Temperature control device, temperature control program, and temperature control method

Abstract

To provide a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method capable of preventing a sudden change in temperature of a heat medium.SOLUTION: A temperature adjustment system 100 includes a first circulation circuit 11 capable of changing flow paths 11b, 11c, a heat pump 130 that compresses or expands a second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium, and an ECU 140 that controls them. The temperature adjustment system 100 causes a first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit 11 into a chiller 31, and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, thereby adjusting the temperature of the first heat medium. The ECU 140 includes a temperature prediction unit 142 that predicts the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 due to the change in the flow paths 11b, 11c when it is determined to change the flow paths 11b, 11c in the first circulation circuit 11, and a flow path control unit 144 that performs change control of the flow paths 11b, 11c based on the prediction result obtained by the temperature prediction unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a temperature adjustment system that adjusts the temperature by cooling or heating a desired target device by switching a flow path through which a refrigerant flows. Such a system is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in such a temperature adjustment system, it is considered to use a heat pump to transfer heat between a low-temperature water circuit and a high-temperature water circuit.

[0005] However, when the flow path is switched in either the low-temperature water circuit or the high-temperature water circuit, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through one circuit changes rapidly, exceeding the capacity of the heat pump, and may affect the heat medium flowing through the other circuit. For example, when the temperature of the heat medium in the low-temperature water circuit drops rapidly based on the switching of the flow path, if the refrigerant temperature of the heat pump drops beyond the capacity of the temperature adjustment function of the heat pump, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature water circuit may drop. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that the temperature of the heater connected to the high-temperature water circuit drops.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method capable of preventing a rapid temperature change of a heat medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first means for solving the above problems is a first circulation circuit in which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit capable of changing the flow path of the first heat medium, and a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between the two and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium. In a temperature control device of a temperature control system that allows the first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, when the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a temperature prediction unit that predicts the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, and based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit, a flow path control unit that performs the change control of the flow path are provided.

[0008] In this way, since the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path is predicted, and the change control of the flow path is performed based on the result, a rapid temperature change of the heat medium can be prevented.

[0009] A second means for solving the above problems is a first circulation circuit in which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing the flow path of the first heat medium, and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger and has a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when the second heat medium is circulated. The temperature control program implemented by the temperature control device of the temperature control system that allows the first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit, performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium includes a temperature prediction step of predicting the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path when the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, and a flow path control step of performing the change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step.

[0010] In this way, since the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path is predicted, and the change control of the flow path is performed based on the result, a sudden temperature change of the heat medium can be prevented.

[0011] A third means for solving the above problems is a first circulation circuit in which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing the flow path of the first heat medium, and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger and has a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when the second heat medium is circulated. The temperature control method implemented by the temperature control device of the temperature control system that allows the first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit, performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium includes a temperature prediction step of predicting the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path when the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, and a flow path control step of performing the change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step.

[0012] In this way, by changing the flow path, the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger is predicted, and based on the result, the change control of the flow path is performed, so that a sudden temperature change of the heat medium can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments in which the temperature control device, the temperature control program, and the temperature control method according to the present disclosure are embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. The temperature control device, the temperature control program, and the temperature control method according to the present disclosure are applied to a vehicle (including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.) in this embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0015] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature control system 100 includes a low-temperature circuit section 110, a high-temperature circuit section 120, a heat pump 130 disposed between the low-temperature circuit section 110 and the high-temperature circuit section 120, and an ECU 140 as a temperature control device that controls the temperature control system 100.

[0016] The low-temperature circuit section 110 includes a first circulation circuit 11 through which a first heat medium, which is a refrigerant such as low-temperature cooling water (coolant), circulates, and is for cooling components to be cooled among the components mounted on the vehicle. Examples of the components to be cooled include a rechargeable battery 12, a battery heater 13, an inverter 14, a motor 15, a radiator 16, and the like.

[0017] Further, in the first circulation circuit 11 of the low-temperature circuit section 110, a first pump 17 for circulating the first heat medium and a chiller 31 as a first heat exchanger constituting the heat pump 130 are disposed. In the first circulation circuit 11 of the present embodiment, a second flow path 11b in which the battery heater 13 and the battery 12 are arranged in series and a third flow path 11c in which the inverter 14, the motor 15, and the radiator 16 are arranged in series are arranged in parallel with respect to a first flow path 11a in which the chiller 31 and the first pump 17 are arranged in series. That is, the first flow path 11a branches into the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c midway. The first heat medium flowing out from the chiller 31 is sent to the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c by the first pump 17. In the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c of the present embodiment, with the first pump 17 as a reference, the side flowing out from the first pump 17 is shown as the upstream side, and the opposite side (the inflow side) is shown as the downstream side. In the figure, an arrow indicating the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side is shown.

[0018] On the downstream sides of the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c, at the point (connection point) where the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c merge, a switching valve 18 as a flow path changing device is provided. By switching this switching valve 18, either one of the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c can be connected to the first flow path 11a. In this embodiment, the state in which the second flow path 11b is switched, that is, the state in which the second flow path 11b is connected to the first flow path 11a, is referred to as the second flow path switching state. Similarly, the state in which the third flow path 11c is switched, that is, the state in which the third flow path 11c is connected to the first flow path 11a, is referred to as the third flow path switching state. The first circulation circuit 11 can take either one of the second flow path switching state and the third flow path switching state. Components such as the battery heater 13 and the inverter 14, and the switching valve 18 are connected to the ECU 140 and are controlled by the ECU 140.

[0019] The high-temperature circuit section 120 includes a second circulation circuit 21 in which a third heat medium that is at a higher temperature than the first heat medium of the low-temperature circuit section 110 circulates, and is for heating (or cooling) a target component among the components mounted on the vehicle 10. The third heat medium is, for example, cooling water (coolant) or refrigerant gas. Among the target components, there is, for example, a heater core 22 that constitutes a car air conditioner (not shown). The heater core 22 is connected to the ECU 140 and is controlled by the ECU 140.

[0020] Also, in the second circulation circuit 21 of the high-temperature circuit section 120, there are arranged a flow path 21a through which the third heat medium flows, a second pump 23 for circulating the third heat medium in the flow path 21a, and a water-cooled condenser 32 as a second heat exchanger that constitutes the heat pump 130. The third heat medium is circulated between the heater core 22 and the water-cooled condenser 32 by the second pump 23.

[0021] The heat pump 130 includes a flow path 30 through which a second heat medium such as carbon dioxide gas circulates, a chiller 31, a water-cooled condenser 32, a compressor 33, and an expansion valve 34. The chiller 31, the water-cooled condenser 32, the compressor 33, and the expansion valve 34 are arranged in the flow path 30 in the order of chiller 31 → compressor 33 → water-cooled condenser 32 → expansion valve 34 → chiller 31, and the second heat medium circulates in this order. When the second heat medium is sent from the chiller 31 to the water-cooled condenser 32, the compressor 33 can compress the second heat medium to raise the temperature of the second heat medium. Conversely, when the second heat medium is sent from the water-cooled condenser 32 to the chiller 31, the expansion valve 34 can expand the second heat medium to lower the temperature of the second heat medium. The compressor 33 and the expansion valve 34 are connected to the ECU 140 and are controlled by the ECU 140.

