Thermal management systems and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a thermal management system that can suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells while preventing excessive temperature increases (or decreases) in the energy storage device. [Solution] The thermal management system 1 comprises a battery 400 that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4, a transaxle 126 (PCU 124) that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the flow path F2, and a switching device 300. After temperature rise control to raise the temperature of the battery 400, the switching device 300 forms a thermal circuit 120A in which flow path F4 and flow path F2 are connected when the detected value of the flow path sensor T4 that detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium in flow path F4 is less than the threshold Tb. After temperature rise control, the switching device 300 forms a thermal circuit 120D including flow path F4 disconnected from flow path F2 when the detected value of the flow path sensor T4 is between the threshold Tb and the threshold Tc.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2024 / 105802 (Patent Document 1) discloses a motor control system for an electric vehicle including a battery and a motor. In the motor control system, the battery is warmed up by cooling water heated by the heat generated by the motor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1 above, as described above, control is performed to warm up the battery. When the battery is warmed up, the temperatures of a plurality of power storage cells included in the battery may vary. In order to eliminate the variation in the temperatures of the plurality of power storage cells, it is conceivable to perform heat exchange between the battery and a heat medium such as cooling water. It is desired to suppress an excessive increase (decrease) in the temperature of the battery due to heat exchange between the battery and the heat medium.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermal management system and a vehicle capable of suppressing an excessive increase (decrease) in the temperature of a power storage device while suppressing variation in the temperatures of a plurality of power storage cells.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The thermal management system relating to the first aspect of this disclosure comprises a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the first channel and includes a plurality of energy storage cells; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the second channel and is capable of generating driving force; a heat exchanger provided in the third channel; a switching device that can switch the connection state between the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel; and a medium temperature detection device that detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel. A circuit including the first and second flow paths connected to each other and disconnected from the third flow path is defined as the first flow path circuit, and a circuit including the first flow path disconnected from the second flow path is defined as the second flow path circuit. If the control for raising the temperature of the energy storage device is defined as temperature rise control, the switching device forms the first flow path circuit after the temperature rise control if the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is less than the first threshold, and forms the second flow path circuit after the temperature rise control if the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and within a temperature range less than or equal to a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

[0007] In the thermal management system according to the first aspect of this disclosure, after temperature rise control, a first flow path circuit is formed when the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is less than a first threshold. In this case, the heat medium in the first flow path circuit can be heated by the heat of the drive unit while suppressing temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive temperature drops in the energy storage device while suppressing temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells. Furthermore, in the thermal management system according to the first aspect of this disclosure, after temperature rise control, a second flow path circuit is formed when the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is within a temperature range of a first threshold or higher and a second threshold or lower. In this case, the heat medium in the second flow path circuit can be used to suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells while suppressing the heating of the energy storage device by the heat of the drive unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive temperature increases in the energy storage device while suppressing temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells.

[0008] The second flow path circuit may be a circuit in which the first flow path is disconnected from the circuit in which the second flow path and the third flow path are connected. With such a configuration, when the second flow path circuit is formed, the heat from the drive unit can be discharged to the outside via the heat exchanger.

[0009] If the circuit in which the first, second, and third channels are connected is defined as the third channel circuit, the switching device may form the third channel circuit after temperature rise control if the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is greater than the second threshold. With this configuration, when the third channel circuit is formed, the heat of the drive unit can be discharged to the outside via the heat exchanger, while the heat of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel can be discharged to the outside via the heat exchanger. As a result, the drive unit can be cooled while preventing the temperature of the energy storage unit from rising excessively.

[0010] The thermal management system may include a cell temperature detection device that detects the temperatures of at least two of the multiple energy storage cells. The switching device may form a first flow path circuit if, after temperature rise control, the value based on the temperature difference of at least two energy storage cells detected by the cell temperature detection device is greater than or equal to a cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is less than a first threshold. After temperature rise control, if the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is within the temperature range, a second flow path circuit may be formed. With this configuration, it is possible to switch whether or not to form the first flow path circuit (second flow path circuit) depending on the magnitude of temperature variation of the energy storage cells.

[0011] If the circuit in which the first, second, and third flow paths are connected is defined as the third flow path circuit, the switching device may form the third flow path circuit after temperature rise control if the value based on the above difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is greater than the second threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to switch whether or not to form the third flow path circuit depending on the magnitude of temperature variation of the energy storage cell.

[0012] The thermal management system may include a pump that circulates a heat transfer medium in a second flow path, a processor that controls the operation of the pump, and a device temperature detection device that detects the temperature of the drive unit. After temperature rise control, the processor stops the pump if the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and a second or third flow path circuit is formed, and the temperature of the device temperature detection device is below the threshold. After temperature rise control, the processor may drive the pump if the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and a second or third flow path circuit is formed, and the temperature of the device temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the threshold. With this configuration, when the temperature of the drive unit is relatively low, stopping the pump prevents the drive unit from being cooled due to the circulation of the heat transfer medium. Also, when the temperature of the drive unit is relatively high, driving the pump allows the drive unit to be cooled by the circulation of the heat transfer medium.

[0013] The thermal management system may include a device temperature detection device that detects the temperature of the drive unit. The switching device may form a second flow path circuit after temperature rise control if the value based on the above difference is less than the cell temperature threshold and the value detected by the device temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the threshold. With this configuration, when the temperature variation of the energy storage cell is relatively small, it is possible to prevent the first flow path circuit from being formed and thus prevent the connection between the first flow path and the second flow path. As a result, it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat from the drive unit, which has a relatively high temperature, to the energy storage device. This makes it possible to suppress large temperature variations in the energy storage cell.

