Temperature control system and method for controlling the temperature control system

Abstract

This improves the heating start-up performance when running heater mode, which supplies a heat transfer medium heated by the compressor's power to temperature control equipment at low ambient temperatures. [Solution] The heat transfer medium circuit 20 includes an indoor air conditioning unit 25A, a first pump 21 that pumps the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the indoor air conditioning unit 25A, a three-way valve 26, and a communication passage L5 that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium passage L1 from the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium passage L2 from the evaporator 14 in the flow direction. The control unit 30 operates the first pump 21 to supply the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A, and also provides a temperature control system 100 that executes a heater mode by merging the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the indoor air conditioning unit 25A and the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 at a first position P1 located downstream of the communication passage L5 and leading them to the three-way valve 26.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature control system suitable for use in a vehicle and a method for controlling the temperature control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle thermal management system having an operation mode for heating a device to be heated at an early stage at a low outside air temperature has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle thermal management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 arranges a low-pressure side cooling water cooler included in a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates in a first cooling water circuit and circulates the cooling water by a first pump, and arranges a high-pressure side cooling water heater included in the refrigeration cycle in a second cooling water circuit and circulates the cooling water by a second pump, thereby performing a heat pump operation.

[0003] When the vehicle thermal management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 executes an operation mode for heating a device to be heated at an early stage at a low outside air temperature, both the first pump and the second pump are operated, and the cooling water cooled by the cooling water cooler and the cooling water heated by the cooling water heater are mixed by a first switching valve and led to a heater core.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, when executing an operation mode for heating a device to be heated at an early stage at a low outside air temperature, the cooling water heated by the cooling water heater is mixed with the cooling water cooled by the cooling water cooler and led to the heater core in a state where the temperature has decreased. Therefore, there is a possibility that a long time is required until the temperature supplied to the heater core rises at the start of heating.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide a temperature control system and a control method for a temperature control system that can improve the heating start-up performance when executing a heater mode in which a heat transfer medium heated by the power of a compressor is supplied to a temperature control device at low ambient temperatures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A temperature control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurization section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path junction located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium and downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a first heat transfer medium flow path and the low-pressure side heat exchanger located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium that guides the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger. The system includes a flow path branching section that leads to at least one of the first heat medium flow path and a second heat medium flow path that leads to the first heat medium flow path, a communication flow path that connects the downstream side of the first heat medium flow path from the first temperature control equipment in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat medium flow path from the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, and a pump that is located upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path confluence section in the flow direction, and pumps the heat medium. The control unit operates the pump to supply the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure heat exchanger to the first temperature control equipment, and controls the system to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium that has passed through the first temperature control equipment and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure heat exchanger are combined at the flow path confluence section located downstream of the communication flow path and led to the flow path branching section.

[0008] In a control method for a temperature control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature control system comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurization section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the heat transfer medium circuit includes a first temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path junction located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium and downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a first heat transfer medium flow path located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium that guides the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger The refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit are configured to execute a heater mode, which includes a flow path branching section that leads to at least one of the first heat transfer medium flow path and a second heat transfer medium flow path; a communication flow path that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium flow path from the first temperature control equipment in the flow direction and the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium flow path from the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a pump located upstream of the flow path branching section (26) in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path confluence section in the flow direction, for pressurizing the heat transfer medium. The refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit are configured to execute a heater mode, which involves operating the pump to supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure heat exchanger to the first temperature control equipment, and merging the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control equipment and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure heat exchanger at the confluence section located downstream of the communication flow path and leading them to the flow path branching section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a temperature control system and a control method for a temperature control system that can improve the heating start-up performance when executing a heater mode in which a heat transfer medium heated by the power of a compressor is supplied to a temperature control device at low ambient temperatures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which only the first pump is operated to execute the heater mode. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the state in which the heat pump mode is being executed. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the state in which the cooling mode is being executed. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system according to the first modified example of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which only the second pump is operated to execute the heater mode. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system according to a second modified example of the present disclosure, illustrating the state in which the first pump and the second pump are operating to execute the heater mode. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature control system relating to the third modified example of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a temperature control system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle temperature control system 100 shown in Figure 1 is installed in, for example, an electric vehicle that does not have an engine and obtains driving force for vehicle operation from an electric motor, or a so-called hybrid vehicle that obtains driving force for vehicle operation from both an engine and an electric motor, etc. (not shown).