[0022] Next, the ECU 140 will be described. The ECU 140 is an electronic control device including a well-known microcomputer composed of a processor such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. This ECU 140 is configured to be able to acquire various information.

[0023] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the ECU 140 has various functions such as a function as a flow path determination unit 141, a function as a temperature prediction unit 142, a function as a determination unit 143, and a function as a flow path control unit 144. The ECU 140 executes these various functions based on the various information acquired. These functions are realized by a program stored in a storage device (storage memory) provided in the ECU 140 being executed by the processor. This program corresponds to the program according to the present invention. Note that the various functions may be realized by an electronic circuit which is hardware, or at least a part of them may be realized by software, that is, a process executed on a computer. Also, the ECU 140 does not necessarily have to be configured by one piece of hardware, and may be configured by a plurality of pieces of hardware that cooperate with each other to realize various functions.

[0024] Hereinafter, the various functions of the ECU 140 will be described.

[0025] The flow path determination unit 141 has a function of determining the flow path of the first circulation circuit 11. For example, when in the third flow path switching state, if the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is outside the range of the second allowable temperature that is allowable as the temperature of the first heat medium flowing in the second flow path 11b, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the second flow path 11b (change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b). For example, when the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value of the second allowable temperature, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the second flow path 11b. Here, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is detected by the second water temperature sensor SE2 and input to the ECU 140. The second water temperature sensor SE2 is set between the switching valve 18 and the storage battery 12 in the second flow path 11b, but the position can be arbitrarily changed as long as it is in the second flow path 11b.

[0026] Similarly, when in the second flow path switching state, if the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value of the third allowable temperature that is allowable as the temperature of the first heat medium flowing in the third flow path 11c, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the third flow path 11c (change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c). Here, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is detected by the third water temperature sensor SE3 and input to the ECU 140. The third water temperature sensor SE3 is set between the switching valve 18 and the radiator 16 in the third flow path 11c, but the position can be arbitrarily changed as long as it is in the third flow path 11c.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the ranges of the second allowable temperature and the third allowable temperature are each determined in advance, but may be configured to be changeable. For example, the ranges of the second allowable temperature and the third allowable temperature may be changed according to the vehicle situation and the component situation.

[0028] Incidentally, when there is a large temperature difference between the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b and the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c, if the flow paths 11b and 11c are switched, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a may rise or fall rapidly. There is no problem as long as the rapid change does not exceed the performance of the heat pump 130. However, if the performance is exceeded, it will affect the water-cooled condenser 32 side, and as a result, the temperature of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21 may not be controllable to a desired value. As a result, it may affect the heater core 22 of the car air conditioner, and there is a possibility that the inside of the vehicle cannot be sufficiently warmed or the inside of the vehicle cannot be sufficiently cooled. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c in the first circulation circuit 11, it predicts how the temperature of the first heat medium will change, and based on the prediction result, changes the flow path or does not change it. Hereinafter, various functions for this purpose will be described.

[0029] When the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c in the first circulation circuit 11, the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 due to the change in the flow paths 11b and 11c. Here, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 is detected by the first water temperature sensor SE1 and input to the ECU 140. The first water temperature sensor SE1 is set between the switching valve 18 and the chiller 31 in the first flow path 11a.

[0030] The prediction of the temperature change amount will be described in detail. When the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the temperature change amount dT1 / dt by the following (Equation 1). Also, the temperature change amount dT2 / dt is calculated by the following (Equation 2). Also, the temperature change amount dT3 / dt is calculated by the following (Equation 3). Also, the temperature change amount dT4 / dt is calculated by the following (Equation 4).

Number

[0031] Here, (Equation 1), (Equation 2), (Equation 3), and (Equation 4) serve as temperature prediction models for predicting the amount of temperature change. These temperature prediction models are pre-stored in the storage unit of the ECU 140.

[0032] Also, the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first water temperature sensor SE1 is "T1", the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second water temperature sensor SE2 is "T2", the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the third water temperature sensor SE3 is "T3", and the temperature of the third heat medium detected by the fourth water temperature sensor SE4 is "T4". They are respectively denoted as the medium temperatures T1 to T4. The detected medium temperatures T1 to T4 are stored in the storage unit of the ECU 140. The fourth water temperature sensor SE4 of the present embodiment is disposed on the downstream side of the water-cooled condenser 32 and between the water-cooled condenser 32 and the heater core 22 in the flow path 21a of the second circulation circuit 21, but its position can be arbitrarily changed.

[0033] The amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the first water temperature sensor SE1 is "dT1 / dt", the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the second water temperature sensor SE2 is "dT2 / dt", the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the third water temperature sensor SE3 is "dT3 / dt", and the amount of temperature change of the third heat medium detected by the fourth water temperature sensor SE4 is "dT4 / dt". They are respectively denoted as the temperature changes dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt. Note that each of the temperature changes dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt is a predicted value, not a measured value.

[0034] Also, the heat capacity in the first flow path 11a is "C1", the heat capacity in the second flow path 11b is "C2", the heat capacity in the third flow path 11c is "C3", and the heat capacity in the flow path 21a of the second circulation circuit is "C4". They are respectively denoted as the heat capacities C1 to C4. Each of the heat capacities C1 to C4 is measured by experiments, simulations, etc., and stored in the storage unit of the ECU 140.

[0035] Also, the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the chiller 31 is "Qh1", and the heat exchange amount between the third heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32 is "Qh2". The heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12 is "Qbat", and the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13 is "Qbh". The heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the inverter 14 is "Qinv", the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the motor 15 is "Qmg", and the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the radiator 16 is "Qrd". The heat exchange amount between the third heat medium and the heater core 22 is "Qhc". They are respectively denoted as the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc.

[0036] Also, when the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, in the first flow path 11a, the heat exchange amount between the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b (or the third flow path 11c) that becomes the change destination is denoted as "Q1". When the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, in the second flow path 11b, the heat exchange amount between the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b is denoted as "Q2". When the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, in the third flow path 11c, the heat exchange amount between the first flow path 11a and the third flow path 11c is denoted as "Q3". They are respectively denoted as the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, Q3.

[0037] The calculation methods of the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 are different depending on how the flow path is changed. Here, the calculation methods of the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 will be described. When it is determined by the flow path determination unit 141 to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 from (Equation 5), (Equation 6), and (Equation 7) respectively. Here, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a is denoted as "V". Hereinafter, it is simply denoted as the flow rate V. The flow rate V can be estimated from the control amount or current amount of the first pump 17. Note that a flow rate sensor for measuring the flow rate V may be provided, and the flow rate may be acquired from the flow rate sensor. Also, the adjustment coefficients are denoted as K1 to K3. These (Equation 5), (Equation 6), and (Equation 7) are prediction models (heat exchange amount prediction models) of the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 when changing from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b. [Number]

[0038] On the other hand, when it is determined by the flow path determination unit 141 to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 from (Equation 8), (Equation 9), and (Equation 10), respectively. These (Equation 8), (Equation 9), and (Equation 10) are prediction models (heat exchange amount prediction models) of the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 when changing from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c. [Number]

[0039] Supplementary explanations are given for the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc. Each of the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc changes according to the heat generation amount or heat absorption amount of the heat medium and the component to be cooled or heated. Therefore, the temperature prediction unit 142 first predicts the heat generation amount or heat absorption amount of the component based on at least any one of the state of the component and the control value for controlling the operation of the component. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc based on the predicted heat generation amount or heat absorption amount of each component. Note that instead of the state of the component, a value correlated with the state of the component may be acquired, and instead of the control value for controlling the operation of the component, a value correlated with the control value for controlling the operation of the component may be acquired.

