Heat Storage Management System

Abstract

To provide a heat storage management system which, in regard to the heat storage management system switching a heat storage mode and a stored heat using mode for a heat medium circuit, can use accumulated heat without waste and suppresses switching loss of the heat medium circuit and adverse effect to a life of a switching valve by avoiding frequent switching.SOLUTION: A heat storage management system includes a heat storage part which accumulates hot heat or cold heat generated by a heat source, a heat medium circuit in which circulating heat medium exchanges heat with the heat storage part and a control part which performs channel switching of a stored heat using mode which uses heat stored on the heat storage part with a heat storage mode for storing heat onto the heat storage part for a heat medium circuit. Therein, the control part changes one side of a first switching threshold which switches from the heat storage mode to the stored heat using mode and a second switching threshold which switches from the stored heat using mode to the heat storage mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat storage management system that appropriately manages heat storage and utilization of the stored heat. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a thermal management system for an electric vehicle (EV) or the like uses a battery, which is a driving power source, as a heat storage unit while controlling the temperature of the battery (see Patent Document 1 below). The heat stored in the battery is used for air conditioning or the like by exchanging heat with a refrigerant in a heat pump (refrigerant circuit) via a heat medium circuit (so-called chiller) for controlling the battery temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-37180 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In electric vehicles, the drive motor and power control unit (PCU) are heat generating parts (heat sources), but rather than directly absorbing the exhaust heat from these parts in a heat pump, the efficiency of exhaust heat utilization can be increased by first storing the heat in a battery or the like.

[0005] When storing the exhaust heat of the heat generating part in the battery in this way, the heat medium circuit for regulating the battery temperature needs to switch between a heat storage mode in which the exhaust heat is recovered from the heat generating part and stored in the battery, and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the battery is utilized by absorbing it into the refrigerant circuit, etc. In this case, in order to utilize the stored heat without waste, it is necessary to appropriately set the timing of the switching according to various situations.

[0006] In addition, the switching between the heat storage mode and the heat storage utilization mode for the heat medium circuit should be premised on the premise that the battery temperature is managed within an appropriate temperature range. When the heat stored in the battery is utilized for heat absorption by the heat pump, if the amount of heat absorption is large, the battery temperature will drop rapidly. In such a case, in order to manage the battery temperature within an appropriate temperature range, it is necessary to switch from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and then quickly switch back to the heat storage mode. In such a case, the flow path switching of the heat medium circuit may be repeated at short time intervals, which may cause switching losses in the heat medium circuit and adversely affect the life of the switching valve due to frequent switching.

[0007] The present invention aims to address such problems. That is, in a heat storage management system that switches a heat medium circuit between a heat storage mode and a heat storage utilization mode, the present invention aims to enable the heat storage unit to be used without waste while maintaining the temperature of the heat storage unit within an appropriate management temperature range, and to suppress switching losses in the heat medium circuit and adverse effects on the life of the switching valve by avoiding frequent mode switching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve such problems, a heat storage management system according to the present invention has the following configuration. A heat storage management system comprising: a heat storage section that stores hot or cold heat generated by a heat source; a heat medium circuit in which a circulating heat medium exchanges heat with the heat storage section; and a control section that controls switching of the heat medium circuit between a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage section and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage section is utilized, wherein the control section changes one or both of a first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and a second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode, based on a temperature of the heat storage section. Effect of the Invention