[0012] The temperature control system 100 is responsible for air conditioning, including heating, cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation of the passenger compartment, as well as thermal management and heat recovery for on-board equipment such as the battery unit (power supply), traction motor, and heat-generating electronic devices installed in the vehicle. The process of maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels and managing on-board equipment to an appropriate temperature is collectively referred to as "thermal management."

[0013] The temperature control system 100 and the electric and electronic equipment in the vehicle are supplied with power stored in the vehicle's battery system. The vehicle's battery system is charged from an external power source when the vehicle is stopped.

[0014] The temperature control system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to allow the circulation of a refrigerant RF, a heat transfer medium circuit 20 configured to allow the circulation of a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant RF, and a control unit 30 that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat transfer medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 sets the temperature control system 100 to a predetermined operating mode and controls the operating state of the temperature control system 100 according to the operating mode. The temperature control system 100 includes sensors (not shown), such as a sensor for detecting the outside temperature and a sensor for detecting the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the vehicle compartment.

[0015] The temperature control system 100 can perform any of a plurality of operating modes selected by the occupants or by the control unit 30. In this embodiment, the operating modes of the temperature control system 100 are exemplified as heater mode (Figure 1), heat pump mode (Figure 2), and cooling mode (Figure 3).

[0016] <Configuration of refrigerant circuit 10> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 for compressing the refrigerant RF, a condenser (high-pressure side heat exchanger) 12, an expansion valve (pressure reduction section) 13, and an evaporator (low-pressure side heat exchanger) 14. In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant RF circulates according to the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant RF sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be a single refrigerant or a mixture of refrigerants. For example, HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbon) refrigerants such as R410A and R32, HFO (Hydro Fluoro Olefin) refrigerants such as R1234ze and R1234yf, or hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants such as propane and isobutane can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use R290 as the refrigerant in this embodiment.

[0017] When using the fluorocarbon-based or hydrocarbon-based refrigerant listed above, a subcritical refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. When using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the refrigerant, a transcritical refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Even in that case, since heat is radiated from the refrigerant by the high-pressure side heat exchanger as in the condenser 12 of the present embodiment, and the action of the refrigerant absorbing heat by the low-pressure side heat exchanger as in the evaporator 14 of the present embodiment can be obtained, a refrigerant that forms a transcritical refrigeration cycle such as a carbon dioxide refrigerant can also be adopted in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0018] The compressor 11 is, for example, an electric compressor provided with an electric motor not shown in the figure. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control unit 30. As the compressor 11, for example, a scroll compressor or a rotary compressor is used.

[0019] The condenser 12 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF discharged from the compressor 11 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20.

[0020] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 13, in addition to an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled based on a command from the control unit 30, a thermal expansion valve can be adopted. Note that a capillary tube may be adopted instead of the expansion valve 13. Also, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) not shown in the figure may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 13.

[0021] The evaporator 14 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF flowing out from the expansion valve 13 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20. The refrigerant RF evaporated by the evaporator 14 is guided to the suction side of the compressor 11. An accumulator (gas-liquid separator) not shown in the figure may be provided between the evaporator 14 and the compressor 11.

[0022] The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the evaporator 14, and the refrigerant piping connecting these elements are installed, for example, outside the passenger compartment.

[0023] <Configuration of the heat medium circuit 20> The heat transfer medium circuit 20 is configured to allow circulation of a heat transfer medium HM capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 and evaporator 14. The heat transfer medium HM is used to cool or heat at least one temperature-controlled object. In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled object is the air supplied to the vehicle interior for air conditioning. Alternatively, the temperature-controlled object may be an on-board battery device.

[0024] The heat transfer medium HM sealed in the heat transfer circuit 20 is a liquid such as water or brine that circulates through the heat transfer circuit 20 while maintaining a liquid phase state. Examples of brine include a mixture of water and propylene glycol, or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0025] The heat transfer medium circuit 20 includes a first pump 21, a second pump 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a reserve tank 24, an indoor air conditioning unit (first temperature control equipment) 25A, an indoor air conditioning unit (second temperature control equipment) 25B, a three-way valve (flow path branching section) 26, a three-way valve 27, a three-way valve 28, and a three-way valve (flow path merging section) 29.

