Thermal management system, its control method, and vehicle

Abstract

A thermal management system, a method for controlling the same, and a vehicle are disclosed. The thermal management system includes a battery subsystem. The battery subsystem includes a plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel. The heat exchange branches are configured to exchange heat with the battery. The plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating subbranch and a heat exchange subbranch. The control method includes acquiring a battery heating signal and the thermal management system entering a preheating mode, in which the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating subbranch is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange subbranch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Applications No. 2023108106003 and No. 2023111338843, filed on July 3, 2023 and August 31, 2023 respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly, to a thermal management system, its control method, and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] Battery heating in a vehicle usually exchanges heat with the battery by using the gaseous refrigerant discharged by a compressor. When the battery is heated, the gaseous refrigerant is cooled, depressurized, and liquefied. In related technologies, when the battery temperature is low, or when the heat exchange area of the battery heat exchange is large, or when the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module is high, the heat exchange medium undergoes excessive heat exchange within the battery heat exchange module. This leads to a decrease in the suction pressure and the discharge pressure (low high pressure) of the compressor. The compressor may operate outside its operating range and be damaged.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, this application provides a control method for a thermal management system to reduce the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0005] This application further provides a thermal management system to which the above - mentioned control method is applied to reduce the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0006] This application further provides a vehicle to which the above - mentioned control method is applied to reduce the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0007] According to a control method for a thermal management system in one embodiment of this application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem. The battery subsystem includes a plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel. The heat exchange branches are configured to exchange heat with a battery. The plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch and a heat exchange sub-branch. The control method includes acquiring a battery heating signal and the thermal management system entering a preheating mode, in which the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0008] According to the control method for the thermal management system in this embodiment of the present application, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch is set to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch in order to control the heat exchange medium at the outlet end to maintain a specific temperature state. This can increase the outlet pressure of the compressor and prevent the compressor from operating outside its operating range and being damaged.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is greater than a third threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange branches includes a flow control valve, and the valve opening of at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be greater than the valve opening of a heat exchange sub-branch.

[0011] In some embodiments, during preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch is controlled to be operational, and the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be non-operating.

[0012] In some embodiments, once the battery temperature reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system enters a normal heating mode, in which at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be connected to heat the battery based on the real-time temperature of the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the pressure-regulating sub-branch in preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure-regulating sub-branch in normal heating mode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery temperature reaches a first specified temperature when the minimum of the temperature values ​​at multiple locations on the battery reaches a first specified temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch includes a battery heat exchange module and an aperture element connected in series, the opening of which is adjusted based on the degree of superheating of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange branch.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branches include a lower heat exchange branch and an upper heat exchange branch, the upper heat exchange branch being located at the top of the battery and the lower heat exchange branch being located at the bottom of the battery, and in preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the lower heat exchange branch is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the upper heat exchange branch.

[0017] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a coolant subsystem, and the control method, upon receiving a waste heat recovery command, causes the coolant subsystem to exchange heat with the battery subsystem. The thermal management system has a normal heating mode, and in the normal heating mode, each heat exchange branch is controlled to heat the battery, and the coolant subsystem water temperature reaches a third specified temperature and the thermal management system enters the normal heating mode.

[0018] A thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present application includes a compressor having an intake port and an exhaust port; a plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel, wherein the heat exchange branches exchange heat with a battery, the thermal management system has a battery heating mode, in which the first end of each heat exchange branch communicates with an exhaust port, and the plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch and a heat exchange sub-branch; a first heat exchanger, wherein the first end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second end of each heat exchange branch through a throttling element, and the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to an intake port; and a control module configured to perform the control method of the thermal management system described above.

[0019] According to the thermal management system of this embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange medium at the outlet end is controlled to maintain a specific temperature state. This can increase the outlet pressure of the compressor and prevent the compressor from operating outside its operating range and being damaged.

[0020] A vehicle according to one embodiment of this application includes a thermal management system and a control module. The control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0021] According to the vehicle of this embodiment of the present application, in order to reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor, the control module is arranged to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control module includes a storage medium configured to store executable instructions, which are used to perform the aforementioned control methods of the thermal management system.

[0023] According to the storage medium in this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system is performed to reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0024] Further aspects and advantages of the present application will be presented in part in the following description, become apparent in part in the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present application.

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a flowchart of a method for controlling a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 2] It is a diagram of the structure of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] It is a diagram of the structure of a thermal management system in a battery heating mode according to an embodiment of the present application, and the arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of a method for controlling a thermal management system according to some other embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] It is a diagram of the structure of a battery heat exchange module according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 6] It is a diagram of the structure of a battery heat exchange module according to some other embodiments of the present application.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar reference numerals represent elements having the same or similar elements or the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are examples and are only used to explain the present application and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0028] The following describes a control method for a thermal management system according to one embodiment of this application, with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figure 3, the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80. The battery subsystem 80 includes at least one heat exchange branch 20, which is configured to exchange heat with the battery. Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 may include one heat exchange branch 20, two heat exchange branches 20, or four or more heat exchange branches 20.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, and the discharge port of the compressor 1 is connected to the heat exchange branch 20 in order to discharge a high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 that has exchanged heat with the battery may be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 may directly exchange heat with the battery. In other embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant circulation loop that exchanges heat with the heat exchange branch 20, and the coolant circulation loop exchanges heat with the battery.

[0031] Note that the battery includes battery cells arranged within a housing. The heat exchange branch may perform heat exchange by directly contacting the battery cells, or the heat exchange branch 20 may perform heat exchange indirectly with the battery cells by contacting the housing.

[0032] According to a control method for a thermal management system in one embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 1, the control method includes the following steps.

[0033] S20: Acquire the battery heating signal.

[0034] S30: The thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode, and in preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is greater than or equal to a first threshold T1. If the battery subsystem includes two or more heat exchange branches 20, in preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end of at least one of the multiple heat exchange branches 20 should be controlled to be greater than or equal to the first threshold T1.

[0035] Upon receiving an electrical signal, the thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode, and each electrical signal that satisfies the aforementioned conditions (i.e., controls the thermal management system to enter preheating mode) is a battery heating signal.