[0014] The thermal management system may include a device temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the drive unit. The switching device may form a first flow path circuit after temperature rise control if the detection value of the device temperature detection device is above a threshold and the detection value of the medium temperature detection device is below a first threshold; form a second flow path circuit after temperature rise control if the detection value of the device temperature detection device is above a threshold and the detection value of the medium temperature detection device is within the temperature range; and form a third flow path circuit after temperature rise control if the detection value of the device temperature detection device is above a threshold and the detection value of the medium temperature detection device is above a second threshold. With this configuration, by forming the first flow path circuit, the heat from the drive unit can be used to raise the temperature of the heat medium in the first flow path. By forming the second flow path circuit, the heat from the drive unit can be discharged to the outside via a heat exchanger while suppressing the temperature rise of the heat medium in the first flow path due to the heat from the drive unit. By forming the third flow path circuit, the heat from the drive unit and the heat from the heat medium in the first flow path can be discharged to the outside via a heat exchanger.

[0015] The heat exchanger may include a radiator. This configuration allows the drive unit to be cooled by outside air via the radiator. This helps to suppress the increased power consumption required for cooling the drive unit.

[0016] The thermal management system may include an oil cooler located in the second flow path and a fourth flow path connected to the oil cooler and separated from the second flow path. Oil circulates in the fourth flow path. The drive unit includes a first unit that exchanges heat with the oil circulating in the fourth flow path and a second unit that exchanges heat with a heat transfer medium circulating in the second flow path. With this configuration, when the first flow path circuit is formed, the heat from the first unit and the second unit respectively can raise the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the first flow path. As a result, the heating efficiency of the heat transfer medium can be improved compared to the case where the heat from either the first unit or the second unit alone raises the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the first flow path.

[0017] The vehicle according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the heat exchange system according to the first aspect. Thereby, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing an excessive increase (decrease) in the temperature of the power storage device while suppressing the temperature variation of a plurality of power storage cells.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase (decrease) in the temperature of the power storage device while suppressing the temperature variation of a plurality of power storage cells.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the heat management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with the heat management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the first pattern of the heat management system. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the second pattern of the heat management system. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the third pattern of the heat management system. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the switching control of the flow path by the heat management system. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a modification example of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the first modification example of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the second modification example of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the third modification example of FIG. 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0021] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the thermal management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system 1 includes thermal circuits 110, 120, and 150.

[0022] The thermal circuit 110 comprises flow paths F11 to F14 and a switching device 100. Each of the flow paths F11 to F14 has one end connected to the switching device 100. The switching device 100 has one input port and three output ports. The switching device 100 may be a four-way valve (for example, a flow control valve with a total of four input and output ports). One end of flow path F11, which is flow path end E1, is connected to the input port of the switching device 100. On the other hand, flow paths F12, F13, and F14 are connected to the first output port, second output port, and third output port of the switching device 100, respectively. Flow paths F11, F13, and F14 are connected at a junction E2. The junction E2 corresponds to the other end (common flow path end) of each of the flow paths F11, F13, and F14. Flow path F12 is connected to flow path F13 at the junction E3. The junction E3 corresponds to the other end of the flow path F12. The switching device 100 may be a flow control valve having an unused (unconnected) port in addition to the four connected ports.

[0023] The flow path F11 is provided with a pump 111, a heater 112, and a capacitor 140. The heater 112 is, for example, an HVH (electric high voltage heater). The flow path F12 is provided with a heater core 114. The flow path F13 is provided with a radiator 115. The flow path F14 is a flow path connecting the merging section E2 and the third output port of the switching device 100, and includes a mixing section M1. Details of the mixing section M1 will be described later.

[0024] In this embodiment, the switching device 100 connects an input port to one or more output ports instructed by a control device (for example, the ECU 500 shown in Figure 2, described later). The switching device 100 connects the flow path F11 connected to the input port to, for example, flow paths F12 and F13, or flow paths F12 and F14, or flow path F12 or F13 only. The switching device 100 is configured to switch between connecting / disconnecting the flow path end E1 of flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 to F14.

[0025] The thermal circuit 120 comprises flow paths F2-F4, F7, F31-F34, F41, F42 and a switching device 300. The switching device 300 has ports P1-P13. Ports P1, P4-P8, P12, and P13 are output ports. Ports P2, P3, and P9-P11 are input ports. The switching device 300 may be a 13-way valve (for example, a flow control valve with a total of 13 input and output ports). The switching device 300 may also be a multi-function valve having unused (unconnected) ports in addition to the 13 connected ports. Flow paths F2 and F4 are examples of the "second flow path" and "first flow path" of this disclosure, respectively. Flow path F3 is an example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure.

[0026] One end of the flow path F2 is connected to port P1, and the other end is connected to port P2. The flow path F2 is equipped with a pump 121, an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) 122, an ESU (Electric Supply Unit) 123, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 124, an oil cooler (O / C) 125, and a reserve tank 127. A transaxle (T / A) 126 is connected to the oil cooler 125. The flow path F2 includes a mixing section M1. That is, the heat circuit 110 and the heat circuit 120 include the mixing section M1 as a common part. Details of the mixing section M1 will be described later. Note that the pump 121 is an example of a "pump" in this disclosure. Also, the PCU 124 and the transaxle 126 are each examples of a "drive device" in this disclosure. The PCU 124 and the transaxle 126 are examples of the “second apparatus” and “first apparatus” of this disclosure, respectively.