[0026] The heat transfer medium circuit 20 includes, as a flow path for the heat transfer medium HM, a first heat transfer medium flow path L1 connecting the three-way valve 26 and the three-way valve 29 via the condenser 12, a second heat transfer medium flow path L2 connecting the three-way valve 26 and the three-way valve 29 via the evaporator 14, a third heat transfer medium flow path L3 connecting the three-way valve 29 and the three-way valve 26 via the indoor air conditioning unit 25B, a fourth heat transfer medium flow path L4 connecting the three-way valve 28 and the three-way valve 27 via the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and a connecting flow path L5 that connects the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the second heat transfer medium flow path L2.

[0027] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are controlled by the control unit 30, which controls their starting, stopping, and rotation speed.

[0028] The first pump 21 is located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and is a device that pumps the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the indoor air conditioning unit 25A to the three-way valve 29 along the flow direction. The second pump 22 is located in the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 and is a device that pumps the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 along the flow direction.

[0029] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is located in the fourth heat transfer medium flow path L4, which is connected to the first heat transfer medium flow path L1, and is a device that exchanges heat between the outside air outside the vehicle compartment and the heat transfer medium. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is located, for example, near the air intake of the vehicle. The outside air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the movement of the vehicle and the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger fan (not shown) dissipates or absorbs heat based on the temperature difference between the outside air and the heat transfer medium.

[0030] The fourth heat transfer medium flow path L4 is a flow path that branches the heat transfer medium HM from the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 downstream of the evaporator 14 in the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium HM, and allows the heat transfer medium HM to flow into the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 at the three-way valve 27 upstream of the evaporator 14 in the direction of flow.

[0031] The connecting passage L5 is a passage that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium passage L1 from the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium passage L2 from the evaporator 14 in the flow direction. The connecting passage L5 connects the first position P1 of the first heat transfer medium passage L1, which is downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction, with the second position P2 of the second heat transfer medium passage L2, which is downstream of the evaporator 14 in the flow direction.

[0032] The reserve tank 24 is located in the communication channel L5 and is a device for storing the heat transfer medium HM. When the heat transfer medium HM sealed in the heat transfer medium circuit 20 expands due to the rise in temperature, the reserve tank 24 accepts the excess heat transfer medium HM into the tank, exceeding the volume of the piping in the heat transfer medium circuit 20.

[0033] Furthermore, when the volume of the heat transfer medium HM decreases due to a drop in temperature, the heat transfer medium HM is replenished from the reserve tank 24 to the communication channel L5, so that the communication channel L5 is kept filled with the heat transfer medium HM. In other words, the reserve tank 24 prevents the internal pressure of the communication channel L5 from becoming excessive or negative. The inside of the reserve tank 24 is open to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the reserve tank 24 may be sealed and adjusted to a desired constant pressure.

[0034] The interior air conditioning unit 25A is a device that heats the air supplied to the vehicle interior, which is the target of temperature control, using a heat transfer medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12. The interior air conditioning unit 25A heats the air using the heat transfer medium HM by exchanging heat between the air supplied to the vehicle interior by the interior air conditioning fan (not shown). The interior air conditioning unit 25A supplies temperature-controlled air to the vehicle interior by the interior air conditioning fan.

[0035] Regardless of whether the temperature control system 100 is operating in heater mode (Figure 1), heat pump mode (Figure 2), or cooling mode (Figure 3), the indoor air conditioning unit 25A is supplied with a heat transfer medium HM that has been heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12. When the temperature control system 100 is operating in cooling mode, the control unit 30 controls the system to block the air supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A with a shielding plate (not shown) so as not to heat the air sent to the passenger compartment by the indoor air conditioning unit 25A.

[0036] The interior air conditioning unit 25B is a device that heats the air supplied to the vehicle interior, which is the target of temperature control, using a heat transfer medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12. The interior air conditioning unit 25B is located upstream of the three-way valve 26 in the flow direction, and in heater mode, it heats the air with a heat transfer medium HM formed by combining the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the interior air conditioning unit 25A and the heat transfer medium HM introduced from the communication flow path L5. The interior air conditioning unit 25B supplies temperature-controlled air to the vehicle interior by an interior air conditioning fan.

[0037] When the temperature control system 100 operates in heater mode (Figure 1) or heat pump mode (Figure 2), the indoor air conditioning unit 25B is supplied with a heat transfer medium HM that has been heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12. On the other hand, when the temperature control system 100 operates in cooling mode (Figure 3), the indoor air conditioning unit 25B is supplied with a heat transfer medium HM that has been cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant RF in the evaporator 14.