[0036] In the preheating mode, provided that the requirement is met that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, it should be noted that the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 may be in the gas phase, or may coexist in both the gas and liquid phases.

[0037] Specifically, in this application, the temperature of the heat exchange medium is limited to be above a first threshold T1, thereby controlling the ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium to the liquid heat exchange medium, and adjusting the suction or discharge pressure of the compressor to avoid damage to the compressor. For example, the higher the first threshold, the higher the ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium, and the lower the first threshold, the lower the ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium.

[0038] For example, if a battery heating command, vehicle start command, charge heating command, or discharge heating command is received and the cell temperature is below a default value, the thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode. When the controller receives a command or information, the signal that triggers the thermal management system 100 to enter preheating mode is the battery heating signal. The controller may reside within the thermal management system 100, or it may be a domain controller or a vehicle body controller. This is not limited to the foregoing. Battery heating commands, vehicle start commands, charge heating commands, and discharge heating commands may be triggered by a user on a mobile terminal. If the vehicle's transceiver receives these commands and the cell temperature is below a default value, the thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode. Alternatively, battery heating commands, vehicle start commands, charge heating commands, and discharge heating commands may be triggered by a user in the vehicle. If the controller receives a command and the cell temperature is below a default value, the thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode. The first threshold is a default temperature value. It may be understood that the first threshold reflects the state of the heat exchange medium, and that the state of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is controlled by controlling the first threshold. For example, the state of the heat exchange medium may include temperature and phase state (gas phase or gas-liquid two-phase).

[0039] Specifically, different first thresholds are set correspondingly for different heat exchange media to satisfy different requirements.

[0040] In related technologies, when the battery temperature is low, or when the heat exchange area of ​​the battery heat exchanger is large, or when the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module is high, significant heat exchange between the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch and the battery results in a low discharge pressure in the compressor (low high pressure). As a result, the inlet temperature of the battery heat exchange module exchanging heat with the battery becomes low, the temperature difference with the battery temperature decreases, leading to a decrease in the rate of heating temperature rise and a slowdown in the heating rate. In addition, this leads to a decrease in the compressor's suction port pressure (low low pressure). The compressor may operate outside its operating range and be damaged.

[0041] According to this application, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is set to control the state of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30, and as a result, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 reaches a target state. This prevents the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch 20 from becoming too large, and further reduces the pressure difference between the intake port and discharge port of the compressor 1. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, and avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0042] According to the control method for the thermal management system in this embodiment of the present application, in order to control the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 to maintain a specific temperature state, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is set to be equal to or greater than a first threshold T1. This increases the outlet pressure of the compressor 1 and prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged.

[0043] In some examples of this application, the first threshold may be set as a temperature obtained by subtracting 5°C from the saturation temperature of the heat exchange medium at the corresponding pressure at the outlet end 30, i.e., the supercooling of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is less than 5°C, thus avoiding excessive liquefaction. Supercooling is defined as the difference when the temperature of the condensate at a particular pressure is lower than the saturation temperature of the condensate at the corresponding pressure.

[0044] In some examples of this application, the first threshold may be set to 20°C, and as a result, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is 20°C or higher, the ratio of gaseous heat exchange medium to liquid heat exchange medium can be guaranteed, thereby adjusting the suction or discharge pressure of the compressor and avoiding damage to the compressor.

[0045] In some embodiments, the temperature difference ΔT of the heat exchange medium at the inlet end 40 and outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is T2 or less, where T2 is a second threshold. To control the heat exchange of the heat exchange medium and avoid excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium, the temperature difference of the heat exchange medium at the inlet end 40 and outlet end 30 is set to be T2 or less.

[0046] The second threshold is a default value and may be calibrated based on actual conditions; it should be noted that this value may be a reference value, a calibration value, or an experimental value. The second threshold may be understood to reflect the state change of the heat exchange medium at the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30. The state change of the heat exchange medium is controlled by controlling the second threshold, thereby further preventing the pressure difference between the two ends of the heat exchange branch from becoming excessively large.

[0047] Specifically, different second thresholds are set to satisfy different requirements for different heat exchange media. Alternatively, the second threshold may be set based on the battery temperature, the heat exchange area of ​​the battery heat exchange module, the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the second threshold is 30°C, thereby further avoiding an excessively large pressure difference between the ends of the heat exchange branch.

[0049] In some embodiments, once the battery temperature reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode, in which case at least one heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be connected to heat the battery based on the battery temperature. The battery temperature may be a real-time temperature. After the battery temperature reaches the first temperature, the thermal management system 100 is controlled to enter normal heating mode, and each heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be connected to heat the battery to sufficiently heat it, thereby fully utilizing the capacity of the thermal management system 100.

[0050] When the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode, it means that the battery temperature reaches a first temperature. After the preheating mode, the battery temperature rises, the battery heating requirement decreases, and problems such as a decrease in the exhaust pressure and intake pressure of the compressor 1 do not occur.

[0051] At least one heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be connected based on the real-time temperature of the battery, so that the control method can be further adapted to the actual requirements of the battery. For example, if the battery temperature is relatively low, multiple heat exchange branches 20 may be connected to heat the battery simultaneously, or if the battery temperature is relatively high, a small number of heat exchange branches 20 may be controlled to heat the battery, thereby saving heat.

[0052] Specifically, the first temperature may be a default temperature value. Alternatively, the first temperature may be a value set in real time based on the ambient temperature or the battery temperature.

[0053] More specifically, different first temperatures are set in correspondence to satisfy the requirements for different heat exchange media, or different first temperatures are set in correspondence to satisfy the requirements for different battery types. For example, batteries made of different materials, such as lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, will have different first temperatures. Batteries of different shapes, such as blade batteries, prismatic batteries, and cylindrical batteries, will also have different first temperatures. Batteries of different capacities, such as batteries with a range of 80 kilometers and batteries with a range of 200 kilometers, will also have different first temperatures. The first temperature may be set based on the heat exchange media, battery material, battery shape, and battery capacity.