[0040] Specifically, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires from the ECU 140 a value correlated with the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the acquired value into a prediction model (heat exchange amount prediction model) of the heat exchange amount Qh1, and predicts the heat exchange amount Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31.

[0041] Incidentally, when controlling the chiller 31, the ECU 140 measures the temperature of the second heat medium, and controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 so that the measured temperature of the second heat medium becomes the target temperature, thereby controlling the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. The temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as a value correlated with the temperature of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 as a value correlated with the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31.

[0042] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires from the ECU 140 values correlated with the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the acquired values into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qh2 (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qh2 between the first heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32.

[0043] Incidentally, when controlling the water-cooled condenser 32, the ECU 140 measures the temperature of the second heat medium, and controls the discharge pressure by the compressor 33 or the like so that the measured temperature of the second heat medium becomes the target temperature, thereby controlling the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. The temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as a value correlated with the temperature of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the discharge pressure of the compressor 33 as a value correlated with the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32.

[0044] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires from the ECU 140 the charge and discharge amount of the storage battery 12 indicating a value correlated with the state of the storage battery 12. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs it into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qbat (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qbat between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12. The charge and discharge amount of the storage battery 12 may be acquired from a current sensor.

[0045] Further, as the state of the battery heater 13, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the temperature of the battery heater 13. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the acquired value into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qbh (heat exchange amount prediction model) and predicts the heat exchange amount Qbh between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13. The temperature of the battery heater 13 may be acquired from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery heater 13 if there is one. Further, a control device (such as ECU 140) that controls the battery heater 13, or the battery heater 13 may acquire the temperature (current temperature or target temperature) of the battery heater 13. In this case, a value (control value) for controlling the temperature of the battery heater 13 is acquired, and the heat exchange amount Qbh is predicted based on the control value.

[0046] Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the operation of the inverter 14, inputs the acquired control value into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qinv (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qinv between the first heat medium and the inverter 14. The control value for controlling the operation of the inverter 14 may be any one, or all of, for example, the input voltage to the inverter 14, the input current amount, and the operation cycle (switching cycle of the switches constituting the inverter 14).

[0047] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the operation of the motor 15, inputs the acquired control value into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qmg (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qmg between the first heat medium and the motor 15. The control value for controlling the operation of the motor 15 may be any one, or a combination, or all of, for example, the rotation speed of the motor 15, the output torque, the input voltage to the motor 15, and the input current amount.

[0048] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the temperature of the radiator 16 into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qrd (heat exchange amount prediction model) and predicts the heat exchange amount Qrd between the first heat medium and the radiator 16. The temperature of the radiator 16 may be acquired from a temperature sensor or the like that measures the temperature of the radiator 16.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 143 will be described. The determination unit 143 determines whether to permit the change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142. More specifically, the determination unit 143 permits the change of the flow path when the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are respectively within a predetermined range. The following will be specifically described.

[0050] The determination unit 143 of the present embodiment inputs the prediction result into the evaluation function model, performs model predictive control (optimal predictive control) using the evaluation function model, and as a result, determines whether to permit the change of the flow path. Model predictive control is a control method that performs optimization while predicting the future response at each time. The evaluation function model Φ is shown in the following (Equation 11). Note that Φth is an evaluation term related to temperature and is shown in (Equation 12), and Φthvar is an evaluation term related to temperature change and is shown in (Equation 13).

Equation

[0051] Here, "T4a" is the target temperature of the third heat medium and is set by the ECU 140. The determination unit 143 acquires the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium from the ECU 140. Also, "L1min" is a value indicating the lower limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the first heat medium in the first circulation circuit 11, and "L1max" is a value indicating the upper limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the first heat medium in the first circulation circuit 11. These values are predetermined according to the configuration of the flow path (such as capacity) in the first circulation circuit 11, the specifications of each component, etc. Similarly, "L2min" is a value indicating the lower limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21, and "L2max" is a value indicating the upper limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21. These values are predetermined according to the configuration of the flow path (such as capacity) in the second circulation circuit 21, the specifications of each component, etc.

[0052] (Formula 13) shows the function f(X, Xmin, Xmax) used in (Formula 13). Depending on the value of X, the formula to be used is case - branched. This (Formula 14) is shown in FIG. 2.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, when the value (argument) of X input to the function f is within a predetermined range (X1 < X < X2), an output value (return value) close to or equal to zero is output. Also, even when the value of X input to the function f is within the allowable range (Xmin < X < Xmax), as it approaches the upper limit value or the lower limit value, the output value increases exponentially. Further, in the case outside the allowable range (X < X1, X2 < X), as it approaches the upper limit value or the lower limit value, it approaches zero, and as it moves away from the upper limit value or the lower limit value, the output value increases exponentially.

[0054] As described above, according to (Formula 12), the smaller the difference between the temperature of the third heat medium and the target temperature, the smaller the value of Φth. That is, according to (Formula 12), if the difference between the temperature of the third heat medium and the target temperature is within a predetermined range, the value of Φth becomes sufficiently small. Also, according to (Formula 13) and (Formula 14), if the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range, the value of Φthvar becomes sufficiently small.

[0055] And when the output value (return value) of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (for example, 1 or less), the determination unit 143 permits the change (switching) of the flow paths 11b and 11c. On the other hand, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 143 does not permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0056] When the determination unit 143 permits the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c, the flow path control unit 144 controls the switching valve 18 to change the flow paths 11b and 11c according to the determination of the flow path determination unit 141.

[0057] Next, the flow path control process related to flow path control will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing. For example, the flow path control process may be executed at a predetermined cycle. By executing the flow path control process, the temperature control method in the present embodiment is realized.

[0058] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 functions as a flow path determination unit 141 and determines whether to change the flow paths 11b and 11c of the first circulation circuit 11 (step S101). That is, when in the third flow path switching state, if the medium temperature T2 is outside the range of the second allowable temperature, the ECU 140 determines to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, and if it is within the range of the second allowable temperature, determines not to change. On the other hand, when in the second flow path switching state, if the medium temperature T3 is outside the range of the third allowable temperature, the ECU 140 determines to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c, and if it is within the range of the third allowable temperature, determines not to change.

[0059] If the determination result in step S101 is negative (when it is determined not to change), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S101 is positive (when it is determined to change), the ECU 140 functions as a temperature prediction unit 142, acquires the states and control values of each component, etc. (step S102), and calculates each heat exchange amount Q1, Q2, Q3, Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc (step S103). Then, the ECU 140 calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt (step S104). The calculation method is as described above. In the present embodiment, step S104 corresponds to the temperature prediction step.

[0060] After that, the ECU 140 functions as a determination unit 143 and determines whether to permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142 (step S105). That is, as described above, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1 or less), the ECU 140 permits the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c. On the other hand, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 143 does not permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0061] If this determination result is negative (when the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c is not permitted), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process. When the determination result in step S105 is positive (when the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c is permitted), the ECU 140 functions as a flow path control unit 144 and controls the switching valve 18 to switch the flow paths 11b and 11c according to the determination of the flow path determination unit 141 (step S106). That is, when in the third flow path switching state, the ECU 140 controls the switching valve 18 to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b. On the other hand, when in the second flow path switching state, the ECU 140 controls the switching valve 18 to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c. Then, the flow path control process is ended. In the present embodiment, step S106 corresponds to the flow path control step.