[0009] A heat storage management system having such characteristics controls the switching between heat storage mode and heat storage utilization mode for the heat medium circuit by changing one or both of a first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and a second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode based on the temperature of the heat storage section, thereby making it possible to efficiently utilize the stored heat while maintaining the temperature of the heat storage section within an appropriate management temperature range, and also to prevent frequent mode switching and suppress switching losses in the heat medium circuit and adverse effects on the lifespan of the switching valve. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat storage management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path switching mode of the heat medium circuit ((a) shows the flow path switching mode in which the heat medium circulates between the heat generating section and the heat storage section, and (b) shows the flow path switching mode in which the heat medium circulates between the heat storage section and the heat utilization section). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control device in the heat storage management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of control maps provided in a control device of a thermal storage management system ((a) is the control map during heating operation, and (b) is the control map during cooling operation). [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in which (a) shows switching control during heating operation, and (b) shows switching control during cooling operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a main flow of control executed by the control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a subflow (during heating operation) of predictive control (thermal storage amount optimization control). [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a subflow (during cooling operation) of predictive control (thermal storage unit optimization control). [Figure 9] 1A is an explanatory diagram of condition A (step S12), FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of condition B1 (step S13A), and FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram of condition B2 (step S13B). [Figure 10]1A is an explanatory diagram of condition C (step S21), FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of condition D1 (step S22A), and FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram of condition D2 (step S22B). [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the system configuration of a heat storage management system (heat storage mode (warm heat) and heat storage utilization mode (warm heat)). [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the system configuration of a heat storage management system (heat storage mode (warm heat) and heat storage utilization mode (warm heat)). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the system configuration of a heat storage management system (heat storage mode (cold heat) and heat storage utilization mode (cold heat)). [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a system configuration of a heat storage management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts having the same function, and duplicated descriptions in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (Basic configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the heat storage management system 1 stores and manages hot or cold heat generated by a heat source in an EV or the like, and includes a heat generation section 2, a heat storage section 3, a heat utilization section 4, a control section 5, and a heat medium circuit 10.

[0013] In an EV, the heat generating unit 2 can include a motor or PCU that generates heat (exhaust heat) while driving, a heater that actively generates heat during heating (such as a PCT (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater), etc. Also, the heat generating unit 2 can be a heat pump type refrigerant circuit that releases heat from a condenser (radiator) during operation. The heat generated by the heat generating unit 2 while it is driving becomes one of the heat sources in the heat storage management system 1.

[0014] The heat storage unit 3 is a part with a large thermal capacity that stores heat generated by a heat source, and includes a battery for driving an EV, etc., in the heat storage unit 3. In addition, a tank for storing the heat medium can be provided in the heat medium circuit 10, and the tank can be used as the heat storage unit 3.

[0015] The heat utilization section 4 is provided to utilize the heat stored in the heat storage section 3. The heat utilization section 4 includes a heat pump type refrigerant circuit that absorbs the heat stored by the evaporator (heat absorber), a vehicle interior air conditioner that conditions the vehicle interior, an external heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outside air, etc. Here, the heat pump type refrigerant circuit is one of the heat sources in the heat storage management system 1, and can be either the heat generating section 2 described above or the heat utilization section.

[0016] The control unit 5 performs switching control to switch the flow path of the heat medium circuit 10 from a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage unit 3 to a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage unit 3 is utilized in the heat utilization unit 4, or conversely, to switch from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode. The control unit 5 includes a control device 100 and flow path switching valves V1, V2 that switch the flow path of the heat medium circuit 10 by the control device 100.

[0017] The heat medium circuit 10 executes each control mode of a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage section 3 and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage section 3 is utilized by the heat utilization section 4 by the circulating heat medium exchanging heat with the heat source and heat storage section 3 described above. The heat medium circuit 10 includes heat exchange sections (heat exchangers) 10A, 10B, 10C for exchanging heat between the heat generating section 2, the heat storage section 3, the heat utilization section 4, and the heat medium, and includes a pump P for circulating the heat medium.

[0018] The switching control of the heat medium circuit 10 is performed, for example, as shown in Fig. 2. The flow path switching state (control mode) of the heat medium circuit shown in Fig. 2(a) is a heat storage mode (hot heat) in which hot heat generated in the heat generating section 2 is stored in the heat storage section 3, and a heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) in which the heat generating section 2 is cooled by the cold heat stored in the heat storage section 3. The flow path switching state (control mode) of the heat medium circuit shown in Fig. 2(b) is a heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) in which the hot heat stored in the heat storage section 3 is absorbed by the refrigerant circuit of the heat utilization section 4, and a heat storage mode (cold heat) in which the cold heat generated by the heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit of the heat utilization section 4 is stored in the heat storage section 3.