[0038] The indoor air conditioning unit 25A is positioned downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25B in the direction of airflow. This is because, when performing the cooling mode (Figure 3), the indoor air conditioning unit 25A heats the heat transfer medium HM, which has been cooled for dehumidification by the indoor air conditioning unit 25B, to an appropriate temperature.

[0039] The three-way valve 26 is positioned downstream of the indoor air conditioning units 25A and 25B in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium HM, and is a device that branches the heat transfer medium HM into at least one of a first heat transfer medium flow path L1 that leads to the condenser 12 and a second heat transfer medium flow path L2 that leads to the evaporator 14. The opening degree of the three-way valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction is switched according to the operating mode.

[0040] The three-way valve 27 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat transfer medium HM flows through the fourth heat transfer medium passage L4 and a non-circulating state in which the heat transfer medium HM does not flow through the fourth heat transfer medium passage L4. The three-way valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction can be switched or the flow of the heat transfer medium HM can be prevented depending on the operating mode.

[0041] The three-way valve 28 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat transfer medium HM flows through the fourth heat transfer medium passage L4 and a non-circulating state in which the heat transfer medium HM does not flow through the fourth heat transfer medium passage L4. The three-way valve 28 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction can be switched or the flow of the heat transfer medium HM can be prevented depending on the operating mode.

[0042] The three-way valve 29 is positioned downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction and upstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25B in the flow direction, and is a device that guides the heat transfer medium HM flowing through the first heat transfer medium passage L1 and the heat transfer medium HM flowing through the second heat transfer medium passage L2 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B via the third heat transfer medium passage L3.

[0043] <Configuration of the control unit 30> The control unit 30 is a device that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat transfer medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the storage medium in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM and performs information processing and calculations to realize the various functions.

[0044] The program may be provided in various forms, such as being pre-installed on ROM or other storage media, being stored on a computer-readable storage medium, or being distributed via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory.

[0045] Next, the control of the temperature control system 100 with the above configuration will be described. <Heater mode: Figure 1> The heater mode (first heater mode) is suitable for heating when the outside temperature is too low for the heat transfer medium HM to absorb heat from the outside air. In heater mode, the heat transfer medium HM is used to transport a heat amount to the vehicle compartment that is commensurate with the power of the compressor 11, which acts as a heat source, while avoiding heat loss from the heat transfer medium HM to the outside air. This ensures heating capacity even when the outside temperature is significantly below 0°C. In the heat transfer medium circuit 20 shown in Figure 1, the areas where the heat transfer medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed lines, and the areas where the heat transfer medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0046] The refrigerant circuit 10 is activated by a command from the control unit 30. As a result, the refrigerant RF is compressed by the compressor 11 and supplied to the condenser 12 as high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant RF. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF dissipates heat by exchanging heat with the heat transfer medium HM, and the refrigerant RF condenses and liquefies. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is then depressurized by the expansion valve 13 and supplied to the evaporator 14.

[0047] In the evaporator 14, the refrigerant RF exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium HM, gaining latent heat of vaporization and evaporating, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant RF. The refrigerant RF that leaves the evaporator 14 is led to the compressor 11, where the refrigeration cycle described above is repeated.

[0048] The control unit 30 operates only the first pump 21 and uses the three-way valve 26 to split the heat transfer medium HM into the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the second heat transfer medium flow path L2. The heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 located in the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 are merged at the first position P1 via the communication flow path L5. The heat transfer medium HM that has merged at the first position P1 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B located in the third heat transfer medium flow path L3 via the three-way valve 29.

[0049] The heat transfer medium HM that flows to the condenser 12 absorbs heat from the refrigerant RF flowing through the condenser 12, liquefying the refrigerant RF. The heat transfer medium HM that flows to the evaporator 14 imparts latent heat of vaporization to the refrigerant RF flowing through the evaporator 14, causing the refrigerant RF to evaporate. The heat transfer medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is then used by the indoor air conditioning units 25A and 25B to heat the air (or outside air) inside the vehicle cabin, providing heating. The heat transfer medium HM, which has been heated and cooled, is then guided to the three-way valve 26.

[0050] The three-way valve 26 is configured to adjust the first flow rate of the heat transfer medium HM directed to the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the second flow rate of the heat transfer medium HM directed to the second heat transfer medium flow path L2. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first and second flow rates, for example, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14. When the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14 is increased, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to increase the second flow rate.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first and second flow rates based, for example, on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12. When the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12 is increased, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to increase the second flow rate.

