A cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle, and a method for operating said system.
The thermal management system addresses freezing and heating challenges by dividing the coolant circulation path into two partial paths with a bypass and distribution valves, ensuring effective temperature control for vehicle compartments and batteries.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MAHLE INT GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle cooling and heating systems face challenges in maintaining optimal coolant temperatures to prevent freezing of the passenger compartment cooler and ensuring adequate heating output, particularly when dealing with varying ambient conditions.
A thermal management system with a coolant circulation path divided into two partial paths, allowing for independent control of coolant temperature through a bypass and distribution valves, enabling modes like cabin cooling, battery-cabin cooling, cabin heating, and dehumidification to manage coolant temperatures effectively.
The system ensures the passenger compartment cooler remains above freezing temperatures while maintaining cooling or heating efficiency, and allows for adaptable temperature control across different ambient conditions.
Smart Images
Figure 2026079782000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle, and a method of operating the system, as described in the generic concept of claim 1.
[0002] In a vehicle, both the vehicle battery and the air flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be cooled by a coolant in a coolant circulation path. In this case, the coolant itself can be cooled in a cooler of a refrigerant circulation path. In this case, the temperature of the coolant must always be higher than 0 °C in order to prevent freezing of the passenger compartment cooler due to moisture contained in the air. For heating of the passenger compartment in heat pump operation, the heat taken in by the passenger compartment cooler does not always cover the required heating output.
[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a system of the type described at the beginning, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating this system.
[0004] According to the present invention, this object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0005] The system or thermal management system according to the present invention is provided or designed for cooling and / or heating a vehicle. The system in this case includes a cooler, a cabin cooler through which air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment can pass, and a distribution valve. The distribution valve may be a single unit having multiple valves in particular. The cooler in this case is fluidly connected to the system in a coolant circulation path through which the coolant can pass. The cabin cooler, cooler, and distribution valve are fluidly connected to the system in a coolant circulation path through which the coolant can pass. The coolant circulation path in this case includes a first partial circulation path through which the cooler and the cabin cooler are fluidly connected, and a second partial circulation path through which the cooler and the distribution valve are fluidly connected. The distribution valve may be designed in particular to fluidly connect the coolant circulation path to another component of the system. The first and second partial circulation paths of the coolant circulation path are fluidly separated from each other at the circulation path division point of the coolant circulation path and fluidly merge with each other at the circulation path connection point. In this case, the circulation path division point is fluid-connected downstream of the cooler and fluid-connected upstream of the cabin cooler and distribution valve. The circulation path connection point is fluid-connected upstream of the cooler and fluid-connected downstream of the cabin cooler and distribution valve. Furthermore, this system has a controllable bypass. In this case, the bypass is fluid-connected at the bypass connection point and the bypass division point in the first partial circulation path. In this case, the bypass connection point is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path division point and fluid-connected upstream of the cabin cooler. The bypass division point is fluid-connected downstream of the cabin cooler and fluid-connected upstream of the circulation path connection point.
[0006] The bypass allows the coolant to be guided from the first partial circulation path back to the first partial circulation path. The coolant flowing through the bypass thus bypasses the cooler and is not cooled. In contrast, the coolant flowing through the second partial circulation path can pass through the cooler and be cooled. As a result, the coolant flowing through the first partial circulation path and the coolant flowing through the second partial circulation path can have different temperatures. Consequently, the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment can be operated at a higher temperature level by the coolant than other components fluid-connected in the second partial circulation path, such as the vehicle's cryogenic cooler. This allows the temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path to be raised above 0°C, thereby preventing the passenger compartment cooler from freezing, and on the other hand, it is possible to maintain or increase the cooling output of components fluid-connected in the second partial circulation path, such as the vehicle's cryogenic cooler.
[0007] The system may have a first pump, which is fluid-connected downstream of the bypass connection point and fluid-connected upstream of the bypass split point in a first partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path. The first pump can be operated to pump the coolant in the first partial circulation path independently of the second partial circulation path.