[0027] One end of flow path F3 is connected to port P3. Flow path F3 branches into two flow paths (flow paths F31 and F32) at branching point E8. Branching point E8 corresponds to the other end of flow path F3. Of the two branched paths, flow path F31 is connected to port P7, and flow path F32 is connected to port P5. Of the ends of flow paths F3 and F31 connected at branching point E8, one end is connected to port P3 and the other end is connected to port P7. Of the ends of flow paths F3 and F32 connected at branching point E8, one end is connected to port P3 and the other end is connected to port P5. A radiator 200 is provided in flow path F3. According to the flow path formed by flow path F3 and flow path F31 or F32, the heat transfer medium that leaves the switching device 300 returns to the switching device 300 after passing through the radiator 200 (i.e., exchanging heat with the radiator 200). Furthermore, one end of the flow path F33 is connected to port P3 and the other end to port P4. One end of the flow path F34 is connected to port P3 and the other end to port P6. According to each of the flow paths F33 and F34, the heat transfer medium that leaves the switching device 300 returns to the switching device 300 without passing through the radiator 200. Note that the radiator 200 is an example of the "heat exchanger" and "radiator" in this disclosure.

[0028] One end of the flow path F4 is connected to port P11, and the other end is connected to port P12. A battery 400 is provided in the flow path F4. Through the flow path F4, the heat transfer fluid from the switching device 300 returns to the switching device 300 after passing through the battery 400 (i.e., exchanging heat with the battery 400). Similarly, one end of the flow path F41 is connected to port P10, and the other end is connected to port P12. One end of the flow path F42 is connected to port P11, and the other end is connected to port P13. Through the flow paths F41 and F42, the heat transfer fluid from the switching device 300 returns to the switching device 300 without passing through the battery 400. Note that the battery 400 is an example of the "energy storage device" in this disclosure.

[0029] One end of the flow path F7 is connected to port P8, and the other end is connected to port P9. A pump 170 and a chiller 160 are provided in the flow path F7.

[0030] The switching device 300 comprises a rotating member 310 (inner circumferential unit) and a housing 320 (outer circumferential unit). The housing 320 is formed in an annular (e.g., circular) shape. The rotating member 310 is formed in a disc shape. The rotating member 310 is located inside the housing 320. The housing 320 is provided so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 310. The rotating member 310 is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing 320. In this embodiment, the housing 320 is fixed and driven to rotate the rotating member 310. The space between the rotating member 310 and the housing 320 may be sealed with a gasket (not shown).

[0031] Inside the rotating member 310, channels 301 to 304 are formed. Each of the channels 301 to 304 connects two of the ports P1 to P13 inside the rotating member 310. The combination of ports connected by the channels 301 to 304 (four pairs) is determined by the rotational position (rotation angle) of the rotating member 310.

[0032] The rotating member 310 rotates in response to instructions from a control device (for example, the ECU 500 shown in Figure 2, described later). The control device instructs, for example, an actuator (not shown) that rotates the rotating member 310 to specify the amount of rotation or the rotational position. The rotating member 310 rotates, for example, around its center R2 as the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the rotational position of the rotating member 310 is represented by the angle between the reference position R0 of the housing 320 and the reference position R1 of the rotating member 310. Depending on the rotational position of the rotating member 310, the connection configuration of each port inside the rotating member 310 changes. Specifically, as the rotating member 310 rotates relative to the housing 320, the connection destinations of each of the flow paths 301 to 304 change. As a result, among ports P1 to P13, ports that were previously disconnected may become connected, ports that were connected may become disconnected, and the connection destination of connected ports may change.

[0033] The thermal circuit 150 includes various devices that control the temperature through a refrigeration cycle (i.e., a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion strokes). More specifically, the thermal circuit 150 comprises flow paths F51 and F52. Flow path F51 forms a circuit through which a heat transfer medium circulates. Flow path F51 is equipped with a compressor 151, an expansion valve 155, a condenser 140 (heat exchanger), and a chiller 160. Flow path F52 is equipped with an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, and an EPR (Evaporative Pressure Regulator) 154. Of the two ends of flow path F52, one end is connected to flow path F51 at a diversion section E4, and the other end is connected to flow path F51 at a merging section E5. The diversion section E4 corresponds to the upstream end of flow path F52. The merging section E5 corresponds to the downstream end of flow path F52.

[0034] Heat circuits 110 and 150 are isolated from each other and do not communicate with each other. However, the flow path F11 of heat circuit 110 and the flow path F51 of heat circuit 150 are connected to each other via a capacitor 140 so as to be able to exchange heat. The capacitor 140 is connected to both heat circuit 110 and heat circuit 150. Also, the radiator 115 of heat circuit 110 and the radiator 200 of heat circuit 120 are configured to exchange heat with each other. The radiators 115 and 200 are placed, for example, close enough to be able to exchange heat.

[0035] The thermal circuits 120 and 150 are separate from each other and do not communicate with each other. However, the flow path F7 of thermal circuit 120 and the flow path F51 of thermal circuit 150 are connected to each other via the chiller 160 in a way that allows for heat exchange. The chiller 160 is connected to both thermal circuit 120 and thermal circuit 150.

[0036] A first heat transfer medium flows through heat circuit 110 and heat circuit 120, respectively. A second heat transfer medium flows through heat circuit 150. In this embodiment, the same type of heat transfer medium (first heat transfer medium) that flows through heat circuit 110 flows through heat circuit 120. Known heat transfer mediums can be used for each of the first and second heat transfer mediums. Examples of the second heat transfer medium include hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants, carbon dioxide (CO2), and propane gas. In this embodiment, a liquid heat transfer medium (e.g., water, or a coolant other than water) is used as the first heat transfer medium. Examples of coolants other than water include insulating oil or antifreeze (e.g., LLC (Long Life Coolant)). In this embodiment, pumps 111, 121, and 170 are each water pumps (W / P).