[0052] As described above, the control unit 30 operates only the first pump 21 without operating the second pump 22, and supplies the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A. The control unit 30 also combines the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12, which is guided from the communication channel L5 to the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the indoor air conditioning unit 25A, with the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12, and guides it to the three-way valve 26. As described above, the control unit 30 controls the refrigerant circuit 10, three-way valve 26, three-way valve 27, three-way valve 29, and the first pump 21 to execute a heater mode that heats the temperature-controlled object using the power of the compressor 11.

[0053] <Heat pump mode: Figure 2> In heat pump mode, heat is drawn from the outside air as a heat source to heat the interior of the vehicle. The operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same as in heater mode as shown in Figure 1, so its explanation is omitted.

[0054] The heat transfer medium HM, heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12, is guided through the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 to the third heat transfer medium flow path L3 by the action of the first pump 21. Then, the indoor air conditioning units 25A and 25B heat the air (or outside air) inside the vehicle cabin using the heat transfer medium HM to provide heating. The heat transfer medium HM, which has been heated and cooled, is guided to the three-way valve 26.

[0055] The control unit 30 forms a first circulation system by using a three-way valve 26 to guide the heat transfer medium HM from the third heat transfer medium flow path L3 to only the first heat transfer medium flow path L1, and then using a three-way valve 29 to guide the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B. The control unit 30 also forms a second circulation system by using three-way valves 27 and 28 to guide the heat transfer medium HM from the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 to the fourth heat transfer medium flow path L4.

[0056] The control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 to execute a heat pump mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger 23 heats the heat transfer medium HM with outside air, the refrigerant RF is heated by the heat transfer medium HM passing through the second heat transfer medium flow path L2, and the heat transfer medium HM passing through the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 is heated by the refrigerant RF, by forming a first circulation system and a second circulation system.

[0057] <Cooling mode: Figure 3> In cooling mode, the indoor air conditioning unit 25B is used to supply cool air to the passenger compartment. The operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same as in the heater mode shown in Figure 1, so its explanation is omitted.

[0058] The heat transfer medium HM, heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12, is guided by the action of the first pump 21 through the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and via the three-way valve 28 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 located in the fourth heat transfer medium flow path L4. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 dissipates heat from the heat transfer medium HM through heat exchange with the outside air. The heat transfer medium HM, cooled by heat exchange with the outside air, flows back into the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 via the three-way valve 27 and is guided back to the condenser 12.

[0059] The heat transfer medium HM, cooled by the refrigerant RF in the evaporator 14, is guided by the action of the second pump 22 through the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 and via the three-way valve 29 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B located in the third heat transfer medium flow path L3. The indoor air conditioning unit 25B cools the air by heat exchange between the heat transfer medium HM and the air supplied to the vehicle interior. The air cooled by the heat transfer medium HM is then blown into the vehicle interior. As a result, the vehicle interior is cooled to the desired temperature.

[0060] The control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 to execute a cooling mode in which the first pump 21 is operated to circulate the heat transfer medium HM in the order of condenser 12, indoor air conditioning unit 25A, and outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the second pump 22 is operated to circulate it in the order of evaporator 14 and indoor air conditioning unit 25B.

[0061] The temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, as described above, provides the following functions and effects. According to the temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, by executing the heater mode, the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 can be supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A to heat the air blown into the vehicle interior. In heater mode, by operating the first pump 21, the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 is guided from the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 to the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 via the communication flow path L5. This communication flow path L5 connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 from the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 from the evaporator 14 in the flow direction, so that the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 is not supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A.

[0062] According to the temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, when the heater mode is executed, the heat transfer medium HM, which is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant RF as it passes through the evaporator 14, is not supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A. Therefore, the heat of the heat transfer medium HM that heats the air in the indoor air conditioning unit 25A is not cooled by other heat transfer mediums. Thus, the heating start-up performance can be improved when executing the heater mode, in which the heat transfer medium HM heated by the power of the compressor 11 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25A at low outside temperatures.

[0063] According to the temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, the temperature-controlled object heated by the indoor air conditioning unit 25A can be further heated by the indoor air conditioning unit 25B, which uses a heat medium HM formed by combining the heat medium HM that has passed through the indoor air conditioning unit 25A and the heat medium HM introduced from the communication channel L5 as a heat source.

