of subcooling section 243 and downstream HT radiator 322.

[0038] The flow passage 315 connects a portion 370a of the flow passage 370 and a portion 390a of the flow passage 390. The three-way valve 330 is provided in the portion 370a. The flow passage 315 is provided with a heater core 310.

[0039] The three-way valve 330 has ports P11 to P13. The port P11 is an inlet port into which the coolant flows from the condenser 241. The port P12 is an outlet port through which the coolant flows out to a flow path 315 toward the heater core 310. The port P13 is an outlet port through which the coolant flows out toward the upstream HT radiator 321. Each of the ports P11 and P13 is connected to a flow path 370. The port P12 is connected to the flow path 315. The open / closed states of each of the ports P11 to P13 in the three-way valve 330 are controlled by the ECU 20. By switching the open / closed states of each of the ports P11 to P13, the flow path of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 is switched.

[0040] Water pump 360 is provided on flow path 370, between three-way valve 330 and condenser section 241. Valve 340 is provided in flow path 380. Check valve 350 is provided in flow path 390. Specifically, check valve 350 is provided between downstream HT radiator 322 and portion 390a. Check valve 350 regulates the flow of coolant from portion 390a to downstream HT radiator 322.

[0041] 3 shows an example in which ports P11 and P13 are open and port P12 is closed. In this case, the coolant in heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through a first path of water pump 360-three-way valve 330-upstream HT radiator 321-downstream HT radiator 322-check valve 350-subcooling section 243-circulation pipe 244-condensation section 241-water pump 360, and a second path of water pump 360-three-way valve 330-upstream HT radiator 321-valve 340-condensation section 241-water pump 360.

[0042] As a result, the coolant flowing through the first path flows into the subcooling section 243 after being cooled by both the upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322. As a result, heat exchange occurs in the subcooling section 243 between the coolant cooled to a relatively low temperature and the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200. As a result, the refrigerant can be cooled more effectively in the subcooling section 243. Note that the temperature of the refrigerant in the subcooling section 243 changes as a result of heat exchange with the coolant.

[0043] Moreover, unlike the first path, the coolant flowing through the second path flows into the condenser 241 without passing through the downstream HT radiator 322 and the subcooler 243. As a result, the flow resistance of the coolant can be reduced more than that of the first path, so that the flow rate (flow force, flow velocity) of the coolant flowing into the condenser 241 can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to suppress the temperature of the coolant from rising due to the condensation heat generated when the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid in the condenser 241. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the refrigerant in the condenser 241 can be made relatively high. In addition, since the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the condenser 241 can be easily increased, the water pump 360 can be made smaller in size.

[0044] 4 shows a second flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300. In this case, the port P13 in the three-way valve 330 is closed, and the ports P11 and P12 are open. In this case, the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through the route of the water pump 360-the three-way valve 330-the heater core 310-the subcooler section 243-the flow pipe 244-the condenser section 241-the water pump 360. Note that the check valve 350 prevents the coolant that has flowed through the heater core 310 from flowing toward the downstream HT radiator 322.

[0045] As a result, when the coolant heated by heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser 240 passes through the heater core 310, the heat of the coolant is used for heating. Also, the coolant cooled by heat exchange in the heater core 310 flows from the subcooling section 243 into the water-cooled condenser 240. As a result, heat exchange occurs in each of the subcooling section 243 and the condensing section 241, so that the amount of heat exchange (amount of heat released by the refrigerant) can be made larger than when the coolant flows from the condensing section 241 into the water-cooled condenser 240.

[0046] 5 is a diagram showing a third flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300. At this time, the ports P11 to P13 of the three-way valve 330 are in an open state.

[0047] Here, it is preferable that the opening degree of each of the ports P12 and P13 of the three-way valve 330 is adjustable. In this case, the ratio between the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the three-way valve 330 to the upstream HT radiator 321 and the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 is adjustable. This makes it possible to adjust both the cooling efficiency of the coolant by the radiator section 320 and the heating efficiency by the heater core 310. The opening degree of each of the ports P12 and P13 is adjusted by the ECU 20.