[0019] In the heat storage mode, for example, the refrigerant circuit that radiates heat from the condenser (heat radiator) during operation can be used as the heat generating section 2, and surplus heat during heating operation can be stored in the heat storage section 3. In addition, in the heat storage utilization mode, the refrigerant circuit can be used as the heat utilization section 4, and the heat in the heat storage section 3 can be absorbed by the evaporator (heat absorber) to perform heating operation, and an external heat exchanger (radiator) that exchanges heat with outside air can be used as the heat utilization section 4, and defrosting can be performed using the heat in the heat storage section 3.

[0020] When the air conditioning in the EV is operating in heating mode, the switching control between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) is performed, and when the air conditioning in the EV is operating in cooling mode, the switching control between the heat storage mode (cold heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) is performed.

[0021] The hardware configuration of the control device 100 in the control unit 5 described above will be described using an example in which it is installed in an EV. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 100 in the thermal storage management system 1 is configured as one ECU (Electronic Control Unit) connected to various ECUs (ECUs) that control the EV via an in-vehicle network L. The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an input / output I / F (Interface) 104, an external I / F (Interface) 105, etc., and each piece of hardware is connected to each other via a bus.

[0022] The CPU 101 executes various programs stored in the ROM 102 to control the control device 100, which will be described later. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory. For example, the ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute the programs, and the like. The RAM 103 is a main storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). For example, the RAM 103 functions as a work area used when the CPU 101 executes the programs. The input / output I / F 104 is connected to various sensors and monitors installed in the EV, and inputs data to the CPU 101 and outputs data processed by the CPU 101. The external I / F 105 is connected to an in-vehicle network L to control data transmission and reception with other ECUs set in the EV.

[0023] The control device 100 executes the following switching control according to a program executed by the CPU 101 when data related to the outside air temperature, battery temperature, or the operating conditions of the EV is input via the input / output I / F 104 or the external I / F 105. In the following explanation, a battery for driving the EV will be used as an example of the heat storage unit 3, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0024] (Control Map) The control device 100 has, for example, a control map shown in Fig. 4. The control map performs initial setting of the control mode based on the state (temperature) of the heat storage unit 3, and in the illustrated example, each control mode is set based on the outside air temperature and the battery temperature input to the control device 100. At this time, a management temperature range is set for the temperature of the battery, which is the heat storage unit 3, and when the temperature exceeds the upper limit of the management temperature range (e.g., 40°C), the heat medium circuit 10 is controlled to cool the battery, and when the temperature falls below the lower limit of the management temperature range (e.g., 10°C), the heat medium circuit 10 is controlled to heat the battery.

[0025] In FIG. 4, (a) is a control map for heating operation, which is applied when the outdoor temperature is lower than the set upper limit temperature for heating use, and (b) is a control map for cooling operation, which is applied when the outdoor temperature is higher than the set lower limit temperature for cooling use.

[0026] The control map shown in FIG. 4(a) is applied when the battery temperature is within the management temperature range during heating operation, and based on the current outside air temperature and battery temperature, the control mode of the heat medium circuit 10 is set to either a heat storage mode (heat) in which heat is stored in the battery, or a heat storage utilization mode (heat) in which the heat stored in the battery is utilized.

[0027] Similarly, the control map shown in FIG. 4(b) is applied when the battery temperature is within the management temperature range during cooling operation, and based on the current outside air temperature and battery temperature, the control mode of the heat medium circuit 10 is set to either a heat storage mode (cold heat) in which cold heat is stored in the battery, or a heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) in which the cold heat stored in the battery is utilized.