[0008] The system may have a second pump, which is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path splitting point and upstream of the circulation path connection point in a second subcircuit of the coolant circulation path. The second pump can be operated to pump the coolant in the second subcircuit independently of the first subcircuit. Alternatively, the second pump may be fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path connection point and upstream of the cooler. In such an arrangement of the second pump, the second pump can pump the coolant in both the first and second subcircuits.
[0009] The system may have a three-way valve, which may be fluid-connected at the bypass splitting point in a first partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path. The three-way valve can control the flow of coolant in the first partial circulation path and the bypass. The three-way valve may be configured to be switchable so that the bypass is either passable or impassable to coolant. In other words, the three-way valve can open or close the bypass. In particular, the three-way valve may be configured to be switchable so that the amount of coolant flowing through the bypass is adaptable or adjustable. This allows the temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path to be adjusted through the amount of coolant flowing through the bypass.
[0010] This system may have a cryogenic cooler through which ambient air can flow. In this case, the cryogenic cooler and the distribution valve may be fluidly connected in a radiator circulation path through which the coolant can flow. In this case, the distribution valve may be configured to be switchable so that the radiator circulation path can be fluidly connected to a second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path. This allows the coolant to flow in series between the radiator and the cryogenic cooler. In other words, the distribution valve can fluidly connect the radiator and the cryogenic cooler, or fluidly separate them, depending on the desired mode of the system.
[0011] This system may have a battery cooler that can be connected to the vehicle's battery via heat transfer. In this case, the battery cooler and the distribution valve may be fluidly connected in a battery circulation path through which the coolant can flow. The distribution valve may be configured to be switchable so that the battery circulation path can be fluidly connected to a second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path. This allows the coolant to flow in series between the cooler and the battery cooler. In other words, the distribution valve can fluidly connect the cooler and the battery cooler, or fluidly separate them, depending on the desired mode of the system.
[0012] If the system includes a cryogenic cooler and a battery cooler, the distribution valve may be switchable so that the battery circulation path and / or radiator circulation path can be fluid-connected to—particularly individually—a second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path, and fluid-separated from—particularly together—the second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path. In other words, the distribution valve can, depending on the desired mode of the system, fluid-connect the cooler to the battery cooler and / or the cryogenic cooler, or fluid-separated from the battery cooler and / or the cryogenic cooler.
[0013] The present invention further relates to a method for operating the system described above. In this case, the bypass of the system is controlled by the coolant according to the temperature to be controlled of the coolant in a first partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path and / or the temperature to be controlled of the coolant in a second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path.
[0014] In possible embodiments, a system comprising a first pump and a second pump can be prepared. In this case, the first and second pumps can be operated so that coolant flows through the first partial circulation path and / or the second partial circulation path, or not. Furthermore, a system comprising a cryogenic cooler and a battery cooler can be prepared. In this case, the battery cooler and the distribution valve may be fluidly connected in a battery circulation path through which coolant can flow, and the cryogenic cooler and the distribution valve may be fluidly connected in a radiator circulation path through which coolant can flow. In this case, the distribution valve can be switched so that the radiator circulation path and / or the battery circulation path of the system are fluidly connected to a second partial circulation path of the cooling circulation path and / or fluidly separated from the second partial circulation path of the coolant circulation path.
[0015] Different modes of the system can be achieved by bypassing the system, switching the system's distribution valves in different ways, and operating the first and second pumps in different ways. Some of the possible modes of this system are described in detail below.
[0016] The system can be operated in a cabin cooling mode to cool the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In cabin cooling mode, the coolant flows through the first partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path. In contrast, the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and the system bypass are not circulated by the coolant. For this reason, the system bypass can be switched on and off via the three-way valve described above, and the system's first and second pumps can be operated accordingly.