[0048] Moreover, it is preferable that valve 340 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the cooling water passing through valve 340. Specifically, valve 340 may be capable of adjusting the diameter of a flow path through which the cooling water flows (for example, the opening degree of an opening). This adjusts the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing from upstream HT radiator 321 to valve 340, and therefore adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water flowing from upstream HT radiator 321 to downstream HT radiator 322. The flow rate of the cooling water passing through valve 340 is adjusted by ECU 20.

[0049] 2 again, downstream HT radiator 322 is disposed upstream of upstream HT radiator 321 in the flow direction of outside air flowing into radiator section 320. Specifically, outside air flows into the inside of the vehicle from grill 2a provided at the front end of electric vehicle 2. Therefore, downstream HT radiator 322 is disposed forward of upstream HT radiator 321 in the front-to-rear direction of electric vehicle 2. Furthermore, downstream HT radiator 322 may be disposed at a position where at least a portion does not overlap with upstream HT radiator 321 when viewed from the front of electric vehicle 2. This makes it possible to prevent outside air warmed by passing through downstream HT radiator 322 from passing through upstream HT radiator 321.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the water-cooled condenser 240. In Fig. 6, the flow of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 is indicated by dashed arrows, and the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 200 is indicated by solid arrows.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the condenser section 241 and the subcooler section 243 are provided so as to be stacked on top of each other. The water-cooled condenser 240 also has a circulation pipe 245 and a circulation pipe 246. The circulation pipe 245 connects the condenser section 241 and the receiver 242. The refrigerant that flows into the condenser section 241 from the port 241c flows into the receiver 242 through the circulation pipe 245. The circulation pipe 246 connects the subcooler section 243 and the receiver 242. The refrigerant that flows into the receiver 242 through the circulation pipe 245 flows into the subcooler section 243 through the circulation pipe 246. The refrigerant that flows into the subcooler section 243 through the circulation pipe 246 flows out of the subcooler section 243 through the port 243b.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow path 370 connects the port 241b of the condensation section 241 to the upstream HT radiator 321, the flow path 380 branches off from the flow path 325 and connects to the port 241a of the condensation section 241, and the flow path 390 connects the port 243a of the subcooling section 243 to the downstream HT radiator 322. This allows the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing into the condensation section 241 through the flow path 380 to be relatively large. In addition, the temperature of the cooling liquid flowing into the subcooling section 243 through the flow path 390 can be relatively low. As a result, the amount of heat exchange between the cooling liquid and the refrigerant in each of the condensation sections 241 and 243 (the amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant) can be increased. As a result, the battery 110 can be efficiently cooled using the refrigerant with heat dissipated.

[0053] 7 is different from the water-cooled condenser 240 in that it includes a flow path 247 instead of the flow pipe 244 of the water-cooled condenser 240. The flow path 247 connects the subcooling unit 243 to a flow path 370. Specifically, the flow path 247 connects the subcooling unit 243 to a flow path between the condensing unit 241 and the water pump 360. The cooling liquid in the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows from the subcooling unit 243 to the flow path 370 through the flow path 247. In this configuration, the cooling liquid that flows from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 flows into the flow path 370 through the flow path 247 without passing through the condensing unit 241.

[0054] 8, a three-way valve 330A is disposed in a portion 390a of flow path 390 instead of three-way valve 330. Also, a valve 340A is disposed in a flow path between portion 370a of flow path 370 and upstream HT radiator 321 instead of valve 340. Three-way valve 330A and valve 340A have the same configurations as three-way valve 330 and valve 340, respectively. In this configuration, when valve 340A is closed and only port P13 of three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a route of water pump 360-heater core 310-three-way valve 330A-subcooling section 243-condensing section 241-water pump 360. Furthermore, when valve 340A is opened and only port P12 of three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a first path of water pump 360-valve 340A-upstream HT radiator 321-downstream HT radiator 322-three-way valve 330A-subcooling section 243-flow path 244-condenser section 241-water pump 360, and a second path of water pump 360-valve 340A-upstream HT radiator 321-condenser section 241-water pump 360. Note that three-way valve 330A and valve 340A are examples of the "second valve" and "first valve" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0055] The example shown in FIG. 9 is different from the above embodiment in that the heater core 310 is provided in a flow path 315A that connects a portion 370a of the flow path 370 and a portion 380a of the flow path 380. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a check valve 350A is provided between the flow path 325 and the portion 380a instead of the check valve 350. The check valve 350A prevents the coolant that has flowed from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 from flowing to the flow path 325 side. In this configuration, the coolant that has flowed from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 flows into the condenser portion 241 without passing through the subcooler portion 243. The flow path 315A and the check valve 350A are examples of the "fourth flow path" and the "second valve" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a modified example of the example shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in Fig. 10, valve 340A is disposed in flow path 370 between portion 370a and upstream HT radiator 321. In addition, three-way valve 330A is disposed in portion 380a of flow path 380. When valve 340A is closed and only port P13 of three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a route of water pump 360-heater core 310-three-way valve 330-condenser section 241-water pump 360. In addition, when valve 340A is opened and only port P12 of three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a first path of water pump 360-valve 340A-upstream HT radiator 321-downstream HT radiator 322-subcooling section 243-flow path 244-condensation section 241-water pump 360, and a second path of water pump 360-valve 340A-upstream HT radiator 321-three-way valve 330A-condensation section 241-water pump 360.