[0064] According to the temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, since the indoor air conditioning unit 25A is positioned downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25B in the direction of air flow, when the cooling mode is executed, the heat transfer medium HM that has been cooled for dehumidification by the indoor air conditioning unit 25B can be heated to an appropriate temperature by the indoor air conditioning unit 25A.

[0065] [First variation] In the above description, the heater mode shown in Figure 1 operates only the first pump 21, but other configurations are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the heater mode may operate only the second pump 22.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 30 operates only the second pump 22 and uses a three-way valve 26 to split the heat transfer medium HM into a first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and a second heat transfer medium flow path L2. The heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 located in the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 are merged at the second position P2 via a communication flow path L5. The heat transfer medium HM that has merged at the second position P2 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B located in the third heat transfer medium flow path L3 via a three-way valve 29.

[0067] [Second variation] In the above description, the heater mode is assumed to operate only the first pump 21, but other configurations are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the heater mode may operate both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 30 operates the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, and the three-way valve 26 branches the heat transfer medium HM into the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the second heat transfer medium flow path L2. The heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 located in the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 are merged by the three-way valve 29. The heat transfer medium HM merged by the three-way valve 29 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25B located in the third heat transfer medium flow path L3.

[0069] [Third variation] In the temperature control system 100 described above, the first pump 21 is positioned downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium HM in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1, but other configurations are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the temperature control system 100A may be configured in which the first pump 21 is positioned upstream of the condenser 12 in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium HM in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 30 operates the first pump 21 and branches the heat transfer medium HM into the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the communication flow path L5 at the first position P1. The heat transfer medium guided to the communication flow path L5 at the first position P1 is guided to the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 at the second position P2. The communication flow path L5 connects the first position P1, which is downstream of the indoor air conditioning unit 25A in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium HM in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1, and the second position P2, which is upstream of the evaporator 14 in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium HM in the flow direction of the second heat transfer medium flow path L2. The heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1 and the heat transfer medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 located in the second heat transfer medium flow path L2 are merged at the three-way valve 26. The heat transfer medium HM that has been merged at the three-way valve 26 is supplied to the condenser 12 located in the first heat transfer medium flow path L1. The heat transfer medium HM supplied to the condenser 12 is guided to the first position P1 (flow channel branching point).

[0071] The temperature control system and control method for the temperature control system described in each embodiment above can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0072] A temperature control system according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit (10) through which a refrigerant circulates a compressor (11), a high-pressure side heat exchanger (12), a depressurization section (13), and a low-pressure side heat exchanger (14); a heat transfer medium circuit (20) through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control unit (30) that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit. The heat transfer medium circuit includes a first temperature control device (25A) that heats a temperature control target using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger; flow path confluence sections (P1, P2) located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium and downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a first heat transfer medium flow path (L1) located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium and guiding the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger. The system includes a flow path branching section (26) that leads to at least one of the first heat medium flow path (L2) and the second heat medium flow path (L2) that leads to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a communication flow path (L5) that connects the downstream side of the first heat medium flow path from the first temperature control equipment in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat medium flow path from the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction, and pumps (21, 22) that are located upstream of the flow path branching section (26) in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path confluence section in the flow direction for pumping the heat medium, and the control unit controls the pumps to supply the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger to the first temperature control equipment, and to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium that has passed through the first temperature control equipment and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger are combined at the flow path confluence section located downstream of the communication flow path and led to the flow path branching section.

[0073] According to the temperature control system of the first aspect of this disclosure, by executing the heater mode, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger can be supplied to the first temperature control device to heat the object to be controlled. In heater mode, by operating the pump, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger merge at a flow path junction located downstream of the connecting flow path. This connecting flow path connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium flow path from the first temperature control device in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium flow path from the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction. As a result, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device.

[0074] According to the temperature control system of the first aspect of this disclosure, when the heater mode is executed, the heat transfer medium that is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant as it passes through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device. Therefore, the heat of the heat transfer medium that heats the temperature-controlled object in the first temperature control device is not cooled by other heat transfer mediums. Thus, the heating start-up performance can be improved when the heater mode is executed, in which a heat transfer medium heated by the power of the compressor is supplied to the temperature control device at low ambient temperatures.

[0075] A temperature control system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure further comprises the following configuration in the first aspect: a second temperature control device (25B) positioned upstream of the flow path branch in the flow direction, which heats the object to be temperature controlled by a heat medium formed by combining the heat medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat medium that has been guided from the communication flow path.