[0017] In cabin cooling mode, the three-way valve can be switched to a position where the bypass is closed, allowing the coolant to flow out of the first partial circulation path, from the bypass splitting point to the circulation path connection point up to 100%, and then to the cooler. The coolant flowing in the first partial circulation path can be cooled in the cooler by the coolant in the cooler, and the air flowing into the cabin can be cooled via the cabin cooler. The temperature of the coolant may be -2°C to 12°C when it flows out of the cooler, and 2°C to 15°C when it flows out of the cabin cooler. The temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for cabin cooling. Since the second partial circulation path is not flowing, the coolant in the second partial circulation path cannot flow through the battery cooler and the low-temperature cooler, and consequently, the coolant in the second partial circulation path cannot cool the battery. If the second pump is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path splitting point and fluid-connected upstream of the circulation path connection point in the second partial circulation path, the second pump remains off. In response, the first pump is turned on to pump the coolant in the first partial circulation path. If the second pump is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path connection point and fluid-connected upstream of the cooler, the first pump and / or the second pump can be turned on to pump the coolant in the first partial circulation path.
[0018] The system can be operated in a battery-cabin cooling mode for cooling the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment and for cooling the vehicle's battery. In battery-cabin cooling mode, the coolant flows through the first partial circulation path and the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path. In this case, the system's battery circulation path is fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is flowed through by the coolant. In contrast, the system's radiator circulation path is not fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path. The coolant does not flow through the system's bypass. For this reason, the system's bypass can be switched accordingly via the three-way valve and the system's distribution valve, and the system's first and second pumps can be operated accordingly.
[0019] In battery / cabin cooling mode, the three-way valve can be switched to a position where the bypass is closed, allowing the coolant to flow out of the first partial circulation path, from the bypass splitting point to the circulation path connection point up to 100%, and then to the cooler. Beyond the circulation path connection point, the coolant from the first partial circulation path and the coolant from the second partial circulation path merge and flow to the cooler. In the cooler, the coolant can be cooled by the coolant in the refrigerant circulation path, and after the circulation path splitting point, the coolant can flow partially into the first partial circulation path and partially into the second partial circulation path. In this case, the coolant can cool the air flowing into the vehicle's cabin via the cabin cooler in the first partial circulation path, and cool the vehicle's battery via the battery cooler in the second partial circulation path. The temperature of the coolant may be -2°C to 12°C when it flows out of the cooler, and 2°C to 15°C when it flows out of the cabin cooler. The temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for cabin cooling. If necessary, and / or depending on the desired volume flow of coolant in the partial circulation path, the first pump and / or the second pump can be turned on together or individually to pump the coolant.
[0020] The system can be operated in a cabin heating mode to heat the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In cabin heating mode, the coolant flows through the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path. In this case, the system's battery circulation path is not fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path. In contrast, the system's radiator circulation path is fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is flowed through by the coolant. The first partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and the system bypass are not flowed through by the coolant. For this reason, the system bypass can be switched accordingly via the three-way valve and the system's distribution valve, and the system's first and second pumps can be operated accordingly.
[0021] In the passenger compartment heating mode, the first pump is turned off, preventing the coolant from flowing through the first partial circulation path. As a result, the coolant in the first partial circulation path cannot pass through the passenger compartment cooler, and the air flowing into the passenger compartment cannot be adequately cooled by the coolant in the first partial circulation path. In this case, the air flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be heated to the desired or required temperature via an external heater. Alternatively, the second pump can be turned on to pump the coolant through the second partial circulation path. The coolant flowing through the second partial circulation path can be cooled in the cooler by the coolant in the refrigerant circulation path, and heat can be absorbed in the low-temperature cooler. Thus, the low-temperature cooler is used as a heat source for the heat pump. In this case, the temperature of the coolant may be -30°C to 15°C when it flows out of the cooler. The temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for heat pump control.
[0022] The system can be operated in a dehumidification mode to dehumidify the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In dehumidification mode, coolant flows through the first partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path, the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path, and the system bypass. In this case, the system's battery circulation path is not fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path. In contrast, the system's radiator circulation path is fluid-connected to the second partial circulation path of the system's coolant circulation path and is flowed through by the coolant. For this purpose, the system bypass can be switched accordingly via the three-way valve and the system's distribution valve, and the system's first and second pumps can be operated accordingly.