[0054] In some embodiments, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 connected in parallel. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 are configured to exchange heat with the battery. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be greater than or equal to a first threshold T1. Another branch other than the pressure regulating sub-branch may be selected to be connected or disconnected based on the battery's heat exchange requirements. If another branch is connected, the value of the first threshold T1 can be set to satisfy the battery's heating requirements while avoiding damage to the compressor. A plurality of heat exchange branches 20 are arranged in parallel, and as a result, one or more heat exchange branches 20 are selected to control the heating of the battery based on the actual heating requirements of the battery. This allows for flexible heating of the battery, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0055] In some embodiments, during preheating mode, the temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be T2 or less. By setting the temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be T2 or less, the state change of the heat exchange medium at the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled, the pressure at the inlet end 40 is maintained, and the pressure difference between the two ends of the pressure regulating sub-branch is prevented from becoming excessively large. Other branches besides the pressure regulating sub-branch may be selected to be connected or disconnected based on the heat exchange requirements of the battery. If another branch is connected, the value of T2 can be set to meet the heating requirements of the battery and to avoid damage to the compressor.

[0056] Compressor 1 normally discharges high-pressure refrigerant and draws in low-pressure refrigerant, and compressor 1 normally operates with high discharge port pressure and low intake port pressure. However, in related technologies, it should be noted that battery heat exchange has a high demand for refrigerant, which can result in a decrease in the compressor's discharge port pressure. The compressor may not be able to operate normally and could be damaged. Multiple heat exchange branches 20 in this application include pressure regulating sub-branches 21. The temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branches 21 is set to be T2 or less to control the pressure of the pressure regulating sub-branches 21, thereby regulating the pressure at the discharge port of compressor 1 and reducing the possibility of damage to compressor 1.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one heat exchange branch 20 is configured to exchange heat with a first side of the battery, and at least one heat exchange branch 20 is configured to exchange heat with a second side of the battery. That is, multiple heat exchange branches 20 are configured to heat different sides of the battery in order to sufficiently heat the battery and thereby improve temperature uniformity.

[0058] For example, one heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the upper side of the battery, and another heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the lower side of the battery. Alternatively, one heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the left side of the battery, and another heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the right side of the battery. Alternatively, one heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the front side of the battery, and another heat exchange branch 20 may be configured to heat the rear side of the battery. Naturally, the first side and the second side are not limited to opposing sides, but may also be adjacent sides. For example, the first side may be the upper side and the second side may be the front side. Further details are not described again herein.

[0059] In some embodiments, in the normal heating mode, multiple heat exchange branches 20 are controlled to heat the battery. This can increase the heating rate.

[0060] In some embodiments, in preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of another heat exchange branch. Specifically, a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and a heat exchange sub-branch. In preheating mode, the total flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate of the heat exchange sub-branch. In this case, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is relatively large. This avoids a drop in the compressor's discharge pressure caused by significant heat exchange between the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the battery, prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, and avoids the impact on the battery's heating effect caused by a temperature drop of the heat exchange medium due to significant heat exchange.

[0061] In some embodiments, in preheating mode, the ratio of the total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is greater than a third threshold. The ratio of the total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is set to be greater than a third threshold, and as a result, the heat exchange medium flowing out of the pressure regulating sub-branch and the heat exchange medium flowing out of the other branch eventually enter the intake port of the compressor. The value of the third threshold may be set to adjust the intake pressure of the compressor intake port, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the compressor 1. When the battery temperature is low, the ratio Q1 / Q2 is greater than the third threshold, and as a result, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium to be discharged by the compressor 1 enters the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even if the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so if the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the discharge port and the pressure at the intake port of the compressor 1 fall below normal operating values.

[0062] Specifically, Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. There may be one pressure regulating sub-branch 21, in which case Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium within that single pressure regulating sub-branch 21. Alternatively, there may be multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21, in which case Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0063] Specifically, Q2 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange sub-branch. There may be one heat exchange sub-branch, in which case Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium within that one heat exchange sub-branch. Alternatively, there may be multiple heat exchange sub-branchs, in which case Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the multiple heat exchange sub-branchs.

[0064] For example, suppose there are two heat exchange branches 20 connected in parallel, and one of the heat exchange branches 20 is configured as a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is Q1. The flow rate of the other heat exchange branch 20 is Q2. Q1 / Q2 is greater than a third threshold.

[0065] Alternatively, there are three heat exchange branches 20, which are connected in parallel, and one heat exchange branch 20 is configured as a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is Q1. The total flow rate of the other two heat exchange branches 20 is Q2. Q1 / Q2 is greater than a third threshold.

[0066] Alternatively, there are three heat exchange branches 20, which are connected in parallel, and two of the heat exchange branches 20 are configured as pressure regulating sub-branches 21. In preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the two pressure regulating sub-branches 21 is Q1. The flow rate of the other heat exchange branches 20 is Q2. Q1 / Q2 is greater than a third threshold.

[0067] Specifically, the third threshold is a default value. The third threshold may be understood as reflecting the concentration of the heat exchange medium. The concentration of the heat exchange medium is controlled by changing the third threshold, which adjusts the amount of heat exchange medium discharged into the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 by the compressor 1, resulting in a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. When the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the discharge port and the pressure at the intake port of the compressor 1 fall below normal operating values.

[0068] For example, the third threshold is 2, meaning that the flow rate in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 accounts for more than two-thirds of the total flow rate, further improving the concentration of the heat exchange medium. The majority of the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 is concentrated in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, resulting in a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. When the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the discharge port and the pressure at the intake port of the compressor 1 fall below normal operating values.

[0069] The above explanation can be simply understood as follows: In the related technology, the upper limit of the total flow rate of refrigerant supplied by the compressor is a fixed value, and a number of heat exchange branches have a high demand for refrigerant, so a small amount of refrigerant is allocated to each heat exchange branch, and sufficient heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in each heat exchange branch and the battery. When the battery temperature is low, significant liquefaction of the refrigerant occurs in the battery heat exchange module 56 of each heat exchange branch, which affects the pressure at the compressor's intake port and discharge port, and further affects the normal operation of the compressor. In this application, Q1 / Q2 is set to be greater than a third threshold, so that a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even if the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so if the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the discharge port and the pressure at the intake port of the compressor 1 fall below normal operating values.