[0028] In this control map, a mode switching region is set so that the battery temperature becomes a target temperature within a controlled temperature range. The mode switching region is a region between an upper limit and a lower limit of the switching region, and the upper limit and the lower limit of the switching region are the upper and lower limits of the target temperature when adjusting the temperature of the battery.

[0029] Specifically, the upper and lower limits of the switching region are set according to the outside air temperature, and the upper limit of the switching region is battery temperature (target temperature) = outside air temperature + first set temperature, and the lower limit of the switching region is battery temperature (target temperature) = outside air temperature + second set temperature. In this case, during heating operation shown in Fig. 4(a), for example, the first set temperature is 15°C to 20°C and the second set temperature is 10°C when the outside air temperature is 0°C, and during cooling operation shown in Fig. 4(b), for example, the first set temperature is -10°C and the second set temperature is -20°C when the outside air temperature is 35°C.

[0030] The mode switching region in the control map is a default value (initial value) when controlling the mode switching, and in this case, the difference between the first set temperature and the second set temperature is set in the range of 5°C to 10°C, for example.

[0031] When the battery temperature is within the management temperature range, if the current outside air temperature and battery temperature exceed the upper limit of the switching region, the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) is set in the control map for heating operation shown in Fig. 4(a), and the heat storage mode (cold heat) is set in the control map for cooling operation shown in Fig. 4(b). Also, when the battery temperature is within the management temperature range, if the current outside air temperature and battery temperature fall below the lower limit of the switching region, the heat storage mode (hot heat) is set in the control map for heating operation shown in Fig. 4(a), and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) is set in the control map for cooling operation shown in Fig. 4(b).

[0032] In the control map for heating operation shown in Fig. 4(a), when the heat storage mode (hot heat) is set, the battery temperature gradually rises due to the stored heat, and when the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) is set, the battery temperature gradually falls due to the utilization of the stored heat. In addition, in the control map for cooling operation shown in Fig. 4(b), when the heat storage mode (cold heat) is set, the battery temperature gradually falls due to the stored cold heat, and when the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) is set, the battery temperature gradually rises due to the utilization of the stored cold heat. Therefore, when the battery temperature is within the management temperature range, either the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode is set, and the control mode is maintained or appropriately switched, so that the battery temperature falls within the mode switching region and is adjusted to the target temperature.

[0033] Here, the threshold at which switching occurs from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode is defined as the first switching threshold, and the threshold at which switching occurs from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode is defined as the second switching threshold. We will explain the "basic control" and "predictive control" of the switching control.

[0034] (Basic Control) In the basic control, the upper limit and the lower limit of the switching region set as default values ​​in the control map are set as the first switching threshold or the second switching threshold. That is, in the control map for heating operation shown in FIG. 4(a), the first switching threshold at which the mode is switched from the heat storage mode (hot heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) is the upper limit of the switching region, and the second switching threshold at which the mode is switched from the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) to the heat storage mode (hot heat) is the lower limit of the switching region. In the control map for cooling operation shown in FIG. 4(b), the first switching threshold at which the mode is switched from the heat storage mode (cold heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) is the lower limit of the switching region, and the second switching threshold at which the mode is switched from the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) to the heat storage mode (cold heat) is the upper limit of the switching region. In this case, the first switching threshold and the second switching threshold are changed according to the change in the outside air temperature based on the control map.

[0035] Although such basic control enables switching control according to the outside air temperature, it does not provide control that corresponds to various conditions associated with EV driving, and therefore may not provide optimal control for heat storage and heat storage utilization. That is, since the amount of heat generated in the heat generating unit 2 (for example, the amount of heat exhausted from the motor or PCU) and the amount of heat absorbed by the heat pump type refrigerant circuit in the heat utilization unit 4 change according to the driving conditions of the EV, the degree of change in battery temperature associated with heat storage and heat storage utilization depends on the driving conditions of the EV, and basic control may not be able to perform switching control at the optimal timing.