[0037] Pumps 111, 121, and 170 are each provided with pump sensors PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively. Each of the pump sensors PS1 to PS3 is configured to detect the state of the corresponding pump (e.g., rotational speed, current, and temperature). Furthermore, flow paths F11, F2, F3, F4, F51, and F7 are each provided with flow path sensors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T7, respectively. Each of the flow path sensors T1 to T5 and T7 includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the corresponding flow path and a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing through the corresponding flow path. Note that flow path sensor T4 is an example of a "medium temperature detection device" as described herein.

[0038] The battery 400 and the transaxle 126 are provided with device sensors T11 and T12, respectively. Device sensor T11 detects the temperatures of at least two of the multiple energy storage cells 401 contained in the battery 400. For example, device sensor T11 detects the temperatures of all of the multiple energy storage cells 401. Device sensor T12 detects the temperature of the transaxle 126. Device sensors T11 and T12 are examples of the "cell temperature detection device" and "device temperature detection device" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle equipped with the thermal management system 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle (xEV) equipped with the thermal management system 1. Vehicle 10 is configured to run using electricity output from battery 400. Battery 400 functions as a power storage device for propulsion. Battery 400 may include multiple power storage cells 401 (secondary batteries), such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or sodium-ion batteries. That is, multiple power storage cells 401 may form a battery pack. The type of power storage cell 401 may be a liquid-type secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. Other power storage devices (e.g., electric double-layer capacitors) may be used instead of secondary batteries. Vehicle 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited to this, and vehicle 10 may be a PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) equipped with an internal combustion engine, or other electric vehicles (xEVs). Note that in Figure 2, for simplification, only three power storage cells 401 are shown.

[0040] Vehicle 10 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 500 and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 700. The HMI 700 functions as an interface between the user and the ECU 500. The HMI 700 includes an input device and a notification device. The input device receives input from the user (e.g., operation of a control unit or voice input). The notification device notifies the user by display or sound (including voice). The HMI 700 is, for example, an in-vehicle HMI. However, a mobile terminal that can be carried by the user may be used as the HMI.

[0041] The ECU 500 includes a processor 510 and a storage device 520. An example of the processor 510 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 500 may have one or more processors. The storage device 520 may include at least one of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and non-volatile memory. The storage device 520 of the ECU 500 stores programs as well as various information used by the programs. In this embodiment, the ECU 500 performs various controls by executing programs stored in the storage device 520 when the processor 510 executes them. However, these processes may be performed solely by hardware (for example, logic circuits such as wired logic) without the use of software.

[0042] Vehicle 10 further comprises a pump (EOP, electric oil pump) 31, an oil circuit 32, an SMR (System Main Relay) 410, a BMS (Battery Management System) 420, an air conditioning unit 600, and an outside temperature sensor T6. The outside temperature sensor T6 is configured to detect the outside temperature of vehicle 10 (the temperature of the outside air around vehicle 10). Note that the oil circuit 32 is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0043] Battery 400 applies voltage to the power line PL. The vehicle 10 may further include an auxiliary battery (not shown). The auxiliary battery may provide power at a voltage lower than that of battery 400 (power line PL) (e.g., power to drive auxiliary equipment). SMR410 is located on the power line PL between battery 400 and PCU124. BMS420 includes various sensors to detect the state of battery 400 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature) and outputs the detection results to ECU500. In addition to the above sensor functions, BMS420 may further have at least one of SOC (State of Charge) estimation and SOH (State of Health) estimation functions. Pump 31, ESU123, PCU124, SMR410, and air conditioning unit 600 are controlled by ECU500.

[0044] The air conditioning unit 600 is connected to the power line PL and receives power from the battery 400. In the vehicle 10, the heating circuit of the air conditioning unit 600 constitutes the heat circuit 110 (Figure 1), and the cooling circuit of the air conditioning unit 600 constitutes the heat circuit 150 (Figure 1). The air conditioning unit 600 is configured to perform heating of the vehicle interior using the heat generated by the heater 112 (Figure 1). The air conditioning unit 600 also further includes a heat pump system. The air conditioning unit 600 can also perform heat pump heating using waste heat.

[0045] When the SMR410 is connected, the battery 400 applies voltage to the PCU124. The PCU124 functions as a drive circuit for the transaxle 126. Specifically, the transaxle 126 of the vehicle 10 includes an MG (Motor Generator) 21, a gearbox 22, and a wheel speed sensor 23. The MG21 functions as a drive motor and rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 10. The number of drive motors in the vehicle 10 is arbitrary, and a motor may be provided for each axle or each wheel. The PCU124 is connected to a power line PL and drives the MG21 using power supplied from the battery 400. The PCU124 includes, for example, an inverter. The gearbox 22 includes, for example, a reduction gear and a differential gear. The MG21 converts power into torque. This torque is transmitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle 10 via the gearbox 22. The MG21 also regenerates power, for example when the vehicle 10 is decelerating, to charge the battery 400. The wheel speed sensor 23 is installed on the wheels of the vehicle 10, or on the axle that rotates in conjunction with the wheels, and detects the rotational speed of the wheels.

[0046] The transaxle 126 further comprises a braking system and a steering system (not shown). ADAS 122 may control the transaxle 126 for driver assistance. ADAS 122 comprises driver assistance equipment (including arithmetic circuits for information processing) and sensors (including environmental recognition sensors such as cameras, millimeter-wave radar, or lidar).