[0070] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange branches 20 includes a flow control valve 16, and the ratio of the flow rate Q1 through the flow control valve 16 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the flow rate Q2 through the flow control valve 16 in the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is greater than a third threshold. The flow rate is controlled by the placement of the flow control valve 16, facilitating rapid adjustment of the flow rate.

[0071] Note that the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 includes a flow control valve 16, and the heat exchange sub-branch also includes a flow control valve 16. The pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the heat exchange sub-branch may be quickly switched by controlling the flow control valve 16. That is, each heat exchange branch 20 may be a pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16, and the opening of valve 1 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be greater than the opening of valve 2 in the heat exchange sub-branch. That is, in order to concentrate the heat exchange medium on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, the opening of the flow control valve 16 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the opening of the flow control valve 16 in the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0073] In some embodiments, during preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be operational, while the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be non-operating. The pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be operational, and the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be non-operating, resulting in further concentration of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, thereby improving concentration.

[0074] Specifically, when the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is in operation, it means that the heat exchange medium is flowing through the pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0075] Specifically, a non-operating heat exchange sub-branch means that there is no heat exchange medium within the heat exchange sub-branch, and as a result, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by compressor 1 is supplied to the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this solution, the type selection requirement for compressor 1 can be reduced, provided that the amount of heat exchange medium discharged by compressor 1 satisfies the requirements of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. If the heat exchange area of ​​the battery heat exchange module 56 within the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is large, concentrating the heat exchange medium discharged by compressor 1 on the pressure regulating sub-branch can still satisfy the requirements of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0076] In some specific embodiments, each heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16, and the heat exchange sub-branch is in a non-operating state, with the opening of the flow control valve 16 in the heat exchange sub-branch being zero, thereby further concentrating the heat exchange medium. The non-operating state of the heat exchange branch 20 means that there is no heat exchange medium in the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery temperature reaches a first specified temperature when the minimum of the temperature values ​​at multiple locations on the battery reaches a first specified temperature. That is, when the temperature of the lowest-temperature portion of the battery exceeds the first specified temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode, and the temperature of the lowest-temperature portion of the battery is used as a reference to further avoid uneven heating of the battery. The first specified temperature may be set based on the heat exchange of the battery. For example, the target temperature of the battery is 30°C when the first temperature is reached. In this case, in normal heating mode, multiple heat exchange branches are controlled to heat the battery based on the target temperature of the battery, without reducing the pressure at the compressor's intake port and exhaust port below normal operating values.

[0078] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a normal heating mode, and the heat exchange branch 20 includes a pressure regulating sub-branch 21, where the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the normal heating mode. In order to concentrate the heat exchange medium, the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode is set to be greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the normal heating mode, so that the amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor can satisfy the requirements of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0079] For example, if the first specified temperature is 5°C, and the temperature of the lowest part of the battery exceeds 5°C, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56 and a throttling element 15 connected in series, the opening of which is adjusted based on the degree of overheating of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20. The adjustment of the opening of the throttling element 15 based on the degree of overheating adjusts the heat exchange medium in the battery heat exchange module 56, thereby improving the adaptability of the thermal management system 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, a curved channel is arranged within the battery heat exchange module 56, and the heat exchange medium flows through the curved channel.

[0082] In some other embodiments, a straight tubular flow path is arranged within the battery heat exchange module 56, as shown in Figure 6. For example, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a harmonica tube heat exchanger.

[0083] In some specific embodiments, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a cooling plate, which is mounted on the battery to heat the battery.

[0084] The degree of superheating is the difference between the actual temperature of a substance under a given pressure and its saturation temperature. Only when the actual temperature is higher than the saturation temperature will the liquid refrigerant not be drawn into the compressor 1, thereby avoiding damage to the compressor 1.

[0085] Specifically, the opening of the aperture element 15 needs to be adjusted according to the PID (Feedback Adjustment Strategy).

[0086] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the throttling element 15 in the preheating mode based on the degree of superheating of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 includes: decreasing the opening of the throttling element 15 to increase the degree of superheating when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is less than a first specified value ΔTa; increasing the opening of the throttling element 15 to decrease the degree of superheating when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is greater than a second specified value ΔTb; and maintaining the opening of the throttling element 15 when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is greater than or equal to ΔTa and less than or equal to ΔTb, thereby reducing the possibility of the liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0087] For example, if ΔTa is 0°C, ΔTb is 5°C, and the superheating degree ΔT4 is in the range of 0°C to 5°C, the opening of the throttling element 15 is maintained.

[0088] Specifically, the thermal management system 100 further includes a temperature-pressure sensor, which is placed in the intake port of the compressor 1 to obtain ΔT4, thereby further reducing the possibility of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0089] In some embodiments, the throttling element 15 has an initial opening. The initial opening is a dynamically changing value and is related to the coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60, which will be described later. The coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 is determined before the valve is opened. A higher coolant temperature results in a larger initial opening, and a lower coolant temperature results in a smaller initial opening.

[0090] More specifically, before ΔT4 is used, the aperture element 15 is operated at its initial opening for τ1 minutes, where τ1 is the specified time.

[0091] In some embodiments, the multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a lower heat exchange branch 20 and an upper heat exchange branch 20, where the upper heat exchange branch 20 is located at the top of the battery and the lower heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery. In preheating mode, the temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the lower heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be less than a second threshold. The temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the lower heat exchange branch 20 is set to be less than a second threshold, and as a result, the heating effect in preheating mode is enhanced by using the gravity of the battery.

[0092] Specifically, the lower heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery, and the weight of the battery causes the lower heat exchange branch 20 to be closely attached to the battery. In preheating mode, the lower heat exchange branch 20 is used to heat the battery, thereby improving the heating effect.

[0093] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant subsystem 60, and the control method is S40: When the waste heat recovery command is received, the coolant subsystem 60 exchanges heat with the battery subsystem 80. This includes recovering waste heat from the coolant subsystem 60 to improve energy utilization.

[0094] Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 includes a vehicle-mounted evaporator 7. The vehicle-mounted evaporator 7 is located between the heat exchange branch and the compressor 1.