[0023] In dehumidification mode, the air flowing into the vehicle's passenger compartment can be cooled by the passenger compartment cooler, thereby removing humidity. Next, the air flowing into the passenger compartment can be heated to the desired or required temperature by an external heater. This prevents condensation on the vehicle's windows and allows for comfortable heating of the passenger compartment.
[0024] In dehumidification mode, the coolant flowing in the first partial circulation path can be guided back to the first partial circulation path at least partially via the bypass at the bypass splitting point. This allows the temperature of the coolant flowing in the first partial circulation path to be maintained above 0°C.
[0025] In dehumidification mode, the three-way valve can be switched to a position where the coolant exits the first partial circulation path and is reintroduced into the first partial circulation path without passing through the cooler. In this case, the amount of coolant flowing back into the first partial circulation path can be adjusted, thereby controlling or adjusting the temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path. This ensures that the freezing of the cabin cooler in the first partial circulation path is prevented. In contrast, in the second partial circulation path, the coolant can be cooled via the cooler, and the temperature of the coolant can be reduced to below 0°C. The temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path may be, for example, 2°C to 25°C. In contrast, in the second partial circulation path, the temperature of the coolant may be -30°C to 15°C.
[0026] When the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 50°C, the system can be operated in cabin cooling mode and / or cabin / battery cooling mode. When the ambient temperature is between -40°C and 25°C, the system can be operated in cabin heating mode. When the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 25°C, the system can be operated in dehumidification mode.
[0027] In the context of this invention, the concept of "allowing flow in series" is used synonymously with the concepts of "allowing flow sequentially" or "allowing flow in sequence." The term "cooler" is used here synonymously with the term "evaporator." The phrase "fluid-connected in a circulation path" is used synonymously with the phrase "fluid-coupled in a circulation path" or "arranged in a circulation path so that the coolant or refrigerant can flow in sequence." A low-temperature cooler may, in particular, be an air-liquid heat exchanger through which ambient air and coolant can flow without mixing via heat transfer. A passenger compartment cooler may, in particular, be an air-liquid heat exchanger through which air flowing into the passenger compartment of a vehicle can flow without mixing via heat transfer. A cooler may, in particular, be a liquid-liquid heat exchanger through which coolant and refrigerant can flow without mixing via heat transfer. A battery cooler may, in particular, be a unit through which coolant can flow, having a plurality of passable passages.
[0028] Further important features and advantages of the present invention are described in the dependent claims, the drawings, and the corresponding description of the drawings.
[0029] It should be understood that the features described above and the features further described below can be used not only in each of the described combinations, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail in the following description. In this case, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar or functionally identical components.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0031] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a first embodiment in a passenger compartment cooling mode. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a first embodiment in a passenger compartment / battery cooling mode. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a first embodiment in a passenger compartment heating mode. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention in a first embodiment in a dehumidification mode.
[0032] Figure 1 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention for cooling and / or heating a vehicle in a first embodiment. System 1 in this case includes a cooler 2, a passenger compartment cooler 3, a cryogenic cooler 4, and a battery cooler 5. In this case, the passenger compartment cooler 3 is configured to allow air KL flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle to pass through, and the cryogenic cooler 4 is configured to allow ambient air UL to pass through. The battery cooler 5 is configured to be heat-transferably connected to the vehicle's battery.
[0033] In this case, the cooler 2 is fluid-connected in a refrigerant circulation path 6 through which the refrigerant can flow. In addition to the cooler 6, a compressor 7, a condenser 8, a collection and drying unit 9, and an expansion valve 10 may also be fluid-connected in the refrigerant circulation path 6. Furthermore, system 1 includes a first pump 11a and a second pump 11b and a distribution valve 12. The distribution valve 12 may be a single unit having multiple valves. The cooler 2, the cabin cooler 3, and the pumps 11a and 11b are fluid-connected in a refrigerant circulation path 13 through which the coolant can flow.