[0047] Pump 31 circulates lubricating oil in the oil circuit 32. The oil circuit 32 is equipped with a temperature sensor 33 that detects the temperature of the oil (lubricating oil) in the oil circuit 32. The oil cooler 125 is connected to both the flow path F2 (Figure 1) and the oil circuit 32 and functions as a heat exchanger. The oil cooler 125 cools the lubricating oil in the oil circuit 32 using the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path F2. The oil circuit 32 supplies lubricating oil to the MG 21 and the gearbox 22, and cools the MG 21 and the gearbox 22 with the lubricating oil. However, this is not limited to this, and the cooling method around the motor can be changed as appropriate. For example, one of the MG 21 and the gearbox 22 may be oil-cooled by the oil circuit 32, and the other may be water-cooled by the flow path F2.

[0048] Vehicle 10 is configured to perform external charging (charging of the battery 400 with power from outside the vehicle). ESU 123 is located on the charging line CHL and includes an inlet 11, a charging circuit 12 (on-board charger), and a charging relay 13. The charging relay 13 switches the connection / disconnection of the charging line CHL. The ECU 500 connects the charging relay 13 and SMR 410 before starting external charging and controls the ESU 123 while external charging is in progress. As shown in Figure 2, when the tip (connector) of the charging cable connected to the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 800 is connected to the inlet 11 of the parked vehicle 10 (plugged in), vehicle 10 is electrically connected to the EVSE 800. The charging circuit 12 charges the battery 400 using the power input from the EVSE 800 to the inlet 11. ESU 123 may further include a circuit (discharge circuit) for external power supply (power supply to the outside of the vehicle using the power of the battery 400). The ESU123 may have V2H (Vehicle to Home) and / or V2L (Vehicle to Load) functions. The charging circuit 12 may function as a charge / discharge circuit. In the example shown in Figure 2, one end of the charging line CHL is connected between the SMR410 and the PCU124, and the other end of the charging line CHL is connected to the inlet 11. However, it is not limited to this, and one end of the charging line CHL may be connected between the battery 400 and the SMR410.

[0049] The multiple in-vehicle components shown in Figure 2 may be integrated as an electric axle (eAxle) with a "Xin1" structure. Examples of the "Xin1" structure include a "3in1" structure in which the drive motor, inverter, and gearbox are integrated; a "6in1" structure in which a DC / DC converter, on-board charger, and BMS are further integrated; and an "8in1" structure in which a power distribution unit (PDU) and ECU are further integrated. Electric axles may be provided at both the front and rear of the vehicle 10. The thermal circuit 120 may be configured to cool these electric axles.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with the thermal management system 1 shown in Figure 1. In the vehicle 10, the PCU 124 is cooled by a heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path F2. The lubricating oil in the oil circuit 32 is also cooled by the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path F2, and the MG 21 is cooled by that lubricating oil. In this way, the flow path F2 is configured to allow the PCU 124 and the transaxle 126 to be cooled by the heat transfer medium. The battery 400 is also cooled by a heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path F4. The flow path F4 is configured to allow the battery 400 to be cooled by the heat transfer medium. The radiator 200 is configured to cool the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path F3. Each pump (pumps 111, 121, 170) that circulates the heat transfer medium is controlled by the ECU 500. The ECU 500 may perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of each pump using the pump drive signal. The pump drive signal indicates, for example, the duty cycle (the ratio of the high-level period to the period) for a drive instruction (high-level / low-level drive signal) to the pump. The ECU 500 (processor 510) may acquire the status of the vehicle 10 using the outputs of the various sensors shown in Figures 1 and 2, and control the thermal management system 1 (for example, each pump and each switching device) based on the acquired status of the vehicle 10.

[0051] The thermal management system 1 comprises thermal circuits 110 and 120. Thermal circuits 110 and 120 include a mixing section M1 as a common part. Specifically, thermal circuit 110 comprises a flow path F11 including a pump 111, a flow path F14 including the mixing section M1, and a switching device 100. The switching device 100 is configured to switch between connecting / disconnecting the flow path end E1 of flow path F11 and flow path F14. Thermal circuit 120 comprises a pump 121 and a flow path F2 including the mixing section M1. At the confluence section E6, which is one end of the mixing section M1, flow paths F2 and F14 merge, and at the diversion section E7, which is the other end of the mixing section M1, flow paths F2 and F14 branch off. In this embodiment, when the flow path end E1 of flow path F11 is connected to flow path F14 via the switching device 100, the ECU 500 performs coordinated control of pumps 111 and 121 so that the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat circuit 110 by pump 111 is mixed with the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat circuit 120 by pump 121 in the mixing section M1. The control modes of the thermal management system 1 by the ECU 500 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the first pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to Figure 3, in the first pattern, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. In the first pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ1. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120A and 120B as shown in Figure 3. Thermal circuit 120A corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 302, F4, and 303. Thermal circuit 120B corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F7 to flow path F7 via flow paths 304, F34, and 301. The thermal circuit 120A is an example of the "first flow path circuit" described herein.

[0053] Figure 4 shows the second pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to Figure 4, in the second pattern, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to the respective flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to the respective flow paths F12 and F14. In the second pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ2. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120C and 120D shown in Figure 4. Thermal circuit 120C corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 304, F32, F3, and 301. Thermal circuit 120D corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F7 to flow path F7 via flow paths 302, F4, and 303. The thermal circuit 120D is an example of the "second flow path circuit" described herein.