[0076] According to the temperature control system of the second aspect of this disclosure, the temperature-controlled object heated by the first temperature control device can be further heated by the second temperature control device, which uses a heat medium obtained by combining the heat medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat medium introduced from the communication channel as a heat source.

[0077] A temperature control system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure further comprises the following configuration in a second aspect: The temperature control target is air supplied to a vehicle compartment, the first temperature control device is located downstream of the second temperature control device in the direction of air flow, and the system comprises a first pump (21) located in the second heat transfer medium flow path and pumping the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the first temperature control device (25A) along the flow direction, a second pump (22) located in the first heat transfer medium flow path and pumping the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, and an outdoor heat exchanger (23) connected to the first heat transfer medium flow path and performing heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and the outside air, and the control unit controls the first pump to operate to circulate the heat transfer medium in the order of the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the first temperature control device and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second pump to operate to execute a cooling mode in which the heat transfer medium is circulated in the order of the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the second temperature control device.

[0078] According to the temperature control system of the third aspect of this disclosure, since the first temperature control device is positioned downstream of the second temperature control device in the direction of air flow, when the cooling mode is executed, the heat transfer medium cooled for dehumidification by the second temperature control device can be heated to an appropriate temperature by the first temperature control device.

[0079] A temperature control system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurization section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the heat transfer medium circuit includes a first temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path merging section located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, which merges the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger and guides it to the high-pressure side heat exchanger; and a flow path merging section located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, which guides the heat transfer medium to the first temperature control device The control unit includes a flow path branching section that leads to a first heat transfer medium flow path leading to a device and a second heat transfer medium flow path leading to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a communication flow path that connects the first heat transfer medium flow path downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction and the second heat transfer medium flow path upstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction, and a pump that is positioned upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path confluence section in the flow direction to pump the heat transfer medium, and controls the pump to operate in order to supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger to the first temperature control device, and to execute a heater mode in which the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger via the communication flow path from the flow path branching section are combined at the flow path confluence section and led to the flow path branching section.

[0080] According to the temperature control system of the fourth aspect of this disclosure, by executing the heater mode, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger can be supplied to the first temperature control device to heat the object to be controlled. In heater mode, by operating the pump, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger merge at the flow channel junction and are led to the high-pressure side heat exchanger. Since the heat transfer medium that has merged at the flow channel junction is led to the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device.

[0081] According to the temperature control system of the fourth aspect of this disclosure, when the heater mode is executed, the heat transfer medium that is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant as it passes through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device. Therefore, the heat of the heat transfer medium that heats the temperature-controlled object in the first temperature control device is not cooled by other heat transfer mediums. Thus, the heating start-up performance can be improved when the heater mode is executed, in which a heat transfer medium heated by the power of the compressor is supplied to the temperature control device at low ambient temperatures.

[0082] A control method for a temperature control system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the temperature control system comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurization section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the heat transfer medium circuit includes a first temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path junction located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium and downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a first heat transfer medium flow path and the low-pressure side heat exchanger located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium that guide the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit are configured to execute a heater mode, which includes a flow path branching section that leads to at least one of the first heat transfer medium flow path and a second heat transfer medium flow path that leads to an exchanger; a communication flow path that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium flow path from the first temperature control equipment in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium flow path from the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; and a pump located upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path confluence section in the flow direction for pumping the heat transfer medium. The refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit are configured to execute a heater mode, which involves operating the pump to supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger to the first temperature control equipment, and merging the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control equipment and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the confluence section located downstream of the communication flow path and leading them to the flow path branching section.

[0083] According to the control method for a temperature control system according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, by executing the heater mode, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger can be supplied to the first temperature control device to heat the temperature control target. In heater mode, by operating the pump, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger merge at a flow path junction located downstream of the connecting flow path. This connecting flow path connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium flow path from the first temperature control device in the flow direction with the downstream side of the second heat transfer medium flow path from the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction. As a result, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device.