[0034] The coolant circulation path 13 includes a first partial circulation path 13a and a second partial circulation path 13b. In the first partial circulation path 13a, the cooler 2 and the passenger compartment cooler 3 are fluid-connected and arranged to allow coolant to flow in series. In the second partial circulation path 13b, the cooler 2 and the distribution valve 12 are fluid-connected and arranged to allow coolant to flow in series. In this case, the cooler 2 is fluid-connected in both partial circulation paths 13a and 13b. Furthermore, in the first partial circulation path 13, a check valve 24 that prevents backflow of coolant is fluid-connected.
[0035] Partial circulation paths 13a and 13b merge at a circulation path connection point 14 and separate at a circulation path division point 15. In this case, the circulation path connection point 14 is located downstream of the passenger cabin cooler 3 and upstream of the radiator 2, and the circulation path division point 15 is located downstream of the radiator 2 and upstream of the distribution valve 12 and the passenger cabin cooler 3. The radiator 2 is located in the section between the circulation path connection point 14 and the circulation path division point 15, and this section alone is shared by both partial circulation paths 13a and 13b. The first pump 11a is connected in the first partial circulation path 13a downstream of the circulation path division point 15 and upstream of the passenger cabin cooler 3. The second pump 11b is fluid-connected in the coolant circulation path 13 downstream of the circulation path connection point 14 and upstream of the radiator 2. Thus, the second pump 11b is fluid-connected in both partial circulation paths 13a and 13b.
[0036] The low-temperature cooler 4 and the distribution valve 12 are fluid-connected in a radiator circulation path 16 through which the coolant can flow, and are arranged to allow the coolant to flow in series. The battery cooler 5 and the distribution valve 12 are fluid-connected in a battery circulation path 17 through which the coolant can flow, and are arranged to allow the coolant to flow in series. The distribution valve 12 is further fluid-connected in a second partial circulation path 13b, and the second partial circulation path 13b is switchable to allow fluid connection to the radiator circulation path 16 and / or the battery circulation path 17.
[0037] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows an external heater 18 positioned in the passenger compartment cooler 3 so that air KL flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle can pass through it. In this case, the heater 18 is positioned downstream of the passenger compartment cooler 3 with respect to the air KL flowing into the passenger compartment. The heater 18 is not part of system 1 according to the present invention, but may be fluidly connected in a heating circulation path through which coolant can pass. In this case, the heating circulation path may be connected to the refrigerant circulation path 6 in a heat transfer manner, for example, via a condenser 8.
[0038] System 1 further includes a bypass 19 controllable via a three-way valve 20. The bypass 19 is, in this case, fluid-connected in the first partial circulation path 13a at a bypass connection point 21 and a bypass splitting point 22, and is arranged to be flowable by the coolant. The bypass connection point 21 is, in this case, located downstream of the circulation path splitting point 15 and upstream of the first pump 11a and the passenger cooler 3. The bypass splitting point 22 is located upstream of the circulation path connection point 14 and downstream of the first pump 11a and the passenger cooler 3. The three-way valve 20 is fluid-connected in the first partial circulation path 13a at the bypass splitting point 22. The three-way valve 20 can, in this case, completely or partially close the bypass 19 and completely or partially open it.
[0039] Figure 2 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention in a second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, in this case the second pump 11b is fluidly connected downstream of the circulation path division point 15 and upstream of the distribution valve 12 in the second partial circulation path 13b. In other respects, the two embodiments are identical.