[0095] Specifically, the coolant subsystem 60 includes a water pump 14, a powertrain 13, and a radiator 10. The water pump 14 drives the coolant to flow through the powertrain 13 to dissipate heat from the powertrain 13. When the heat from the powertrain 13 needs to be dissipated to the external environment, the coolant is controlled to flow through the powertrain 13 and the radiator 10, and the heat is dissipated by using the radiator 10 to exchange heat with the external environment.

[0096] More specifically, the thermal management system 100 includes a first heat exchanger 4. The first heat exchanger 4 includes a first refrigerant flow path and a first coolant flow path that exchange heat with each other. The first refrigerant flow path is part of the battery subsystem 80, and the first coolant flow path is part of the coolant subsystem 60. In this case, waste heat from the coolant subsystem 60 can be recovered by using the first refrigerant flow path and the first coolant flow path that exchange heat with each other.

[0097] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 has a normal heating mode, in which each heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to heat the battery, and when the water temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 reaches a third specified temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters the normal heating mode.

[0098] Specifically, the third designated temperature is higher than 0°C, and the waste heat is completely recovered.

[0099] In some embodiments, during battery charging, the battery management system (BMS) sends a battery overheating signal when the temperature of the cells in the battery falls below TA.

[0100] Specifically, TA is set to its default value.

[0101] In some embodiments, during battery discharge, the BMS sends a battery heating command when the battery temperature falls below TB. TB is a dynamically changing value and is related to the state of charge (SOC). A larger SOC results in a smaller TB value, and a smaller SOC results in a larger TB value.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the thermal management system 100 in the embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0103] The thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, a vehicle-mounted condenser 2, an external condenser 3, a first heat exchanger 4, an upper battery cooling plate 5, a lower battery cooling plate 6, a vehicle-mounted evaporator 7, a gas-liquid separator 8, a radiator 10, a liquid storage tank 11, a four-way water valve 12, a powertrain 13, a water pump 14, a first electronic expansion valve 151, a second electronic expansion valve 152, a third electronic expansion valve 153, a fourth electronic expansion valve 154, a first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161, a second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162, a first solenoid valve 171, a second solenoid valve 172, a third solenoid valve 173, a fourth solenoid valve 174, a first one-way valve 181, a second one-way valve 182, a fourth one-way valve 184, and a first temperature and pressure integrated sensor. The sensor includes PT1, a second temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT2, a third temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT3, a fourth temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT4, a second temperature sensor T2, a third temperature sensor T3, and a fourth temperature sensor T4.

[0104] The upper battery cooling plate 5 and the lower battery cooling plate 6 are the aforementioned battery heat exchange module 56, and the first electronic expansion valve 151 and the second electronic expansion valve 152 are the aforementioned throttling element 15. The first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161 and the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 are the flow control valve 16. The fourth temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT4 is a temperature-pressure sensor.

[0105] When the thermal management system enters preheating mode, the second solenoid valve 172, the third solenoid valve 173, the first electronic expansion valve 151, the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161, the second electronic expansion valve 152, and the fourth electronic expansion valve 154 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 171, the fourth solenoid valve 174, the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162, and the third electronic expansion valve 153 are opened.

[0106] Flow path of the heat exchange medium in preheating mode: Compressor 1 → First solenoid valve 171 → Second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 → Lower battery cooling plate 6 → Third electronic expansion valve 153 → First one-way valve 181 → First heat exchanger 4 → Fourth solenoid valve 174 → Gas-liquid separator 8 → Compressor 1.

[0107] When the thermal management system enters normal heating mode, the second solenoid valve 172, the third solenoid valve 173, the first electronic expansion valve 151, and the fourth electronic expansion valve 154 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 171, the fourth solenoid valve 174, the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162, the third electronic expansion valve 153, the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161, and the second electronic expansion valve 152 are opened.

[0108] Flow path of the heat exchange medium in normal heating mode: Compressor 1 → First solenoid valve 171 → [(Second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 → Lower battery cooling plate 6 → Third electronic expansion valve 153) or (First large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161 → Upper battery cooling plate 5 → Second electronic expansion valve 152)] → First one-way valve 181 → First heat exchanger 4 → Fourth solenoid valve 174 → Liquid separator 8 → Compressor 1.

[0109] In the control method of this application, (1) during the battery heating stage, the second electronic expansion valve 152 is closed to increase the outlet pressure of the compressor 1, thereby increasing the temperature and pressure of the lower battery cooling plate 6, preventing the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged. In the control method, the outlet pressure of the compressor 1 increases, the power consumption of the compressor 1 increases, and the outlet temperature of the compressor 1 rises, thereby increasing the inlet temperature of the lower battery cooling plate 6 during heating, increasing the heat exchange temperature difference between the cooling plate and the cells, and accelerating the heating rate of the cells. (2) After the battery heating is completed, in the normal heating mode, the second electronic expansion valve 152 and the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161 are opened, and the upper battery cooling plate and the lower battery cooling plate are opened simultaneously to heat the battery, maintaining uniformity of the internal temperature of the cells, maintaining the good condition of the cells, extending the service life of the cells, and reducing battery failures.

[0110] A thermal management system according to one embodiment of this application includes a compressor 1, a heat exchange branch 20, a first heat exchanger 4, and a control module.

[0111] The compressor 1 has an intake port and an exhaust port.

[0112] There is at least one heat exchange branch 20, which exchanges heat with the battery. The thermal management system 100 has a battery heating mode. The first end of the heat exchange branch 20 communicates with the discharge port in the battery heating mode.

[0113] The first end of the first heat exchanger 4 is connected to the second end of the heat exchange branch through the throttling element 15, and the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the intake port.

[0114] The control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control methods for the thermal management system.

[0115] The thermal management system has a battery heating mode, which includes a preheating mode and a normal heating mode.

[0116] According to the thermal management system of this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned control method is performed to avoid the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch becoming too large, and to further reduce the pressure difference between the suction port and discharge port of the compressor. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0117] A vehicle according to one embodiment of this application includes a thermal management system 100 and a control module. The control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0118] According to the vehicle of this embodiment of the present application, the control module is arranged to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system and to control the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 to be equal to or greater than a first threshold T1, and to maintain a specific temperature state of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30. This can reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0119] In some embodiments, the control module includes a storage medium configured to store executable instructions, which are used to perform the aforementioned control methods of the thermal management system.