[0036] More specifically, taking the switching control during heating operation as an example, when the heat absorption amount of the heat pump type refrigerant circuit is small, the battery temperature in the heat storage utilization mode drops slowly, so the switching cycle between the heat storage utilization operation and the outside air heat absorption operation of the refrigerant circuit becomes longer, and the battery may arrive at its destination before the stored heat is fully utilized, resulting in the battery retaining stored heat. Also, when the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant circuit is large, the battery temperature in the heat storage utilization mode drops sharply, so the switching cycle between the heat storage utilization operation and the outside air heat absorption operation of the refrigerant circuit becomes shorter, which may cause switching loss in the heat medium circuit 10 and adversely affect the valve life of the flow path switching valves V1 and V2. The same applies when the heat generation amount of the heat generating unit 2 changes depending on the operating conditions of the EV.

[0037] Furthermore, basic control does not take into account the timing of switching control according to the driving conditions of the EV, so not only is it not possible to switch to the heat storage utilization mode when necessary, but even if it is desired to switch to the heat storage utilization mode, there are cases where sufficient heat is not stored in the heat storage unit 3. For example, when an EV is traveling at low speeds, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the outside air heat absorption operation of the refrigerant circuit decreases, so operation in the heat storage utilization mode is preferable, and when an EV is traveling at high speeds, closing the grill increases the aerodynamic force, so operation in this case is also preferable, but basic control does not allow automatic switching to the heat storage utilization mode according to low and high speed driving, so there are cases where sufficient heat is not stored even if it is desired to switch to the heat storage utilization mode.

[0038] (Predictive Control) In contrast, predictive control uses the upper and lower switching region limits set in the control map as initial settings, predicts the heat storage state of the heat storage unit 3 based on the driving conditions of the EV, and sets one or both of the first and second switching thresholds based on the predicted heat storage state of the heat storage unit 3. By performing predictive control, it becomes possible to optimize the switching control.

[0039] More specifically, in predictive control, the mode switching range (upper limit and lower limit of the switching range) in basic control is set to the initial setting (default), the battery temperature is predicted based on the driving conditions of the EV, a first switching threshold or a second switching threshold is set for the change in the predicted battery temperature, the control mode is switched between the set first switching threshold and second switching threshold, and the battery temperature is adjusted between them.

[0040] In predictive control, the following points should be considered when optimizing the switching control between the thermal storage mode and the thermal storage utilization mode.

[0041] (1) The set control mode can be maintained for a certain period of time, provided that the battery temperature is maintained within the controlled temperature range. (2) When the heat storage mode is set, a useful increase in battery temperature is obtained by storing hot heat, and a useful decrease in battery temperature is obtained by storing cold heat. (3) When the heat storage utilization mode is set, a useful decrease in battery temperature can be obtained by utilizing hot stored heat, and a useful increase in battery temperature can be obtained by utilizing cold stored heat. (4) If the need for thermal storage utilization increases in the future.

[0042] In predictive control, taking such matters into consideration, the mode switching region in basic control is set as the initial setting, and the mode switching region is set between the first switching threshold and the second switching threshold based on the predicted battery temperature.Then, by changing the first switching threshold and the second switching threshold according to the driving conditions of the EV, the mode switching region is changed as appropriate, and the battery temperature is controlled to be within the temperature range of the changed mode switching region.

[0043] In this case, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode (hot heat, cold heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat, cold heat) may be set above the upper limit of the switching region, which is the default value, as shown, for example, and the second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat, cold heat) to the heat storage mode (hot heat, cold heat) may be set before the battery temperature reaches the lower limit of the switching region, which is the default value, as shown, for example.