[0062] With the configuration as described above, the present embodiment has the following excellent effects.

[0063] The ECU 140 determines whether to change the flow paths 11b and 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142, and when the change is permitted, performs the change control of the flow paths 11b and 11c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a sudden temperature change of the first heat medium accompanying the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c. Thus, it is possible to prevent an adverse effect on the temperature adjustment on the side of the heat pump 130 and the second circulation circuit 21.

[0064] The ECU 140 as the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium (medium temperature T1) at the inlet of the chiller 31 before the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c, and the temperatures of the first heat medium (medium temperatures T2 and T3) at the outlets of the flow paths 11b and 11c that are planned to be connected to the chiller 31 due to the change, and inputs them into the temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium. More specifically, when it is determined to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, the ECU 140 inputs the medium temperature T1 and the medium temperature T2 into (Equation 5) to calculate the heat exchange amount Q1, and inputs the heat exchange amount Q1 into (Equation 1) to predict (calculate) the temperature change amount dT1 / dt. Thereby, considering the influence of the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be appropriately predicted.

[0065] Further, the ECU 140 as the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the heat generation amount or heat absorption amount from each component, inputs the predicted heat generation amount or heat absorption amount into the temperature prediction model, and predicts (calculates) the temperature change amount dT1 / dt. Specifically, the ECU 140 predicts the heat exchange amount Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31, and inputs the heat exchange amount Qh1 into (Equation 1) to predict (calculate) the temperature change amount dT1 / dt. Thereby, considering the influence of the component, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be appropriately predicted.

[0066] Further, the ECU 140 as the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the heat generation amount or heat absorption amount from the component based on at least any one of the value correlated with the state of the component and the value correlated with the control value for controlling the operation of the component. In the present embodiment, the ECU 140 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as the value correlated with the state of the chiller 31. Further, the ECU 140 acquires the control value for controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 as the value correlated with the operation of the chiller 31. Thereby, the heat absorption amount of the chiller 31 can be appropriately predicted, and the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be appropriately predicted.

[0067] The ECU 140 has a function as a determination unit 143 that determines whether to permit changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c based on the rate of change of temperature dT1 / dt of the first heat medium and the rate of change of temperature dT4 / dt of the third heat medium. Therefore, considering the rate of change of temperature dT4 / dt of the third heat medium, changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c can be permitted, and adverse effects on the second circulation circuit 21 can be suppressed.

[0068] More specifically, the ECU 140 acquires the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium and the current medium temperature T4, and permits changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c when the difference between them, the rate of change of temperature dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the rate of change of temperature dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are respectively within a predetermined range. When the difference between the target temperature T4a and the medium temperature T4 is small, changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c can be permitted, and the target temperature T4a can be maintained.

[0069] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment in which the configuration of the temperature control system 100 of the first embodiment is partially changed will be described. In the first embodiment, when the determination result in step S105 is negative (when changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c are not permitted), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process, but as it is, there is a possibility that changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c will never be permitted. Therefore, the ECU 140 has a function as an instruction unit 145 that instructs a control value for controlling the operation of components, and when the determination result in step S105 is negative, executes the following instruction process. This will be described in detail below.

[0070] First, the function as the instruction unit 145 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 140 has a function as the instruction unit 145. The instruction unit 145 can output a control value for controlling the operation of each component to control the operation. For example, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 by outputting a control value for instructing the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 of the heat pump 130. That is, the amount of heat generation or heat absorption of the chiller 31 with respect to the first heat medium can be controlled.

[0071] Similarly, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium flowing into the water-cooled condenser 32 by outputting a control value that indicates the discharge pressure of the compressor 33 of the heat pump 130. That is, the amount of heat generated or absorbed by the water-cooled condenser 32 with respect to the third heat medium can be controlled. Further, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature of the battery heater 13 by outputting a control value that indicates the temperature of the battery heater 13. That is, the amount of heat generated by the battery heater 13 with respect to the first heat medium can be controlled.

[0072] In addition, the instruction unit 145 can control the rotation speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 by outputting a control value that indicates the rotation speed or output torque of the motor 15, and can also control the charge and discharge amount of the inverter 14 that drives the motor 15 and the storage battery 12 that supplies power to the motor 15. That is, the amount of heat generated by the motor 15, the amount of heat generated by the inverter 14, and the amount of heat generated by the storage battery 12 with respect to the first heat medium can be controlled.

[0073] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the instruction process will be described. The instruction process is executed by the ECU 140 when the determination result in step S105 is negative (when the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c is not permitted).

[0074] First, the ECU 140 determines whether it is in the third flow path switching state (step S201). That is, it is determined whether, despite the change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b being determined by the flow path determination unit 141, the change is not permitted by the determination unit 143.

[0075] When the determination result is affirmative, the ECU 140 as the instruction unit 145 outputs a control value so as to decrease or increase at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13 so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt becomes small (step S202). For example, when the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T2 is high, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the temperature of the battery heater 13 so as to suppress the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13. At the same time as or instead of this, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to reduce the charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 12 in order to suppress the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12. When an electrical load other than the motor 15 is connected to the storage battery 12, the ECU 140 may output a control value for suppressing the operation (power consumption) of the electrical load.

[0076] That is, since the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is higher than the upper limit value of the second allowable temperature, although the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c has been determined, the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is too high, and thus when the change is not permitted, the ECU 140 suppresses at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13 in step S202 so as to lower the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b. Thereby, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be made small, and the change is more likely to be permitted.

[0077] On the other hand, when the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T2 is low, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the temperature of the battery heater 13 so as to increase the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13. At the same time as or instead of this, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to increase the charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 12 in order to increase the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12. When an electrical load other than the motor 15 is connected to the storage battery 12, the ECU 140 may output a control value for increasing the operation (power consumption) of the electrical load.

[0078] That is, since the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is lower than the lower limit value of the second allowable temperature, even though the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c has been determined, if the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is too low and the change is not permitted, the ECU 140 increases at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13 in step S202 to raise the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b. Thereby, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be reduced, and the change is more likely to be permitted.

[0079] On the other hand, when the determination result in step S201 is negative, the ECU 140 as the instruction unit 145 outputs a control value so as to increase or decrease at least one of the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 (step S203). That is, when the change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c is determined by the flow path determination unit 141 but the switching is not permitted by the determination unit 143, a control value is output so as to decrease or increase at least one of the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14.

[0080] For example, when the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T3 is high, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the rotation speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to suppress the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the inverter 14.

[0081] That is, since the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit value of the third allowable temperature, even though the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c has been determined, if the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is too high and the change is not permitted, the ECU 140 suppresses the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 in step S203 to lower the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c. Thereby, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be reduced, and the change is more likely to be permitted.

[0082] On the other hand, when the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T3 is low, the ECU 140 outputs a control value for instructing the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to increase the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the inverter 14.

[0083] That is, since the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is lower than the lower limit value of the third allowable temperature, even though the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c has been determined, the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is too low, so when the change is not permitted, the ECU 140 increases the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 in step S203 to raise the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c. Thereby, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be reduced, and the change is more likely to be permitted.