[0054] Figure 5 shows the third pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to Figure 5, in the third pattern, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. In the third pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ3. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 follows the pattern shown in Figure 5. The thermal circuit 120 shown in Figure 5 includes the thermal circuit 120E shown in Figure 5. The thermal circuit 120E corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 303, F32, F3, 302, F7, 301, F4, and 304. The thermal circuit 120E is an example of the "third flow path circuit" described herein.

[0055] The ECU 500 (processor 510) executes control to raise the temperature of the battery 400, for example, before (or during) charging of the battery 400. This makes it possible to improve the charging efficiency of the battery 400. Specifically, the ECU 500 may raise the temperature of the battery 400 by utilizing the heat generated in the transaxle 126 and PCU 124, etc. This control to raise the temperature of the battery 400 (hereinafter referred to as "temperature-raising control") is an example of the "temperature-raising control" of this disclosure.

[0056] When a battery is heated, the temperatures of the multiple energy cells within the battery may vary. To eliminate this temperature variation, heat exchange between the energy storage device and a heat transfer medium such as cooling water can be considered. In this case, it is desirable to suppress excessive temperature increases (or decreases) in the battery caused by heat exchange between the battery and the heat transfer medium.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, after temperature rise control, the switching device 300 forms a first pattern of thermal circuit 120A (Figure 3) when the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4 detected by the flow path sensor T4 is less than the threshold Tb. Furthermore, after temperature rise control, the switching device 300 forms a second pattern of thermal circuit 120D (Figure 4) when the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4 detected by the flow path sensor T4 is within the temperature range of threshold Tb or greater and threshold Tc or less. The threshold Tc is greater than the threshold Tb. The above temperature range may also be a temperature range suitable for charging the battery 400, etc. The threshold Tc is an example of the "second threshold" in this disclosure.

[0058] By forming a thermal circuit 120A, the thermal medium circulating through the thermal circuit 120A can suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells (equalize the temperatures), while the heat from the transaxle 126 and other components can raise the temperature of the thermal medium in the thermal circuit 120A. As a result, it is possible to suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells 401 while preventing the battery 400 from dropping excessively. Furthermore, by forming a thermal circuit 120D, the thermal medium circulating through the thermal circuit 120D can suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells 401, while preventing the battery 400 from rising due to heat from the transaxle 126 and other components. As a result, it is possible to suppress temperature variations among multiple energy storage cells 401 while preventing the battery 400 from rising excessively.

[0059] <Control Flow> The control flow of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Note that the control shown in Figure 6 is the control processed by the ECU 500 (processor 510).

[0060] In step S1, the ECU 500 completes the temperature rise control of the battery 400 by generating heat from the transaxle 126 (PCU 124). In step S1, the battery 400 may also be heated by, for example, the heat from a heater.

[0061] In step S2, the ECU 500 determines, based on the detection value of the device sensor T11, whether the temperature difference between the energy storage cell 401 with the highest temperature and the energy storage cell 401 with the lowest temperature is less than the threshold Ta. If the above temperature difference is less than the threshold Ta (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S12. If the above temperature difference is greater than or equal to the threshold Ta (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. Note that the above temperature difference is an example of a "value based on the difference" in this disclosure. Also, the threshold Ta is an example of a "cell temperature threshold" in this disclosure.

[0062] In step S3, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4 is less than the threshold Tb based on the value detected by the flow path sensor T4. If the value detected by the flow path sensor T4 (temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4) is less than the threshold Tb (Yes in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. If the value detected by the flow path sensor T4 (temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path F4) is greater than or equal to the threshold Tb (No in S3), the process proceeds to step S6. Note that the threshold Tb is an example of the "first threshold" in this disclosure.

[0063] In step S4, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) becomes an angle θ1, thereby forming the first pattern (Figure 3). Next, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0064] In step S5, the ECU 500 drives pumps 121 and 31. This causes the heat transfer medium to circulate in the heat circuit 120A and the lubricating oil to circulate in the oil circuit 32. The process then returns to step S2. This causes heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and the lubricating oil in the oil cooler 125. As a result, the heat transfer medium is heated up.

[0065] In step S6, the ECU 500 determines, based on the value detected by the flow path sensor T4, whether the temperature of the heat transfer medium in flow path F4 is within the temperature range of greater than or equal to a threshold Tb and less than or equal to a threshold Tc. If the value detected by the flow path sensor T4 (temperature of the heat transfer medium in flow path F4) is within the above temperature range (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the value detected by the flow path sensor T4 (temperature of the heat transfer medium in flow path F4) is greater than the threshold Tc (No in S6), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0066] In step S7, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) becomes an angle θ2, thereby forming the second pattern (Figure 4). Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0067] In step S8, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) becomes an angle θ3, thereby forming the third pattern (Figure 5). Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0068] In step S9, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the transaxle 126 is less than the threshold Td based on the detection value of the device sensor T12. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is less than the threshold Td (Yes in S9), the process proceeds to step S10. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is greater than or equal to the threshold Td (No in S9), the process proceeds to step S11. The threshold Td may be a value within a temperature range suitable for leaving the transaxle 126 undisturbed (for example, the upper or lower limit of the above temperature range). The threshold Td is an example of a "threshold" as defined in this disclosure.

[0069] In step S10, the ECU 500 stops at least one of pumps 121 and 31. For example, the ECU 500 stops both pumps 121 and 31. The ECU 500 also stops pump 170. This makes it possible to suppress heat dissipation from the transaxle 126. However, if the second pattern is formed, the ECU 500 may drive pump 170. In this case, the ECU 500 may also stop compressor 151. Next, the process returns to step S2.