[0044] Examples of control when the first switching threshold is changed from the default value include setting a first switching threshold that exceeds the default value to increase the heat storage capacity of the heat storage unit 3 in order to prevent an increase in the number of mode switches under basic control when there is a high demand for heat storage utilization in the heat utilization unit 4; and setting a first switching threshold that does not exceed the default value to accelerate the timing of switching to the heat storage utilization mode in a situation where the amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit 2 is low and heat cannot be stored up to the default value under basic control, thereby preventing heat from being wasted without being able to be utilized.

[0045] In addition, examples of control when changing the second switching threshold from the default value include setting a second switching threshold that does not exceed the default value and switching to the heat storage mode before the stored heat is used up in the heat storage utilization mode, thereby making it possible to ensure an appropriate amount of stored heat according to the timing of heat storage utilization, and setting a second switching threshold that exceeds the default value to delay switching to the heat storage mode, and optimizing heat storage utilization by using up the stored heat when there is no opportunity to use the stored heat after this (for example, when the destination is close to being reached).

[0046] The battery temperature prediction performed by the control device 100 can be performed using existing prediction algorithms, such as AI prediction, based on various current or past data (EV driving status data, surrounding environment data, target values ​​for air conditioning control, etc.) input to the control device 100, or big data referenced by the control device 100 via a network.

[0047] (Control Flow) An example of a control flow when the control device 100 performs the above-mentioned prediction control will be described. In one control cycle of the main flow shown in FIG. 6, after starting control, appropriate initialization processing (step S01) is performed, and then it is determined whether the input battery temperature is within the management temperature range (step S02). If the battery temperature is outside the management temperature range (step S02: NO), it is determined whether it exceeds the management temperature upper limit (for example, 40° C.) (step S03), and if it exceeds the management temperature (step S03: YES), a control mode for cooling the battery is executed (step S04). Also, if the battery temperature is outside the management temperature range (step S02: NO) but does not exceed the management temperature upper limit (step S03: NO), it is below the lower limit of the management temperature, so a control mode for heating the battery is executed (step S05).

[0048] If the battery temperature is within the management temperature range (step S02: YES), the control mode is set (heat storage mode or heat storage utilization mode) based on the input battery temperature and outside air temperature, etc. (step S06). Then, by observing the change in the battery temperature in the set control mode, steps S02 and S06 are repeated (step S07: NO) until the battery temperature enters the initial setting of the mode switching region. When the battery temperature enters the initial setting of the mode switching region, the subflow of the predictive control (heat storage amount optimization control) described above is entered (step S08).

[0049] In the predictive control subflows shown in Figures 7 and 8, after control starts, the operating status of the air conditioning is determined, and in the case of heating operation (step S10: heating), switching control is performed between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat), and in the case of cooling operation (step S10: cooling), switching control is performed between the heat storage mode (cold heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) in the flow shown in Figure 8 (flow after "Step 1").

[0050] In the case of heating operation, it is determined whether the set control mode is the heat storage mode (heat) (step S11), and if it is the heat storage mode (heat) (step S11: YES), it is determined whether the conditions A, B1, and B2 for performing predictive control are satisfied (steps S12, S13A, and S13B).

[0051] Here, as an example of the condition A, it is determined whether or not the control mode after switching is maintained for a set time based on the predicted battery temperature. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(a), assuming that the control mode is currently switched to the heat storage utilization mode, the future battery temperature is predicted, and if the predicted battery temperature value after the first set time (for example, about 10 minutes) has elapsed does not exceed the set switching temperature (step S12: YES), switching is performed from the heat storage mode (warm heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (warm heat) at that time, and the current battery temperature is set as the first switching threshold (warm heat) (step S14). The set switching temperature here is a temperature that can be arbitrarily set according to the purpose of the control, and as an example, it can be the above-mentioned second switching threshold (warm heat).

[0052] In condition A, when switching to the heat storage utilization mode, it is determined whether or not heat storage utilization can continue for a specified time. Therefore, instead of the above-mentioned determination, it is also possible to assume that the control mode has currently been switched to the heat storage utilization mode, predict the time until the battery temperature reaches the set switching temperature, and determine whether the predicted time exceeds a first set time (e.g., about 10 minutes).