[0040] Figure 3 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention in a first embodiment when Method 23 according to the present invention is carried out in the passenger compartment cooling mode. In the passenger compartment cooling mode, the air KL flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle is cooled via the passenger compartment cooler 3. For this purpose, the three-way valve 20 is adjusted so that the bypass 19 is closed. In this case, the coolant flows in the first partial circulation path 13a from the bypass division point 22 to the circulation path connection point 14, completely or 100%, and then to the cooler 2. In the cooler 2, the coolant is cooled and flows from the circulation path division point 15, completely or 100%, into the first partial circulation path 13a, and then to the passenger compartment cooler 3. In the passenger compartment cooler 3, the air KL is cooled and then flows further into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The temperature of the coolant may be -2°C to 12°C when it flows out of the cooler 2, and 2°C to 15°C when it flows out of the passenger compartment cooler 3. In this case, the temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for passenger compartment cooling. The second partial circulation path 13b, and thus the battery cooler 5 and / or the low-temperature cooler 4, are not supplied with coolant from the second partial circulation path 13b. In order to pump the coolant through the first partial circulation path 13a, the first pump 11a and / or the second pump 11b can be turned on in this case. When the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 50°C, the system 1 can be operated in cabin cooling mode.
[0041] Figure 4 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention in a first embodiment when Method 23 according to the present invention is implemented in a passenger compartment / battery cooling mode. In this case, the bypass 19 is closed via a three-way valve 20. The coolant in this case exits from the first partial circulation path 13a and flows from the bypass splitting point 22 to the circulation path connection point 14, either completely or 100%. At the circulation path connection point 14, the coolant from the first partial circulation path 13a and the coolant from the second partial circulation path 13b merge and flow to the cooler 2. In the cooler 2, the coolant is cooled by the refrigerant and, after the circulation path splitting point 15, flows partly into the first partial circulation path 13a and partly into the second partial circulation path 13b. In this case, the coolant can cool the air KL flowing into the passenger compartment via the passenger compartment cooler 3 in the first partial circulation path 13a, and can cool the vehicle's battery via the battery cooler 5 in the second partial circulation path 13b. For this purpose, the distribution valve 12 in the second partial circulation path 13b is adjusted so that the coolant in the second partial circulation path 13b flows through the battery cooler 5, but not through the low-temperature cooler 4. The temperature of the coolant may be -2°C to 12°C when it flows out of the cooler 2, and 2°C to 15°C when it flows out of the cabin cooler 3. The temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for cabin cooling. The first pump 11a and / or the second pump 11b can be turned on as needed, and / or depending on the desired volume flow of coolant in the partial circulation paths 13a and 13b. System 1 can be operated in cabin / battery cooling mode when the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 50°C.
[0042] Figure 5 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention in a first embodiment when Method 23 according to the present invention is implemented in the cabin heating mode. In cabin heating mode, the first pump 11a is turned off, and the coolant does not flow in the first partial circulation path 13a. As a result, the coolant in the first partial circulation path 13a cannot pass through the cabin cooler 3, and the air KL flowing into the cabin cannot be cooled by the coolant in the first partial circulation path 13a. In this case, the air KL flowing into the cabin can be heated to the required temperature from the outside or in another external heat exchanger 18. The second pump 11b is turned on, and the second partial circulation path 13b is opened. The coolant flowing through the second partial circulation path 13b is cooled to below ambient temperature by the refrigerant in the cooler 2, and then heated by the ambient air in the low-temperature cooler 4. That is, the low-temperature cooler 4 is used as a heat source for the heat pump in this case. For this purpose, the distribution valve 12 in the second partial circulation path 13b is switched so that the coolant in the second partial circulation path 13b does not pass through the battery cooler 5, and instead passes through the low-temperature cooler 4. In this case, the temperature of the coolant may be -30°C to 15°C when it flows out of the cooler 2. The temperature of the coolant can be adjusted as needed for heat pump control. When the ambient temperature is -40°C to 25°C, the system 1 can be operated in cabin heating mode.