[0120] According to the vehicle of this embodiment of the application, a control method is used in which a storage medium is used to store the thermal management system, enabling a control module to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system, such that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is equal to or greater than a first threshold T1, and the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is controlled to maintain a specific temperature state. This can reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0121] In some examples, the control module includes a memory device, and the memory device includes the aforementioned storage medium.

[0122] According to the vehicle of this embodiment of the present application, the storage device uses a storage medium to control the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 to be equal to or greater than a first threshold T1, thereby maintaining a specific temperature state for the heat exchange medium at the outlet end. This can reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0123] According to a control method for a thermal management system in one embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches 20 are configured to exchange heat with a battery, and the plurality of heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. As shown in Figure 4, the control method includes the following steps.

[0124] S50: Acquire the battery heating signal.

[0125] S60: The thermal management system 100 enters preheating mode, and in preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure control sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0126] The total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is set to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch. In this case, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is relatively large, and as a result, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium to be discharged by the compressor can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. This avoids a drop in the compressor's discharge pressure caused by significant heat exchange between the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the battery, prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, and avoids the impact on the battery's heating effect caused by the temperature drop of the heat exchange medium due to significant heat exchange.

[0127] When the battery temperature is low, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, and as a result, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium to be discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. Thus, even when the battery temperature is low, if there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the battery heat exchange module is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the requirements for the normal operation of the compressor. This avoids a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values.

[0128] According to the control method for the thermal management system in this embodiment of the present application, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is set to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, so that a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. Thus, even when the battery temperature is low, the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch is sufficient, so that when the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the requirements for the normal operation of the compressor. This avoids situations where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values, reducing the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0129] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is greater than a third threshold.

[0130] Specifically, Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. There may be one pressure regulating sub-branch 21, in which case Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium within that single pressure regulating sub-branch 21. Alternatively, there may be multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21, in which case Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0131] Specifically, Q2 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange sub-branch. There may be one heat exchange sub-branch, in which case Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium within that one heat exchange sub-branch. Alternatively, there may be multiple heat exchange sub-branchs, in which case Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the multiple heat exchange sub-branchs.

[0132] Specifically, the third threshold is a default value. The third threshold may be understood as reflecting the concentration of the heat exchange medium. The concentration of the heat exchange medium is controlled by changing the third threshold, which adjusts the amount of heat exchange medium discharged into the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 by the compressor 1, resulting in a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. When the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values.

[0133] For example, the third threshold is 2, meaning that the flow rate in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 accounts for more than two-thirds of the total flow rate, further improving the concentration of the heat exchange medium. The majority of the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 is concentrated in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, resulting in a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. When the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and suction port falls below normal operating values.

[0134] The above explanation can be simply understood as follows: In the related technology, the upper limit of the total flow rate of refrigerant supplied by the compressor is a fixed value, and a number of heat exchange branches have a high demand for refrigerant, so a small amount of refrigerant is allocated to each heat exchange branch, and sufficient heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in each heat exchange branch and the battery. When the battery temperature is low, significant liquefaction of the refrigerant occurs in the battery heat exchange module 56 of each heat exchange branch, which affects the pressure at the compressor's intake port and discharge port, and further affects the normal operation of the compressor. In this application, Q1 / Q2 is set to be greater than a third threshold, so that a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even if the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so that the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values.

[0135] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange branches 20 includes a flow control valve 16, and the opening of at least one valve 1 of the heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be greater than the opening of the valve 2 of the heat exchange sub-branch. That is, in order to concentrate the heat exchange medium on at least one heat exchange branch 20, the opening of at least one flow control valve 16 of the heat exchange branch 20 is greater than the opening of the flow control valve 16 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0136] In some embodiments, during preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is in operation, while the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be inoperable. The heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be inoperable, resulting in further concentration of the heat exchange medium on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, thereby improving concentration. In this case, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even if the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so when the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values.

[0137] Specifically, the heat exchange sub-branch is in a non-operating state, and no heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange sub-branch. As a result, the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 concentrates on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, allowing a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 to enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even if the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so if the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and suction port falls below normal operating values.

[0138] In some embodiments, when the battery temperature reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode, in which case at least one of the heat exchange branches 20 is controlled to be connected to heat the battery based on the real-time temperature of the battery. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in normal heating mode. In other words, in preheating mode, there is a larger amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The heat exchange medium is concentrated, and as a result, a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium to be discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In this case, even when the battery temperature is low, there is a sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so that when the battery heat exchange module 56 is fully exchanging heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meets the normal operating requirements of the compressor, thereby avoiding a situation where the pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the pressure at the suction port fall below normal operating values.

[0139] In some embodiments, the battery temperature reaches a first specified temperature when the minimum of the temperature values ​​at multiple locations on the battery reaches a first specified temperature. That is, when the temperature of the lowest-temperature portion of the battery exceeds the first specified temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode, and the temperature of the lowest-temperature portion of the battery is used as a reference to further avoid uneven heating of the battery. The first specified temperature may be set based on the heat exchange of the battery. For example, the target temperature of the battery is 30°C when the first temperature is reached. In this case, in normal heating mode, multiple heat exchange branches are controlled to heat the battery based on the target temperature of the battery, without reducing the pressure at the compressor's intake port and exhaust port below normal operating values.

[0140] For example, if the first specified temperature is 5°C, and the temperature of the lowest part of the battery exceeds 5°C, the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode.

[0141] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56 and a throttling element 15 connected in series, the opening of which is adjusted based on the degree of overheating of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20. The adjustment of the opening of the throttling element 15 based on the degree of overheating adjusts the heat exchange medium in the battery heat exchange module 56, thereby improving the adaptability of the thermal management system 100.

[0142] Specifically, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a cooling plate, which is attached to the battery to heat the battery.

[0143] The degree of superheating is the difference between the actual temperature of a substance under a given pressure and its saturation temperature. Only when the actual temperature is higher than the saturation temperature will the liquid refrigerant not be drawn into the compressor 1, thereby avoiding damage to the compressor 1.