[0084] According to the control method for a temperature control system in the fifth aspect of this disclosure, when the heater mode is executed, the heat transfer medium that is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant as it passes through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is not supplied to the first temperature control device. Therefore, the heat of the heat transfer medium that heats the temperature-controlled object in the first temperature control device is not cooled by other heat transfer mediums. Thus, the heating start-up performance can be improved when executing the heater mode, in which a heat transfer medium heated by the power of the compressor is supplied to the temperature control device at low ambient temperatures. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 10 Refrigerant Circuit 11 Compressor 12. Condenser (High-pressure side heat exchanger) 13 Expansion valve 14. Evaporator (low-pressure heat exchanger) 20 Heat carrier circuit 21 Pump No. 1 22 Pump No. 2 23 Outdoor heat exchanger 24 Reserve Tank 25A Indoor air conditioning unit (first temperature control equipment) 25B Indoor air conditioning unit (second temperature control equipment) 26. Three-way valve (flow channel junction) 27, 28 Three-way valve 29. Three-way valve (flow channel branching section) 30 Control Unit 100 Temperature Control System HM heat medium L1 First heat transfer medium channel L2 Second heat medium flow path L3 Third heat transfer medium channel L4 Fourth heat transfer medium channel L5 Connecting channel P1 1st position P2 2nd position RF refrigerant

Claims

1. A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurizing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, A heat transfer medium circuit through which the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, The system comprises a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, The aforementioned heat transfer circuit is A first temperature control device that heats the temperature-controlled object using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger, A flow path junction located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, and downstream of the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, A flow path branching section is located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction and guides the heat transfer medium to at least one of a first heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, A connecting passage that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer fluid passage from the first temperature control device in the flow direction to the downstream side of the second heat transfer fluid passage from the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, A pump is provided for pumping the heat transfer medium, which is located upstream of the flow branching section in the direction of flow and downstream of the flow confluence section in the direction of flow. It has, The control unit controls the pump to operate and supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure heat exchanger to the first temperature control device, and to execute a heater mode in which the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure heat exchanger are merged at the flow path junction located downstream of the communication flow path and guided to the flow path branching section.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, further comprising a second temperature control device positioned upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction, which heats the temperature-controlled object with a heat transfer medium formed by combining the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has been guided from the communication flow path.

3. The temperature-controlled object is the air supplied to the vehicle compartment. The first temperature control device is positioned downstream of the second temperature control device in the direction of air flow. A first pump is arranged in the first heat transfer fluid flow path and pumps the heat transfer fluid, which has passed through the high-pressure heat exchanger and the first temperature control device, along the flow direction. A second pump is positioned in the second heat transfer fluid flow path and pumps the heat transfer fluid that has passed through the low-pressure heat exchanger along the flow direction, The system includes an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the first heat transfer fluid channel and performing heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the outside air, The temperature control system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first pump to circulate the heat transfer medium in the order of the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the first temperature control device, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and operates the second pump to execute a cooling mode in which the heat transfer medium is circulated in the order of the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the second temperature control device.

4. A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurizing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, A heat transfer medium circuit through which the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, The system comprises a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, The aforementioned heat transfer circuit is A first temperature control device that heats the temperature-controlled object using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger, A flow path merging section is located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, and merges the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and guides them to the high-pressure side heat exchanger. A flow path branching section is located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction and provides a first heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the first temperature control device and a second heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, A communication channel that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer medium channel from the first temperature control device in the flow direction and the upstream side of the second heat transfer medium channel from the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, A pump is provided for pumping the heat transfer medium, which is located upstream of the flow branching section in the direction of flow and downstream of the flow confluence section in the direction of flow. It has, The control unit controls the pump to operate and supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure heat exchanger to the first temperature control device, and to execute a heater mode in which the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure heat exchanger are combined at the flow path junction and guided to the flow path branching section.

5. A method for controlling a temperature control system, The aforementioned temperature control system is A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a depressurizing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, A heat transfer medium circuit through which the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, The system comprises a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit, The aforementioned heat transfer circuit is A first temperature control device that heats the temperature-controlled object using the heat transfer medium heated by the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger, A flow path junction located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, and downstream of the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, A flow path branching section is located downstream of the first temperature control device in the flow direction and guides the heat transfer medium to at least one of a first heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat transfer medium flow path that guides the heat transfer medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, A connecting passage that connects the downstream side of the first heat transfer fluid passage from the first temperature control device in the flow direction to the downstream side of the second heat transfer fluid passage from the low-pressure heat exchanger in the flow direction, It comprises a pump that pumps the heat transfer medium, which is located upstream of the flow branching section in the direction of flow and downstream of the flow confluence section in the direction of flow. A control method for a temperature control system, comprising a control step of controlling the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit to execute a heater mode in which the pump is operated to supply the heat transfer medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger to the first temperature control device, and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the first temperature control device and the heat transfer medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger are merged at the flow path junction located downstream of the communication flow path and guided to the flow path branching section.

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