[0070] In step S11, the ECU 500 drives pumps 121 and 31. The ECU 500 also drives pump 170. However, if the third pattern is formed, the ECU 500 may drive only one of pumps 121 or 170. Also, if the second pattern is formed, the ECU 500 may stop pump 170. Next, the process returns to step S2.

[0071] In step S12, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the transaxle 126 is less than the threshold Td based on the value detected by the device sensor T12. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is less than the threshold Td (Yes in S12), the process ends. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is greater than or equal to the threshold Td (No in S12), the process proceeds to step S13. Note that the threshold in step S12 may be a different value from the threshold Td.

[0072] In step S13, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) becomes an angle θ2, thereby forming the second pattern (Figure 4). Next, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0073] In step S14, the ECU 500 drives pumps 121 and 31. The ECU 500 may also stop pump 170. Next, the process returns to step S12.

[0074] Note that the flow shown in Figure 6 is merely an example and is not limited to the example above. For example, steps S5, S9-S11, S14, etc., may be omitted.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, the switching device 300 forms a thermal circuit 120A when the detected value of the flow path sensor T4 is less than the threshold Tb after temperature rise control, and forms a thermal circuit 120D when the detected value of the flow path sensor T4 is within the temperature range of threshold Tb or higher and threshold Tc or lower after temperature rise control. As a result, the formation of the thermal circuit 120A suppresses temperature fluctuations of the energy storage cell 401 due to the flow of the heat transfer medium through the flow path F4, and also suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the battery 400 by utilizing the heat of the transaxle 126. Furthermore, since the transaxle 126 is cooled, it is possible to suppress thermal effects on the transaxle 126 (for example, deterioration due to heat) caused by the transaxle 126 being maintained at a high temperature. Furthermore, the formation of the thermal circuit 120D suppresses temperature fluctuations in the energy storage cell 401 by allowing the heat transfer medium to flow through the flow path F4, and also suppresses the temperature rise of the battery 400 due to the heat of the transaxle 126, as the transaxle 126 and the battery 400 are thermally separated.

[0076] <Variation> Figure 7 is a modified version of the flowchart in Figure 6. Detailed explanations of the same processing steps as in Figure 6 will not be provided.

[0077] After the temperature rise control in step S1, the determination in step S12 is performed. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is less than the threshold Td (Yes in S12), the process ends. If the temperature of the transaxle 126 is greater than or equal to the threshold Td (No in S12), the process proceeds to step S3. Note that the threshold in step S12 in Figure 7 may be a different value from the threshold in step S12 in Figure 6.

[0078] In the flow chart of Figure 7, the process in step S11 is executed after each of steps S7 and S8. The other processes are the same as those in Figure 6.

[0079] Figure 8 shows the first modified example of the first pattern in Figure 3. In Figure 8, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the heat circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ4. The switching device 300 then divides the heat circuit 120 into two heat circuits 120F and 120G shown in Figure 8. Heat circuit 120F corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 302, F4, and 303. Heat circuit 120G corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F7 to flow path F7 via flow paths 304, F32, F3, and 301. The thermal circuit 120F is an example of the "first flow path circuit" described herein.

[0080] Figure 9 shows a second modification of the first pattern in Figure 3. In Figure 9, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the heat circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ5. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the heat circuit 120 follows the pattern shown in Figure 9. The heat circuit 120 shown in Figure 9 includes heat circuit 120H. Heat circuit 120H corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 301, F4, 302, F7, 303, F34, and 304. In this case, the compressor 151 may be stopped. Furthermore, the thermal circuit 120H is an example of the "first flow channel circuit" of this disclosure.

[0081] Figure 10 shows a third modification of the first pattern in Figure 3. In Figure 10, the switching device 100 connects the end E1 of the flow path F11, which is connected to the input port, to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat transfer medium circulating in the heat circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from flow path F11 through the switching device 100 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotation position of the rotating member 310 (Figure 1) is at an angle θ6. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the heat circuit 120 follows the pattern shown in Figure 10. The heat circuit 120 shown in Figure 10 includes heat circuit 120I. Heat circuit 120I corresponds to a fluid circuit that returns from flow path F2 to flow path F2 via flow paths 303, F34, 302, F7, 301, F4, and 304. In this case, the compressor 151 may be stopped. Furthermore, the thermal circuit 120I is an example of the "first flow path circuit" of this disclosure.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, the second and third patterns show examples in which the heat from the transaxle 126 (PCU 124) is dissipated by the radiator 200, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat from the transaxle 126 (PCU 124) may be dissipated to the heat circuit 150 via the chiller 160. In this case, the compressor 151 is driven. For example, when heating is requested by the user of the vehicle 10, the heat from the transaxle 126 (PCU 124) may be dissipated to the heat circuit 150 via the chiller 160. This makes it possible to improve heating efficiency (reduce power consumption due to heating). In this case, the chiller 160 is an example of a "heat exchanger" in this disclosure.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the thermal management system 1 is equipped with a switching device 300 which is a 13-way valve and a switching device 100 which is a 4-way valve, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Multiple multi-way valves with configurations different from those described above may be equipped in the thermal management system. Also, the number of multi-way valves is not limited to 2. For example, the number of multi-way valves may be 1 or 3 or more. Furthermore, the multi-way valve is not limited to a rotary valve, and may be composed of, for example, a spool valve.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the flow path F2 and flow path F3 are connected in the second pattern, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the second pattern, the flow path F2 and flow path F3 may be separated.