[0084] After the processing of step S202 or step S203, the ECU 140 ends the instruction processing. In addition, when the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature of the third heat medium is large, or when the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium is large, the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c is not permitted. However, if the heat pump 130 is being normally controlled, the current temperature of the third heat medium should approach the target temperature over time, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium should also become smaller, so no special control is performed. That is, general control is performed and the passage of time is awaited.

[0085] According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0086] When it is determined that ECU 140 does not permit changes to flow paths 11b and 11c, instruction unit 145 outputs a control value for controlling the operation of components such as motor 15 so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt approaches within a predetermined range, that is, decreases. Thereby, when a rapid temperature change of the first heat medium is predicted, the operation of the components can be controlled to adjust the heat generation amount so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt approaches within a predetermined range. For this reason, it becomes possible to change flow paths 11b and 11c while preventing a rapid temperature change of the first heat medium.

[0087] (Third Embodiment) A third embodiment in which the configuration of temperature control system 100 of the first embodiment is partially changed will be described. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, at the confluence where the flow paths merge, a flow rate adjustment valve 50 is provided instead of switching valve 18. Flow rate adjustment valve 50 is a valve that adjusts the ratio of the flow rate flowing from second flow path 11b into first flow path 11a and the flow rate flowing from third flow path 11c into first flow path 11a. Flow rate adjustment valve 50 is controlled by ECU 140.

[0088] With this change, flow path determination unit 141 has a function of determining changes in the flow rate ratio by flow rate adjustment valve 50. Specifically, when the medium temperature T2 of the first heat medium flowing through second flow path 11b is higher than the upper limit value of the second allowable temperature, flow path determination unit 141 determines a change in the flow rate ratio by flow rate adjustment valve 50 to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through second flow path 11b. On the other hand, when the medium temperature T4 of the first heat medium flowing through third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit value of the third allowable temperature, flow path determination unit 141 determines a change in the flow rate ratio by flow rate adjustment valve 50 to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through third flow path 11c. On the other hand, when medium temperature T2 is lower than the upper limit value of the second allowable temperature and medium temperature T3 is lower than the upper limit value of the third allowable temperature, flow path determination unit 141 determines not to change the flow rate ratio by flow rate adjustment valve 50.

[0089] In addition, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow path ratio, it determines the flow rate ratio after the change. At this time, how to change the flow rate ratio may be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be changed to increase or decrease by a predetermined ratio, or it may be changed to increase or decrease by a ratio corresponding to the temperature difference from the second allowable temperature (or the third allowable temperature). That is, when the temperature difference from the second allowable temperature (or the third allowable temperature) is large, the flow rate ratio may be changed to change greatly.

[0090] In addition, along with the above change, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 from (Equation 15), (Equation 16), and (Equation 17), respectively. Here, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is denoted as "V2", and the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is denoted as "V3". The sum of the flow rates V2 + V3 is equal to the flow rate V of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a. Note that the flow rates V2 and V3 can also be calculated from the flow rate V and the flow rate ratio by the flow rate adjustment valve 50 determined by the flow path determination unit 141. Each of the flow rates V2 and V3 is the flow rate after the change of the flow rate ratio.

Number

[0091] The flow path control process of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing. For example, the flow path control process may be executed at a predetermined cycle.

[0092] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 implements the function as the flow path determination unit 141 and determines whether to change the flow rate ratio (step S301). If the determination result in step S301 is negative (when it is determined not to change), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process.

[0093] When the determination result in step S301 is affirmative (when it is determined to make a change), the ECU 140 determines how to change the flow rate ratio (step S302). Then, the ECU 140 performs the function as the temperature prediction unit 142, acquires the states and control values of each component, etc. (step S303), and calculates each heat exchange amount Q1, Q2, Q3, Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc (step S304). Note that the calculation methods of each heat exchange amount Q1, Q2, Q3 are as described above, and the calculation methods of the other heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc are the same as those in the first embodiment. Then, the ECU 140 calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt (step S305). The calculation method is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0094] After that, the ECU 140 performs the function as the determination unit 143 and determines whether to permit the change of the flow rate ratio based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142 (step S306). That is, as described above, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1 or less), the ECU 140 permits the change of the flow path ratio. On the other hand, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 143 does not permit the change of the flow path ratio.

[0095] When the determination result in step S306 is affirmative (when the change of the flow path ratio is permitted), the ECU 140 performs the function as the flow path control unit 144 and controls the flow rate adjustment valve 50 to change the flow path ratio according to the determination of the flow path determination unit 141 (step S307). Then, the flow path control process ends.

[0096] On the other hand, when the determination result in step S306 is negative (when changing the flow path ratio is not permitted), the ECU 140 resets the flow path ratio (step S308). In step S308, the changed flow path ratio is reset so that the change width is smaller compared to the change width of the previously set flow path ratio. For example, if it was set in step S302 that the flow path ratio is changed from 30% to 70%, in step S306, it is reset that the flow path ratio is changed from 30% to 50%. Thereafter, the ECU 140 executes the processes after step S303 again.

[0097] According to the third embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0098] Since the flow path ratio can be changed, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt can be made within a predetermined range. Also, the flow rate can be finely adjusted according to the state of each component and the temperature of the first heat medium (medium temperatures T1 to T3) in each flow path.

[0099] Also, when the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is not within the predetermined range, the ECU 140 as the flow path determination unit 141 resets the flow rate ratio in step S306. Therefore, the flow rate ratio can be appropriately set so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is within the predetermined range.

[0100] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment in which the configuration of the temperature control system 100 of the first embodiment is partially changed will be described. In the above embodiment, the ECU 140 as the determination unit 143 permits the change (or flow rate ratio) of the flow paths 11b and 11c when the difference between the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium and the current medium temperature T4, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range determined in advance. In the fourth embodiment, in addition to this, in consideration of the state of the second heat medium in the heat pump 130, it is determined whether to permit the change (or flow rate ratio) of the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0101] A detailed explanation will be given. When using a refrigerant gas (gas) such as carbon dioxide as the second heat medium used in the heat pump 130, if the temperature change amount of the second heat medium is large due to the change in the flow paths 11b and 11c, there is a possibility that the second heat medium will change its state from a gas to a liquid. And if the state of the second heat medium changes, thereafter, in the heat pump 130, it may become impossible to appropriately control the temperature and pressure of the second heat medium.

[0102] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a flow path control process as shown in FIG. 8 is executed. This flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing, as described above.

[0103] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 functions as the flow path determination unit 141 as in step S101 described above, and determines whether to switch the flow paths 11b and 11c of the first circulation circuit 11 (step S401).

[0104] If the determination result in step S401 is negative (when it is determined not to change), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S401 is positive (when it is determined to change), the ECU 140 functions as the temperature prediction unit 142 as in steps S102 to S104, and calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt (steps S402 to S404).

[0105] Thereafter, the ECU 140 functions as the determination unit 143, and determines whether to permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142 as in step S105 (step S405).

[0106] If this determination result is negative, the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S405 is affirmative, the ECU 140 predicts the state of the second heat medium that is thermally connected to the first heat medium via the chiller 31 (step S406). Specifically, the ECU 140 inputs the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, the temperature of the second heat medium that passes through the chiller 31 before the flow path change, and the opening degree by the expansion valve 34 into a state prediction model for predicting the state of the second heat medium. Note that the opening degree by the expansion valve 34 is a control value that correlates with the pressure or flow rate of the second heat medium. The state of the second heat medium is, for example, the refrigerant humidity.