[0144] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, the opening of the throttling element 15 is adjusted based on the degree of superheating of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20, which includes decreasing the opening of the throttling element 15 to increase the degree of superheating when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is less than a first set value ΔTa, increasing the opening of the throttling element 15 to decrease the degree of superheating when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is greater than a second set value ΔTb, and maintaining the opening of the throttling element 15 when the degree of superheating ΔT4 is greater than or equal to ΔTa and less than or equal to ΔTb, thereby reducing the possibility of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0145] For example, if ΔTa is 0°C, ΔTb is 5°C, and the superheating degree ΔT4 is in the range of 0°C to 5°C, the opening of the throttling element 15 is maintained.

[0146] Specifically, the thermal management system 100 further includes a temperature-pressure sensor, which is placed in the intake port of the compressor 1 to obtain ΔT4, thereby further reducing the possibility of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0147] In some embodiments, the throttling element 15 has an initial opening. The initial opening is a dynamically changing value and is related to the coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60, which will be described later. The coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 is determined before the valve is opened. A higher coolant temperature results in a larger initial opening, and a lower coolant temperature results in a smaller initial opening.

[0148] More specifically, before ΔT4 is used, the aperture element 15 is operated at its initial opening for τ1 minutes, where τ1 is the specified time.

[0149] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch 20 includes a lower heat exchange branch 20 and an upper heat exchange branch 20, where the upper heat exchange branch 20 is located at the top of the battery and the lower heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery. In preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the lower heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the upper heat exchange branch 20. The total flow rate Q1 of the lower heat exchange branch 20 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the upper heat exchange branch 20, and as a result, the heating effect in preheating mode is enhanced by using the gravity of the battery.

[0150] Specifically, the lower heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery, and the weight of the battery causes the lower heat exchange branch 20 to be closely attached to the battery. In preheating mode, the lower heat exchange branch 20 is used to heat the battery, thereby improving the heating effect.

[0151] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant subsystem 60, and the control method is S70: When the waste heat recovery command is received, the coolant subsystem 60 exchanges heat with the battery subsystem 80. It further includes: Waste heat from the coolant subsystem 60 is recovered to improve energy utilization.

[0152] Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 includes a vehicle-mounted evaporator 7. The vehicle-mounted evaporator 7 is located between the heat exchange branch and the compressor 1.

[0153] Specifically, the coolant subsystem 60 includes a water pump 14, a powertrain 13, and a radiator 10. The water pump 14 drives the coolant to flow through the powertrain 13 and the radiator 10.

[0154] More specifically, the thermal management system 100 includes a first heat exchanger 4, which is located between the battery subsystem 80 and the coolant subsystem 60 to perform heat exchange.

[0155] The first heat exchanger may be a plate-type heat exchanger or a tube-type heat exchanger.

[0156] In some embodiments, the water temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 reaches a third specified temperature, and the thermal management system 100 enters normal heating mode.

[0157] Specifically, the third designated temperature is higher than 0°C, and the waste heat is completely recovered.

[0158] In some embodiments, during battery charging, the battery management system (BMS) sends a battery overheating signal when the temperature of the cells in the battery falls below TA.

[0159] Specifically, TA is set to its default value.

[0160] In some embodiments, during battery discharge, the BMS sends a battery heating command when the battery temperature falls below TB. TB is a dynamically changing value related to the state of charge (SOC). A larger SOC results in a smaller TB value, and a smaller SOC results in a larger TB value.

[0161] A thermal management system 100 according to one embodiment of this application includes a compressor 1, a heat exchange branch 20, a first heat exchanger 4, and a control module.

[0162] The compressor 1 has an intake port and an exhaust port.

[0163] Multiple heat exchange branches 20 are arranged in parallel. The heat exchange branches 20 exchange heat with the battery. The thermal management system has a battery heating mode. The first end of each heat exchange branch 20 communicates with an intake port in the battery heating mode, and the multiple heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0164] The first end of the first heat exchanger 4 is connected to the second end of each heat exchange branch through the throttling element 15, and the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the intake port.

[0165] The control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control methods for the thermal management system.

[0166] The thermal management system 100 has a battery heating mode, which includes a preheating mode and a normal heating mode.

[0167] According to the thermal management system of this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system is applied to avoid the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch becoming too large, and to further reduce the pressure difference between the suction port and discharge port of the compressor. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0168] According to a control method for a thermal management system in one embodiment of this application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes at least one heat exchange branch 20, the heat exchange branch 20 is configured to exchange heat with a battery. The control method is: S21: Obtain the battery heating signal. Includes.

[0169] S22: The thermal management system enters preheating mode, the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch in preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch in normal heating mode, and the thermal management mode includes preheating mode and normal heating mode.

[0170] According to the control method for the thermal management system in this embodiment of the present application, the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch is increased to avoid the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch becoming too large, and to further reduce the pressure difference between the suction port and discharge port of the compressor. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0171] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, which includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel. The plurality of heat exchange branches are arranged in parallel, and the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch is increased, reducing the potential for damage to the compressor.

[0172] According to the thermal management system of this embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20, the heat exchange branches 20 are configured to exchange heat with a battery, and each heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is lower than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in another branch.

[0173] Furthermore, it should be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, and the discharge port of the compressor 1 is connected to the heat exchange branch 20 in order to discharge a high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 that has exchanged heat with the battery may be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0174] According to the thermal management system of this embodiment of the present application, the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is set to be lower than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in another branch, thereby increasing the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, preventing the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch from becoming too large, and further reducing the pressure difference between the intake and discharge ports of the compressor. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0175] In some embodiments, multiple heat exchange branches are arranged in parallel.

[0176] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is located on one side of the battery, and the heat exchange sub-branch is located on the other side of the battery. This can improve the temperature uniformity of the battery.

[0177] According to a control method for a thermal management system in one embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20, the heat exchange branches 20 are configured to exchange heat with a battery, and each heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is lower than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in another branch.

[0178] Furthermore, it should be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, and the discharge port of the compressor 1 is connected to the heat exchange branch 20 in order to discharge a high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 that has exchanged heat with the battery may be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0179] The control method is, S31: Obtain the battery heating signal. Includes.

[0180] S32: The thermal management system enters preheating mode, during which the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 exchanges heat with the battery.