[0043] Figure 6 shows a diagram of System 1 according to the present invention in a first embodiment when Method 23 according to the present invention is carried out in dehumidification mode. In dehumidification mode, the three-way valve 20 is adjusted so that the coolant in the first partial circulation path 13a can flow at least partially through the bypass 19. The coolant flowing through the bypass 19 is guided to the passenger compartment cooler 3 without additional cooling in the cooler 2. In this case, the amount of coolant flowing through the bypass 19 can be adjusted, thereby controlling or adjusting the temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path 13a. The temperature of the coolant in the first partial circulation path 13a may be, for example, 2°C to 25°C, thereby preventing freezing of the passenger compartment cooler 3. The air KL flowing through the passenger compartment cooler 3 can be cooled in this case through the passenger compartment cooler 3, thereby being dehumidified. The air KL flowing into the passenger compartment can then be heated to the required temperature from the outside or in another external heat exchanger 18. Since the air KL flowing into the passenger compartment is dehumidified, condensation on the windows in the vehicle can be prevented. In the second partial circulation path 13b, the coolant can flow through the cooler 2 and be cooled. In this case, the coolant in the low-temperature cooler 4 can absorb heat from the ambient air UL. In the second partial circulation path 13b, the temperature of the coolant may be -30°C to 15°C. For example, when the ambient temperature is 0°C to 25°C, the system 1 can be operated in dehumidification mode. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0044] 1 System 2 cooler 3 guest room air conditioners 4 Low-temperature cooler 5. Battery cooler 6 Refrigerant circuit 7 Compressor 8 Condenser 9. Collection and drying unit 10 Expansion valve 11a / 11b First / Second Pump 12 distribution valves 13 Coolant circulation path 13a / 13b First / Second Partial Circulation Route 14. Circulation route connection point 15 Circulation route dividing point 16. Radiator circulation path 17 Battery circulation path 18 Heater 19 Bypass 20 Three-way valve 21 Bypass connection point 22 Bypass division points 23 methods 24 Check valve KL Air flowing into the guest rooms UL ambient air
Claims
1. A cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle (1), The system (1) comprises a cooler (2), a distribution valve (12), and a passenger compartment cooler (3) through which air (KL) flowing to the passenger compartment of the vehicle can pass. The cooler (2) is fluidly connected to the refrigerant circulation path (6) of the system (1) through which the refrigerant can flow. The cabin cooler (3), the distribution valve (12), and the cooler (2) are fluidly connected in a coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1) through which the coolant can flow. The coolant circulation path (13) includes a first partial circulation path (13a) through which the cooler (2) and the passenger compartment cooler (3) are fluidly connected, and a second partial circulation path (13b) through which the cooler (2) and the distribution valve (12) are fluidly connected. The first partial circulation path (13a) and the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) are fluidically separated from each other at the circulation path division point (15) of the coolant circulation path (13) and fluidly merge with each other at the circulation path connection point (14). The circulation path division point (15) is fluid-connected downstream of the cooler (2) and fluid-connected upstream of the passenger cabin cooler (3) and the distribution valve (12), and the circulation path connection point (14) is fluid-connected upstream of the cooler (2) and fluid-connected downstream of the passenger cabin cooler (3) and the distribution valve (12), The system (1) has a controllable bypass (19), the bypass (19) is fluidly connected in the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) at the bypass connection point (21) of the first partial circulation path (13a) and the bypass division point (22) of the first partial circulation path (13a). The bypass connection point (21) is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path division point (15) and fluid-connected upstream of the passenger compartment cooler (3), and the bypass division point (22) is fluid-connected downstream of the passenger compartment cooler (3) and fluid-connected upstream of the circulation path connection point (14). System (1).
2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the system (1) has a first pump (11a), the first pump (11a) is fluidly connected downstream of the bypass connection point (21) and fluidly connected upstream of the bypass division point (22) in the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13).