[0107] Next, the ECU 140 determines whether or not the predicted state of the second heat medium is appropriate (step S407). That is, the ECU 140 makes an affirmative determination when the predicted state of the second heat medium is a gas, and makes a negative determination when it is a liquid (including partial liquefaction).

[0108] If the determination result in step S407 is negative, the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process without changing the flow paths 11b and 11c. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S407 is affirmative, the ECU 140, similar to step S106, implements the function as the flow path control unit 144 and controls the switching valve 18 to switch the flow paths 11b and 11c according to the determination of the flow path determination unit 141 (step S408). Then, the flow path control process ends.

[0109] With the configuration as described above, in the third embodiment, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0110] It is possible to change the flow path in consideration of the state of the second heat medium in the heat pump 130, and it is possible to prevent an abnormality from occurring in the temperature adjustment on the side of the heat pump 130 or the second circulation circuit 21. (Modification example) A modification example in which a part of the configuration of the temperature adjustment system 100 in each of the above embodiments is changed is shown below.

[0111] · In the above embodiment, when calculating Φth, if the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the value of Φth may be set to zero, that is, there is no difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. Note that when the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the temperature of the heater core 22 will rise. Generally, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner by mixing outside air. Therefore, when the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, it may be considered that there is no difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

[0112] · In the above embodiment, the control value for controlling the operation of the compressor 33 may be the rotational speed or the current amount of the compressor 33.

[0113] · In the above fourth embodiment, the state of the second heat medium may be grasped by the pressure value.

[0114] · In the above embodiment, the temperature prediction unit 142 may predict the temperature of the first heat medium in each of the flow paths 11a to 11c and the temperature of the third heat medium in the flow path 21a. At this time, if the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is required, it may be calculated from the predicted temperature of the first heat medium in the first flow path 11a and the medium temperature T1. Note that the permission of the flow path change may be determined using the predicted temperature instead of the temperature change amount.

[0115] · In the above embodiment, the determination unit 143 may determine whether to permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c based on whether the temperature change amount (or predicted temperature) predicted by the temperature prediction unit 142 is within a predetermined range.

[0116] · In the above embodiment, the determination unit 143 does not necessarily need to use the evaluation function model. Simply, when the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range determined in advance, the determination unit 143 may permit the change of the flow path.

[0117] ·In the above embodiment, in addition to the above conditions, when the temperature change amounts dT2 / dt and dT3 / dt are also within predetermined ranges respectively determined in advance, the determination unit 143 may permit the change of the flow path.

[0118] ·In the above embodiment, the determination unit 143 inputs into the evaluation function model in consideration of the difference between the medium temperature T4 of the third heat medium and the target temperature T4a, but it may not consider the difference between the medium temperature T4 and the target temperature T4a. Similarly, the determination unit 143 inputs into the evaluation function model in consideration of the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium, but it may not consider the temperature change amount dT4 / dt. That is, the determination unit 143 may determine whether to permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c by considering only the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, that is, by inputting into the evaluation function model.

[0119] ·In the above embodiment, the types and numbers of the components arranged in the first circulation circuit 11 may be arbitrarily changed. Also, the types and numbers of the components arranged in the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c may be arbitrarily changed. Also, the types and numbers of the components arranged in the second circulation circuit 21 may be arbitrarily changed. Also, the arrangements of these components may be arbitrarily changed.

[0120] ·In the above embodiment, the branching of the flow path of the first circulation circuit 11 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the flow path configuration as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be adopted. In FIG. 9, in the high-temperature circuit section 120, the flow path branches, and the flow rate ratio can be changed by the flow rate adjustment valve 50. In FIG. 10, the flow paths 11c, 11d, and 11e are connected in parallel and can be switched by the switching valve 18b. The connection body of the flow paths 11c, 11d, and 11e is connected in parallel to the second flow path 11b and can be switched with respect to the first flow path 11a by the switching valve 18a. In FIG. 10, the first water temperature sensors SE1 to the fifth water temperature sensors SE5 are respectively arranged in the flow paths 11a to 11e. In FIGS. 9 and 10, Compo 150 refers to a component, and the types and numbers of the components may be arbitrarily changed.

[0121] · In the above embodiment, the flow path determination unit 141 may determine which of the flow paths 11b and 11c to change in consideration of both the medium temperatures T2 and T3. For example, when the medium temperature T2 is higher than the second allowable temperature and the medium temperature T3 is higher than the third allowable temperature, the difference between the upper limit value of the second allowable temperature and the medium temperature T2 and the difference between the upper limit value of the third allowable temperature and the medium temperature T3 are compared, and it may be determined to change to the flow path 11b or 11c with the larger difference.

[0122] · In the above embodiment, so that the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c is not frequently executed, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c, after a lapse of a predetermined time, it may be determined again whether to change the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0123] · In the above embodiment, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the second allowable temperature may be changed according to the state of the components arranged in the second flow path 11b, the vehicle state, etc. The vehicle state is, for example, the outside air temperature or the vehicle temperature. Specifically, when the temperature of the storage battery 12 or the vehicle is low (in the case of cold start), the lower limit value of the second allowable temperature may be increased to assist the temperature rise of the storage battery 12. Similarly, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the third allowable temperature may be changed according to the state of the components arranged in the third flow path 11c, the vehicle state, etc.

[0124] · In the above embodiment, the temperature prediction model is a mathematical formula obtained by experiment or simulation, but a map may be generated by experiment or simulation and prediction may be performed using the map. Alternatively, learning by deep learning may be performed to construct an inference model, and the inference model may be used as the temperature prediction model.

[0125] Similarly, the heat exchange amount prediction model may be a mathematical formula obtained through experiments or simulations, or may be a prediction using a map generated through experiments or simulations. Alternatively, learning by deep learning may be performed to construct an inference model, and the inference model may be used as the heat exchange amount prediction model.

[0126] Similarly, the state prediction model may be a mathematical formula obtained through experiments or simulations, or may be a prediction using a map generated through experiments or simulations. Alternatively, learning by deep learning may be performed to construct an inference model, and the inference model may be used as the state prediction model.

[0127] · In the above embodiment, the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc of each component may be predetermined values.

[0128] · In the above embodiment, the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc of each component change according to the flow rate of the heat medium, the temperature of the heat medium, the temperature difference between the heat medium and the target component, the heat generation amount (or heat absorption amount) of the component, etc. Therefore, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input these variables to predict the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, Qhc.

[0129] For example, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T1, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the chiller 31, and the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qh1, and predict the heat exchange amount Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31. Note that the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the chiller 31 is equal to the flow rate V of the first flow path 11a. The temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31 may be measured by providing a sensor, or may be inferred from the control amount (such as the opening degree) of the expansion valve 34. Also, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qh1 may be arbitrarily changed.

[0130] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T4, the flow rate of the third heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32, and the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qh2, and predict the heat exchange amount Qh2 between the third heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32. The flow rate of the third heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 is equal to the flow rate of the third heat medium flowing through the flow path 21a. Therefore, similar to the flow rate V, the flow rate of the third heat medium may be estimated from the control amount or current amount of the second pump 23. In addition, a flow rate sensor for measuring the flow rate of the third heat medium may be provided, and the flow rate may be acquired from the flow rate sensor. The temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 may be measured by providing sensors, or may be estimated from the control amount (such as the target temperature) of the compressor 33. Also, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qh2 may be arbitrarily changed.