[0181] According to the control method for the thermal management system in this embodiment of the present application, the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is set to be lower than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in another branch, thereby increasing the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The control method is performed to avoid the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch becoming too large, and further to reduce the pressure difference between the intake and discharge ports of the compressor. This prevents the compressor 1 from operating outside its operating range and being damaged, avoids the impact on the battery heating effect due to a drop in the temperature of the heat exchange medium, and reduces the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0182] A vehicle according to one embodiment of this application includes a thermal management system 100 and a control module. The control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0183] According to the vehicle of this embodiment of the present application, in order to reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor, the control module is configured to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present application, the storage medium is configured to perform the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0185] According to the storage medium in this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned control method of the thermal management system is performed to reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0186] The storage device according to this embodiment of the present application includes the aforementioned storage medium.

[0187] According to the storage device in this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned storage medium is used to reduce the possibility of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and the possibility of damage to the compressor.

[0188] Other operations of the control method for the thermal management system according to embodiments of this application are known to those skilled in the art. Further details are not described herein.

[0189] In the description of this application, orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” are orientations or positional relationships based on the accompanying drawings and are intended to facilitate and simplify the description of this application, and should not be understood as suggesting or implying that the device or element in question must have a particular orientation or must be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0190] In addition, features limited by "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features, and are intended to distinguish the listed features without implying order or importance.

[0191] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, “multiple” means two or more.

[0192] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms “attach,” “interconnect,” and “connect” in this application should be understood broadly. For example, such terms may refer to a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integrated connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct interconnection, an indirect interconnection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in this application based on the specific context.

[0193] In this specification, reference terms such as “embodiment” and “example” mean that certain features, structures, materials, or properties described with reference to an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the foregoing terms do not necessarily mean the same embodiment or example. In addition, in this specification, certain features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more of the embodiments or examples.

[0194] While embodiments of this application are shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and objectives of this application. The scope of this application is defined by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0195] 100 Thermal Management Systems 80 Battery Subsystems 15 aperture elements 16 Flow control valve 20 Heat exchange branch 21 Pressure regulating sub-branch 30 Outlet end 40 Inlet end 56 Battery heat exchange module 60 Coolant subsystem 1 Compressor 2. Vehicle-mounted capacitors 3. External capacitor 4. First heat exchanger 5. Upper battery cooling plate 6. Lower battery cooling plate 7. Vehicle-mounted evaporator 8 Gas-liquid separator 10 Radiator 11 Liquid storage tanks 12. Four-way water valve 13 Powertrain 14 Water pump 151 First Electronic Expansion Valve 152 Second Electronic Expansion Valve 153 Third Electronic Expansion Valve 154 Fourth Electronic Expansion Valve 161 First large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 Second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 171 First solenoid valve 172 Second solenoid valve 173 Third solenoid valve 174 Fourth Solenoid Valve 181 First one-way valve 182 Second one-way valve 184 Fourth one-way valve PT1 First temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT2 Second temperature-pressure integrated sensor PT3 Third Temperature and Pressure Integrated Sensor PT4 4th temperature-pressure integrated sensor T2 Second temperature sensor T3 Third temperature sensor T4 Fourth temperature sensor

Claims

1. A control method for a thermal management system, wherein the thermal management system (100) comprises a battery subsystem (80), the battery subsystem (80) comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches (20) are configured to exchange heat with a battery, the plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel comprises a pressure adjustment sub-branch (21) and a heat exchange sub-branch, and the control method is To acquire a battery heating signal, The aforementioned thermal management system enters preheating mode. A control method for a thermal management system, comprising the following: in the preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure adjustment sub-branch is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

2. The control method for a thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure adjustment sub-branch to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, i.e., Q1 / Q2, is greater than a third threshold.

3. At least one of the heat exchange branch (20) is equipped with a flow control valve (16), A control method for a thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve opening of at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be greater than the valve opening of the heat exchange sub-branch.

4. A control method for a thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein in the preheating mode, the pressure adjustment sub-branch is controlled to be in an operating state, and the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be in a non-operating state.

5. A control method for a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature of the battery reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system enters a normal heating mode, and in the normal heating mode, controls at least one of the heat exchange branches to be connected to heat the battery based on the real-time temperature of the battery.

6. A control method for a thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the normal heating mode.

7. A control method for a thermal management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when the minimum value among the temperature values ​​at multiple locations of the battery reaches a first designated temperature, the temperature of the battery reaches the first temperature.

8. The heat exchange branch (20) comprises a battery heat exchange module (56) and a throttling element (15) connected in series. A control method for a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opening of the throttling element is adjusted based on the degree of superheating of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch.

9. The plurality of heat exchange branches (20) comprises a lower heat exchange branch and an upper heat exchange branch, the upper heat exchange branch is located at the top of the battery, and the lower heat exchange branch is located at the bottom of the battery. A control method for a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the lower heat exchange branch is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the upper heat exchange branch.

10. The thermal management system (100) further comprises a coolant subsystem (60), The control method described above is A control method for a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: when a waste heat recovery command is received, the coolant subsystem exchanges heat with the battery subsystem; the thermal management system has the normal heating mode; and in the normal heating mode, each heat exchange branch is controlled to heat the battery, wherein the water temperature of the coolant subsystem reaches a third specified temperature and the thermal management system enters the normal heating mode.

11. A thermal management system (100), A compressor (1) having an intake port and an exhaust port, A plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel, wherein the heat exchange branches (20) exchange heat with a battery, the heat management system (100) has a battery heating mode, in the battery heating mode, the first end of each heat exchange branch (20) communicates with the discharge port, and the plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel are equipped with a pressure adjustment sub-branch (21) and a heat exchange sub-branch, A first heat exchanger (4), wherein the first end of the first heat exchanger (4) is connected to the second end of each heat exchange branch (20) through a throttling element (15), and the second end of the first heat exchanger (4) is connected to the intake port, A control module configured to perform the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A thermal management system (100) equipped with the above.

12. A vehicle comprising a thermal management system and a control module, wherein the control module is configured to perform the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the control module comprises a storage medium, the storage medium is configured to store executable instructions, and the instructions are used to execute the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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