[0057] FIG. 11 is different from the above embodiment in that a five-way valve 600 is provided instead of the three-way valve 330 and the valve 340. The five-way valve 600 has a configuration in which the three-way valve 330 and the valve 340 are integrally formed. The five-way valve 600 has ports P21 to P25. The port P21 is an inlet port into which the coolant flows from the condenser 241 (water pump 360). The port P22 is an outlet port from which the coolant flows out to the flow passage 315 toward the heater core 310. The port P23 is an outlet port from which the coolant flows out to the flow passage 370 toward the upstream HT radiator 321. The port P24 is an inlet port into which the coolant (coolant from the upstream HT radiator 321) flowing through the flow passage 380 flows in. The port P25 is an outlet port from which the coolant flows out to the flow passage 380 toward the condenser 241. It should be noted that the five-way valve 600 has both the function of the "first valve" and the function of the "second valve" in this disclosure.

[0058] 12(A) to 12(E) are diagrams showing a detailed configuration of the five-way valve 600. As shown in FIG. 12(A) to 12(E), the five-way valve 600 includes a main body 610, a valve element 620, and a valve body 630. The main body 610 is connected to ports P21 to P25 and accommodates the valve element 620 and the valve element 630. Ports P21, P22, P5, P24, and P23 are arranged clockwise around the main body 610 in this order. The valve element 620 and the valve element 630 rotate integrally within the main body 610. This changes the ports (P21 to P25) blocked by the valve element 620 and the valve element 630. As a result, the flow path of the coolant is switched. The rotation angles of the valve element 620 and the valve element 630 can be controlled by the ECU 20 at predetermined angles (for example, 1 degree).

[0059] Each of the valve body 620 and the valve body 630 has a sector shape. The valve body 620 and the valve body 630 are arranged to face each other with their tips overlapping each other. As a result, the internal space of the main body 610 is divided into two spaces by the valve body 620 and the valve body 630. The central angle θ1 of the valve body 620 is smaller than the central angle θ2 of the entire body 630.

[0060] Fig. 12(A) is a diagram showing the state of the five-way valve 600 when supplying heat to the heater core 310. In the example shown in Fig. 12(A), the port P23 is blocked by the valve body 620, and the port P25 is blocked by the valve body 630. The coolant that flows into the five-way valve 600 from the port P21 flows out to the heater core 310 side from the port P22.

[0061] 12(B) and (C) are diagrams showing the state of the five-way valve 600 when supplying heat to the radiator. In the example shown in Fig. 12(B), the port P22 is blocked by the valve body 630. The cooling liquid that flows into the five-way valve 600 from the port P21 flows out from the port P23 to the upstream HT radiator 321 side. In addition, the cooling liquid that flows into the five-way valve 600 from the port P24 flows out from the port P25 to the water-cooled condenser 240 (condenser section 241) side.

[0062] 12(C), the port P22 is blocked by the valve body 630, and the port P24 is partially blocked by the valve body 620. This limits the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the port P24 to the port P25 more than in the case of FIG.

[0063] 12(D) and (E) are diagrams showing the state of the five-way valve 600 when supplying heat to the heater core 310 and the radiator, respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 12(D), the port P25 is blocked by the valve body 630. The coolant that flows into the five-way valve 600 from the port P21 flows out of the five-way valve 600 through each of the ports P23 and P22.