[0131] Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T2, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12, the temperature of the storage battery 12, and the current amount flowing through the storage battery 12 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qbat, and predict the heat exchange amount Qbat between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12. When the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b are connected, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12 is equal to the flow rate V, and when they are not connected, the flow rate becomes zero. The temperature and current amount of the storage battery 12 are acquired from a temperature sensor and a current sensor (not shown). Therefore, the heat generation amount changes according to the state (battery temperature and current amount) of the storage battery 12, and the heat exchange amount Qbat also increases or decreases. Specifically, when it is estimated that the heat generation amount is large from the battery temperature and current amount of the storage battery 12, the heat exchange amount Qbat is also likely to increase. Also, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qbat may be arbitrarily changed. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12 may be provided, and the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor may be adopted instead of the medium temperature T2.

[0132] Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T2, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13, and the temperature (or control amount) of the battery heater 13 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qbh, and predict the heat exchange amount Qbh between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12. The temperature of the battery heater 13 is estimated based on the control amount (such as the target temperature) of the battery heater 13. Therefore, the heat exchange amount Qbh also increases or decreases depending on the control amount of the battery heater 13. Specifically, when it is estimated from the control amount of the battery heater 13 that the calorific value is large, the heat exchange amount Qbh is also likely to increase. Note that a sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery heater 13 may be provided, and the temperature of the battery heater 13 may be acquired from the sensor. Further, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qbh may be arbitrarily changed. Further, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13 may be provided, and the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor may be adopted instead of the medium temperature T2.

[0133] Further, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14, and the temperature (or control amount) of the inverter 14 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qinv, and predict the heat exchange amount Qinv between the first heat medium and the inverter 14. When the first flow path 11a and the third flow path 11c are connected, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14 is equal to the flow rate V, and when they are not connected, the flow rate is zero. The temperature of the inverter 14 may be acquired from a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the inverter 14, or may be estimated based on the control amount of the inverter 14 or the like. The control amount of the inverter 14 is a value correlated with the current amount to the inverter 14, the switching period of the switches constituting the inverter 14, and the like. Further, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qinv may be arbitrarily changed. Further, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14 may be provided, and the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor may be adopted instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0134] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15, and the temperature (or control amount) of the motor 15 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qmg, and predict the heat exchange amount Qmg between the first heat medium and the motor 15. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14. The temperature of the motor 15 may be obtained from a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the motor 15, or may be estimated based on the control amount of the motor 15 or the like. The control amount of the motor 15 is, for example, the target values such as the rotational speed and output torque of the motor 15. The temperature of the motor 15 may be estimated based on the control amount of the motor 15. Note that the temperature of the motor 15 may be estimated based on the current amount flowing through the motor 15 or the like. Instead of the temperature of the motor 15, the heat generation amount may be adopted. Further, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qmg may be arbitrarily changed. Further, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15 may be provided, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be adopted instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0135] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16, and the temperature of the radiator 16 into the heat exchange amount prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qrd, and predict the heat exchange amount Qrd between the first heat medium and the radiator 16. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14. Further, the types and numbers of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qrd may be arbitrarily changed. Further, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16 may be provided, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be adopted instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0136] The control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Or, the control unit and its method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor programmed to execute one or more functions and a memory and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. Further, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executable by a computer.

[0137] Hereinafter, the characteristic configurations extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0138] [Configuration 1] A first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing the flow paths (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium, A heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32), the heat pump having pressure converters (33, 34) for compressing or expanding the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium, In a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that allows the first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, When the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a temperature prediction unit (142) that predicts the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, A temperature control device comprising a flow path control unit (144) that performs control for changing the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

[0139] [Configuration 2] The temperature prediction unit acquires the temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and the temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path planned to be connected to the first heat exchanger by the change, and inputs them into a temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium. The temperature control device according to Configuration 1.

[0140] [Configuration 3] One or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are the cooling target or heating target of the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit. The temperature prediction unit predicts the amount of heat generation or the amount of heat absorption from each of the components, and inputs the predicted amount of heat generation or heat absorption into the temperature prediction model. The temperature control device according to Configuration 1 or 2.

[0141] [Configuration 4] The amount of heat generation or heat absorption from the component is predicted based on at least one of a value correlated with the state of the component and a value correlated with a control value for controlling the operation of the component. The temperature control device according to Configuration 3.

[0142] [Configuration 5] A determination unit (143) is provided that determines whether to permit the change of the flow path based on whether the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change predicted by the temperature prediction unit is within a predetermined range. When the determination result of the determination unit is affirmative, the flow path control unit performs control for changing the flow path. The temperature control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4.

[0143] [Configuration 6] Components that are the cooling target or heating target of the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the circulation circuit. When the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount is outside a predetermined range, the determination unit determines not to permit the change of the flow path. When it is determined by the determination unit not to permit the switching of the flow path, an instruction unit (145) is provided which instructs a control value for controlling the operation of the component so that the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount approaches within the predetermined range. The temperature control device according to Configuration 5.

[0144] [Configuration 7] The temperature adjustment system further includes a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates. The heat pump is configured to perform heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium by thermally connecting the third heat medium flowing in from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, so as to adjust the temperature of the third heat medium. The temperature prediction unit is configured to predict the temperature change amount of the third heat medium. The temperature control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, comprising a determination unit that determines whether to permit the change of the flow path based on the temperature change amount of the first heat medium and the temperature change amount of the third heat medium.

[0145] [Configuration 8] It is configured to acquire the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium. The determination unit permits the change of the flow path when at least the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range determined in advance. The temperature control device according to Configuration 7.

[0146] [Configuration 9] A flow rate adjustment valve (50) is provided at a confluence portion where two or more of the flow paths merge. By controlling the flow rate adjustment valve, the flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing into the inlet of the first heat exchanger from each of the flow paths is configured to be changed. When the change in the flow rate ratio is determined, the temperature prediction unit predicts the heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, inputs the heat exchange amount into a temperature prediction model, and predicts the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger. When the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range, the flow path control unit controls the flow rate adjustment valve to change the flow path ratio. When the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within a predetermined range, the flow path determination unit resets the flow rate ratio until the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range. The temperature control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8.

[0147] [Configuration 10] When the change in the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a state prediction unit that predicts the state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger from the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit. The temperature control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a determination unit (143) that determines whether to permit the change in the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction unit.

[0148] [Configuration 11] The state prediction unit inputs the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit, the temperature of the second heat medium before the change, and the pressure control amount for commanding the operation of the pressure converter into a state prediction model for predicting the state of the second heat medium, and predicts the state of the second heat medium. The temperature control device according to Configuration 10.