[0085] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in step S6 of Figure 6 in which a third pattern is formed when the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F4 is greater than the threshold Tc, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if it is determined in step S6 that the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F4 is greater than the threshold Tc, the process may be terminated. This modified example may also be applied to the flow shown in Figure 7.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first pattern (Figure 3) shows an example in which the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120A is circulated by the pump 121, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120A may be circulated by a pump located in the flow path F4.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the second pattern (Figure 4) shows an example in which the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120C is circulated by the pump 121, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120C may be circulated by a pump located in the flow path F3. Alternatively, the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120D may be circulated by a pump located in the flow path F4. In the third pattern (Figure 5), the heat transfer medium of the heat circuit 120E may also be circulated by a pump located in the flow path F3 or the flow path F4.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which it is determined whether the temperature difference between the energy storage cell 401 with the highest temperature and the energy storage cell 401 with the lowest temperature is less than a threshold Ta, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it may be determined whether the difference between the average temperature of the multiple energy storage cells 401 and the temperature of the energy storage cell 401 with the highest (or lowest) temperature is less than a predetermined threshold. Also, the temperatures of all the multiple energy storage cells 401 may not be detected, and only the temperatures of some of the energy storage cells (for example, the central energy storage cell and the energy storage cells at both ends in the direction of the energy storage cell arrangement) may be detected.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which pumps 121 and 31 are stopped when the temperature of the transaxle 126 is below the threshold Td in step S9 of Figure 6, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Even in this case, pumps 121 and 31 may be driven to cool the transaxle 126.

[0090] The configurations and processes of the above embodiments and each of the above modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1 Thermal management system, 10 Vehicle, 32 Oil circuit (4th channel), 120A, 120F, 120H, 120I Thermal circuit (1st channel circuit), 120D Thermal circuit (2nd channel circuit), 120E Thermal circuit (3rd channel circuit), 121 Pump, 124 PCU (drive unit) (2nd unit), 125 Oil cooler, 126 Transaxle (drive unit) (1st unit), 160 Chiller (heat exchanger), 200 Radiator (heat exchanger) (radiator), 300 Switching device, 400 Battery (energy storage device), 401 Energy storage cell, 510 Processor, F2 Channel (2nd channel), F3 Channel (3rd channel), F4 Channel (1st channel), T4 Channel sensor (medium temperature detection device), T11 Device sensor (cell temperature detection device), T12 Device sensor (device temperature detection device), Ta threshold (cell temperature threshold), Tb threshold (first threshold), Tc threshold (second threshold), Td threshold.

Claims

1. A first channel, a second channel, and a third channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow, A power storage device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the first flow path and includes a plurality of power storage cells, A drive device that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second flow path and generates driving force, A heat exchanger provided in the third flow path, A switching device capable of switching the connection state between the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel, The system includes a medium temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel, The first channel circuit includes the first channel and the second channel which are connected to each other, and is separated from the third channel. The circuit including the first channel separated from the second channel is defined as the second channel circuit. If the control for raising the temperature of the aforementioned energy storage device is called temperature rise control, The aforementioned switching device is After the temperature rise control, if the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is less than the first threshold, the first flow path circuit is formed. A thermal management system that, after the temperature rise control, forms the second flow path circuit when the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is above the first threshold and within a temperature range below a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path circuit is a circuit in which the first flow path is disconnected from the circuit in which the second flow path and the third flow path are connected.

3. If the circuit in which the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are connected is defined as the third channel circuit, The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein the switching device forms the third flow path circuit when the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is greater than the second threshold after the temperature rise control.

4. The device further includes a cell temperature detection device that detects the temperature of at least two of the plurality of energy storage cells, The aforementioned switching device is After the temperature rise control, if the value based on the temperature difference of the at least two energy storage cells detected by the cell temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is less than the first threshold, then the first flow path circuit is formed. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, after the temperature rise control, the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is within the temperature range, the second flow path circuit is formed.

5. If the circuit in which the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are connected is defined as the third channel circuit, The thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein the switching device forms the third flow path circuit when, after the temperature rise control, the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is greater than the second threshold.

6. A pump that circulates a heat transfer medium in the second flow path, A processor that controls the drive of the pump, The device further comprises a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the drive device, The aforementioned processor, After the temperature rise control, if the value based on the difference is greater than or equal to the cell temperature threshold, and the second or third flow path circuit is formed, and the temperature of the device temperature detection device is less than the threshold, the pump is stopped. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein, after the temperature rise control, if the value based on the difference is equal to or greater than the cell temperature threshold, and the second flow channel circuit or the third flow channel circuit is formed, the pump is driven when the temperature of the apparatus temperature detection device is equal to or greater than the threshold.

7. The device includes a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the drive unit, The thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein the switching device forms the second flow path circuit when, after the temperature rise control, the value based on the difference is less than the cell temperature threshold and the value detected by the device temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the threshold.

8. The device includes a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the drive unit, The aforementioned switching device is After the temperature rise control, if the detected value of the apparatus temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the threshold, and the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is less than the first threshold, the first flow path circuit is formed. After the temperature rise control, if the value detected by the apparatus temperature detection device is equal to or greater than the threshold, and the value detected by the medium temperature detection device is within the temperature range, the second flow path circuit is formed. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein, after the temperature rise control, the third flow path circuit is formed when the detected value of the apparatus temperature detection device is equal to or greater than the threshold, and the detected value of the medium temperature detection device is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

9. The heat management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat exchanger includes a radiator.

10. An oil cooler arranged in the second flow path, The system further comprises a fourth passage connected to the oil cooler and separated from the second passage, Lubricating oil circulates in the fourth channel. The drive device is A first device that exchanges heat with the lubricating oil circulating in the fourth flow path, A thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second device that exchanges heat with a heat transfer medium circulating in the second flow path.

11. A vehicle comprising the thermal management system described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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