[0064] 12(E), the port P25 is blocked by the valve body 630, and the port P23 is partially blocked by the valve body 620. This limits the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the port P21 to the port P23 more than in the case of FIG.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the thermal management circuit 10 is mounted on the electric vehicle 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management circuit 10 may be mounted on an electric device other than an electric vehicle (for example, a stationary power storage device).

[0066] In the above embodiment, the battery 110 is cooled by the coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200 in the chiller 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the chiller 210 may cool devices other than the battery 110 (e.g., the eAxel 410 and the engine, etc.) without cooling the battery 110.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example in which the heater core 310 is provided in the heat dissipation circuit 300 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heater core 310 (and the flow path 315) may not be provided in the heat dissipation circuit 300. In this case, the check valve 350 may not be provided in the flow path 390.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the valve 340 was provided in the flow path 380, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The valve 340 does not necessarily have to be provided in the flow path 380.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which downstream HT radiator 322 is provided further forward than upstream HT radiator 321 in the front-rear direction of electric vehicle 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The positional relationship between downstream HT radiator 322 and upstream HT radiator 321 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, downstream HT radiator 322 and upstream HT radiator 321 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction of electric vehicle 2. In other words, downstream HT radiator 322 and upstream HT radiator 321 may be arranged side by side in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the flow direction of the wind flowing into radiator section 320.

[0070] The configurations of the modifications of the above embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 12 may be combined with each other.

[0071] 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]

[0072] 2 Electric vehicle (electrical equipment), 10 Thermal management circuit, 100 Battery circuit (first circuit), 110 Battery (equipment to be cooled), 200 Refrigeration cycle, 210 Chiller, 240, 240A Water-cooled condenser, 241 Condenser, 241a Port (inlet port of condenser), 241b Port (outlet port of condenser), 243 Subcooler (supercooler), 243a Port (inlet port of supercooler), 300 Heat dissipation circuit (second circuit), 310 Heater core, 315, 315A Flow path (fourth flow path), 320 Radiator, 321 Upstream HT radiator (upstream radiator), 322 Downstream HT radiator (downstream radiator), 325 Flow path, 330 Three-way valve (first valve), 330A Three-way valve (second valve), 340 Valve (second valve), 340A Valve (first valve), 350, 350A check valve (second valve), 370 flow path (first flow path), 380 flow path (second flow path), 390 flow path (third flow path), 600 five-way valve.

Claims

1. A thermal management circuit for use in an electrical device, comprising: a first circuit through which a coolant flows to be subjected to heat exchange with a cooling target device that is a device to be cooled; a refrigeration cycle including a chiller and a water-cooled condenser, in which a cooling liquid flowing through the first circuit and a refrigerant that is heat exchanged in the chiller flow; a second circuit including a radiator portion and through which a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle and a cooling liquid that is subjected to heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser flow, the second circuit includes a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path, each of which is connected to the water-cooled condenser; The water-cooled condenser includes a condensation section and a subcooling section, the radiator unit includes an upstream radiator and a downstream radiator connected in series to each other in the second circuit, The first flow passage connects a coolant outlet port in the condenser portion and the upstream radiator, the second flow path is branched off from a flow path connecting the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator and is connected to an inlet port of the cooling liquid in the condenser portion, The third flow path connects a coolant inlet port in the subcooling portion and the downstream radiator, a thermal management circuit.

2. The thermal management circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the downstream radiator is disposed upstream of the upstream radiator in a flow direction of outside air flowing into the radiator portion.

3. The second circuit is a fourth flow path connecting the first flow path to the second flow path or the third flow path; a heater core provided in the fourth flow path; A first valve provided in the first flow path, 3 . The thermal management circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the first valve is configured to be capable of adjusting a flow rate of the cooling water flowing to the upstream radiator and a flow rate of the cooling water flowing to the heater core.

4. The thermal management circuit of claim 3 , wherein the second circuit includes a second valve capable of adjusting a flow rate of the coolant flowing from the upstream radiator to the downstream radiator.

5. The thermal management circuit of claim 4 , wherein the second valve is integrally formed with the first valve.

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