3. The system (1) has a second pump (11b), the second pump (11b) is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation path division point (15) and fluid-connected upstream of the circulation path connection point (14) in the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13), or The system (1) has a second pump (11b), which is fluid-connected downstream of the circulation connection point (14) in the coolant circulation path (13) and fluid-connected upstream of the cooler (2). The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
4. The system (1) has a three-way valve (20), the three-way valve (20) is fluidly connected at the bypass split point (22) in the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13), and The three-way valve (20) is configured to be switchable so that the coolant can pass through the bypass (19) either or not. A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that
5. The system (1) has a low-temperature cooler (4) through which ambient air (UL) can flow, The low-temperature cooler (4) and the distribution valve (12) are fluidly connected in a radiator circulation path (16) through which the coolant can flow, and The distribution valve (12) is configured such that the radiator circulation path (16) can be fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13), thereby allowing the coolant to be switched to flow in series between the cooler (2) and the low-temperature cooler (4). A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
6. The system (1) has a battery cooler (5) that can be connected to the vehicle's battery in a heat transfer manner, The battery cooler (5) and the distribution valve (12) are fluidly connected in a battery circulation path (17) through which the coolant can flow. The distribution valve (12) is configured such that the battery circulation path (17) can be fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13), thereby allowing the coolant to be switched to flow in series between the cooler (2) and the battery cooler (5). A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that
7. The system (1) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the distribution valve (12) is configured to be switchable such that the battery circulation path (17) and / or the radiator circulation path (16) can be fluidly connected to and separated from the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13).
8. A method (23) for operating a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method (23) for controlling a bypass (19) of the system (1) according to the temperature to be adjusted of the coolant in a first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) and / or according to the temperature to be adjusted of the coolant in a second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13).
9. Prepare the system (1) which includes a first pump (11a) and a second pump (11b) that are fluid-connected in the coolant circulation path (13). In the method (23), the first pump (11a) and the second pump (11b) are operated so that the coolant flows through the first partial circulation path (13a) and / or the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13), or so the coolant does not flow through them. Prepare the system (1) which includes a low-temperature cooler (4) and a battery cooler (5), The system (1) is prepared, comprising a battery circulation path (17) through which the coolant can flow, in which the battery cooler (5) and the distribution valve (12) are fluidly connected, and a radiator circulation path (16) through which the coolant can flow, in which the low-temperature cooler (4) and the distribution valve (12) are fluidly connected, and In the method (23), the distribution valve (12) is switched such that the radiator circulation path (16) and / or the battery circulation path (17) of the system (1) are fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) and / or fluidly separated from the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13). The method according to claim 8 (23), characterized by the features described above.
10. The system (23) is operated in a cabin cooling mode for cooling the air (KL) flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The coolant flows through the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and The coolant does not flow through the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1) and the bypass (19) of the system (1). The method according to claim 9 (23), characterized by the features described herein.
11. The system (1) is operated in a battery / cabin cooling mode for cooling the air (KL) flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and for cooling the vehicle's battery. The coolant flows through the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1) and the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1). The battery circulation path (17) of the system (1) is fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is flowed through by the coolant. The radiator circulation path (16) of the system (1) is not fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path (13b), and The coolant does not flow through the bypass (19) of the system (1) The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by (23).
12. The system (1) is operated in a cabin heating mode for heating the air (KL) flowing into the cabin of the vehicle. The coolant flows through the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), The battery circulation path (17) of the system (1) is not fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path (13b). The radiator circulation path (16) of the system (1) is fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is flowed through by the coolant, The coolant does not flow through the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1) and the bypass (19) of the system (1). The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that (23).
13. The system (1) is operated in a dehumidification mode for dehumidifying the air (KL) flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The coolant flows through the first partial circulation path (13a) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and the bypass (19) of the system (1). The battery circulation path (17) of the system (1) is not fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is not flowed through by the coolant in the second partial circulation path (13b), and The radiator circulation path (16) of the system (1) is fluidly connected to the second partial circulation path (13b) of the coolant circulation path (13) of the system (1), and is flowed through by the coolant. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that (23).
14. In the dehumidification mode, the coolant flowing in the first partial circulation path (13a) is guided at least partially back into the first partial circulation path (13a) via the bypass (19) at the bypass division point (22), and The temperature of the coolant flowing through the first partial circulation path (13a) is always maintained above 0°C. The method (23) according to claim 13, characterized in that
15. When the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 50°C, the system (1) is operated in the cabin cooling mode, and / or When the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 50°C, the system (1) is operated in the cabin / battery cooling mode, and / or When the ambient temperature is between -40°C and 25°C, the system (1) is operated in the cabin heating mode, and / or When the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 25°C, the system (1) is operated in the dehumidification mode. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that (23).