[0149] [Configuration 12] A first circulation circuit in which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing the flow path of the first heat medium. It circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and includes a heat pump having a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium. In a temperature control program implemented by a temperature control device of a temperature control system that allows a first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit, performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium, When the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a temperature prediction step of predicting the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, A temperature control program that performs a flow path control step of performing the change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

[0150] [Configuration 13] A first circulation circuit in which a first heat medium circulates, and the first circulation circuit capable of changing the flow path of the first heat medium, It circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and includes a heat pump having a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium. In a temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device of a temperature control system that allows a first heat medium to flow into the first heat exchanger from the first circulation circuit, performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium, When the change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a temperature prediction step of predicting the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, A temperature control method including a flow path control step of performing the change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0151] 11…First circulation circuit, 11a…First flow path, 11b…Second flow path, 11c…Third flow path, 12…Battery, 13…Battery heater, 14…Inverter, 15…Motor, 16…Radiator, 18…Switching valve, 21…Second circulation circuit, 22…Heater core, 31…Chiller, 32…Water-cooled condenser, 33…Compressor, 34…Expansion valve, 50…Flow rate adjustment valve, 100…Temperature control system, 110…Low-temperature circuit section, 120…High-temperature circuit section, 130…Heat pump, 140…ECU, 141…Flow path determination section, 142…Temperature prediction section, 143…Judgment section, 144…Flow path control section, 145…Instruction section.

Claims

1. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit, One or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are targets for cooling or heating by the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit, The temperature prediction unit obtains the temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and the temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path that is to be connected to the first heat exchanger after the change, and inputs these into a temperature prediction model, and predicts the amount of heat generated from or the amount of heat absorbed by each of the components, and inputs the predicted amount of heat generated or the amount of heat absorbed into the temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the predicted temperature or amount of temperature change of the first heat medium.

2. The temperature control device according to claim 1 , wherein the amount of heat generated or absorbed from the component is predicted based on at least one of a value correlated to a state of the component and a value correlated to a control value that controls the operation of the component.

3. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit; a determination unit (143) that determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on whether or not the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount predicted by the temperature prediction unit is within a predetermined range; The flow path control unit performs change control of the flow path when the determination result of the determination unit is affirmative.

4. a component to be cooled or heated by the first heat medium is disposed in each flow path of the circulation circuit; the determining unit determines that the change of the flow path is not permitted when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount is outside a predetermined range; 4. The temperature control device according to claim 3, further comprising an instruction unit (145) that, when the determination unit determines that switching of the flow path is not permitted, indicates a control value that controls the operation of the component so that the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount approaches the predetermined range.

5. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has pressure converters (33, 34) that compress or expand the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates; A temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit, the heat pump is configured to thermally connect the third heat medium flowing from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, thereby performing heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium, and adjust the temperature of the third heat medium; the temperature prediction unit is configured to predict a temperature change amount of the third heat medium; The temperature control device further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on an amount of change in temperature of the first heat medium and an amount of change in temperature of the third heat medium.

6. a target temperature and a current temperature of the third heat medium are acquired; 6. The temperature control device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit permits the change of the flow path when at least the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range.

7. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a flow rate adjusting valve (50) is provided at a junction where two or more of the flow paths join; The flow rate adjustment valve is controlled to change a flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing from each of the flow paths into the inlet of the first heat exchanger, a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit; a flow path determination unit that determines the flow path ratio of each flow path, when it is decided to change the flow rate ratio, the temperature prediction unit predicts a heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, inputs the heat exchange amount into a temperature prediction model, and predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger; the flow path control unit controls the flow rate adjustment valve to change the flow path ratio when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range; When the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within a predetermined range, the flow path determination unit resets the flow rate ratio until the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range.

8. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit; a state prediction unit that predicts a state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger, based on the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; and A temperature control device comprising a judgment unit (143) that judges whether or not to allow the flow path to be changed based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction unit.

9. 9. The temperature control device according to claim 8, wherein the state prediction unit predicts the state of the second heat medium by inputting the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit, the temperature of the second heat medium before the change, and a pressure control amount that commands the operation of the pressure converter into a state prediction model that predicts the state of the second heat medium.

10. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control program executed by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing a change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; One or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are targets for cooling or heating by the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit, In the temperature prediction step, the temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and the temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path that is to be connected to the first heat exchanger after the change are obtained and input into a temperature prediction model, and the amount of heat generated from or the amount of heat absorbed by each of the components is predicted and the predicted amount of heat generated or the amount of heat absorbed is input into the temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the predicted temperature or amount of temperature change of the first heat medium.

11. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control program executed by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on whether or not the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount predicted by the temperature prediction step is within a predetermined range; In the flow path control step, if the determination result in the determination step is affirmative, change control of the flow path is performed.

12. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has pressure converters (33, 34) that compress or expand the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates; A temperature control program executed by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing a change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; the heat pump is configured to thermally connect the third heat medium flowing from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, thereby performing heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium, and adjust the temperature of the third heat medium; the temperature prediction step is configured to predict a temperature change amount of the third heat medium, The temperature control program further causes the program to execute a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on an amount of change in temperature of the first heat medium and an amount of change in temperature of the third heat medium.

13. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control program executed by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a flow rate adjusting valve (50) is provided at a junction where two or more of the flow paths join; The flow rate adjustment valve is controlled to change a flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing from each of the flow paths into the inlet of the first heat exchanger, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a flow path determination step of determining the flow path ratio of each flow path, In the temperature prediction step, when a change in the flow rate ratio is determined, a heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium is predicted based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, and the heat exchange amount is input into a temperature prediction model to predict a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger; In the flow path control step, when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range, the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled to change the flow path ratio; a temperature control program, in which, in the flow path determination step, if the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within a predetermined range, the flow rate ratio is reset until the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range.

14. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control program executed by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) that adjusts a temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a state prediction step of predicting a state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger, based on the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium predicted in the temperature prediction step, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; and a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction step.

15. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) in which the first heat medium is caused to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step, One or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are targets for cooling or heating by the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit, In the temperature prediction step, a temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path that is to be connected to the first heat exchanger after the change are acquired and input into a temperature prediction model, and the amount of heat generated from or the amount of heat absorbed by each of the components is predicted and the predicted amount of heat generated or the amount of heat absorbed is input into the temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the predicted temperature or amount of temperature change of the first heat medium.

16. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) in which the first heat medium is caused to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on whether or not the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount predicted in the temperature prediction step is within a predetermined range, In the flow path control step, if the determination result in the determination step is affirmative, change control of the flow path is performed.

17. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has pressure converters (33, 34) that compress or expand the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates; A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) in which the first heat medium is caused to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step, the heat pump is configured to thermally connect the third heat medium flowing from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, thereby performing heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium, and adjust the temperature of the third heat medium; the temperature prediction step is configured to predict a temperature change amount of the third heat medium, The temperature control method further comprises a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on an amount of change in temperature of the first heat medium and an amount of change in temperature of the third heat medium.

18. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) in which the first heat medium is caused to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, a flow rate adjusting valve (50) is provided at a junction where two or more of the flow paths join; The flow rate adjustment valve is controlled to change a flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing from each of the flow paths into the inlet of the first heat exchanger, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a flow path determination step of determining a flow path ratio of each flow path, In the temperature prediction step, when a change in the flow rate ratio is determined, a heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium is predicted based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, and the heat exchange amount is input into a temperature prediction model to predict a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger; In the flow path control step, when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range, the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled to change the flow path ratio; In the flow path determination step, if the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within a predetermined range, the flow rate ratio is reset until the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range.

19. a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32) and has a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium; A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) in which the first heat medium is caused to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, a temperature prediction step of predicting, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step; a state prediction step of predicting a state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger, based on the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium predicted in the temperature prediction step, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction step.

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