[0053] If condition A is satisfied (step S12: YES), the current battery temperature is set as the first switching threshold. However, since the timing at which condition A is satisfied varies depending on the predicted battery temperature, the set first switching threshold is changed to a different value depending on future changes in the battery temperature.

[0054] If condition A is not satisfied (step S12: NO), the process may proceed directly to step S15 and continue the current heat storage mode (heat); however, here, if condition A is not satisfied, a judgment is made as to whether condition B1 or condition B2 is satisfied, and if both are satisfied (step S13A: YES and step S13B: YES), the process proceeds to step S14 (switching to heat storage utilization mode (heat)), and if either condition B1 or condition B2 is not satisfied (step S13A: NO or step S13B: NO), the process proceeds to step S15 (continuing heat storage mode (heat)).

[0055] 9(b), the condition B1 here is, for example, to predict the future battery temperature assuming that the control mode is currently switched to the heat storage utilization mode, and to determine whether the predicted battery temperature value after a second set time (e.g., about 5 minutes) that is shorter than the above-mentioned first set time (e.g., about 10 minutes) has elapsed exceeds the set switching temperature. If the predicted battery temperature value after the second set time has elapsed does not exceed the set switching temperature (step S13A: YES), it can be determined that the first set time cannot be continued after the control mode is switched, but the second set time can be continued.

[0056] Then, as shown in FIG. 9(c), for example, the condition B2 predicts the future battery temperature assuming that the heat storage mode (hot heat) is continued, and judges whether the predicted battery temperature value after a third set time (for example, about 10 minutes longer than the second set time) exceeds the set non-switching temperature. Here, it is judged whether a sufficient increase in battery temperature (i.e., heat storage amount) can be obtained if the heat storage mode (hot heat) is continued, and if a sufficient increase in battery temperature (heat storage amount) cannot be obtained (the predicted battery temperature value after the third set time does not exceed the set non-switching temperature) (step S13A: YES), the process proceeds to step S14 (switching to the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat)), and if a sufficient amount of heat storage can be obtained (the predicted battery temperature value after the third set time exceeds the set non-switching temperature), the process proceeds to step S15 (continuing the heat storage mode (hot heat)). The set non-switching temperature here is a temperature that can be arbitrarily set below the first switching threshold (hot heat) according to the purpose of control. The condition B2 can be used alone as a setting condition for the first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode (warm heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (warm heat).

[0057] Here, like condition A, condition B1 also determines whether or not heat storage utilization can continue for a specified time when switching to the heat storage utilization mode. Therefore, instead of the above-mentioned determination, it is also possible to assume that the control mode has currently been switched to the heat storage utilization mode, predict the time until the battery temperature exceeds the set switching temperature, and determine whether the predicted time exceeds the second set time.

[0058] If the currently set control mode is the heat storage utilization mode (heat) (step S11: NO), the second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode (heat) to the heat storage mode (heat) can be set, for example, by determining whether or not there is a need for heat storage utilization based on future predictions (step S16).

[0059] In this case, the need for thermal storage utilization can be determined by comprehensively assessing the following items, for example: (1) Air conditioning load will increase in the future. (2) In the future, the amount of heat emitted from heat generating section 2 will decrease. (3) In the future, the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit 40 will decrease. (4) Currently, the amount of heat emitted from heat generating section 2 is increasing. (5) Currently, the air conditioning load is increasing. (6) Currently, the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit 40 is reduced.

[0060] If there is a need for heat storage utilization (step S16: YES), the second switching threshold (heat) is increased (step S17A), and the timing for switching to the heat storage mode (heat) is advanced to ensure the amount of heat storage required to meet the need for heat storage utilization. If there is no need for heat storage utilization (step S16: NO), the second switching threshold (heat) is decreased (step S17B), and the timing for switching to the heat storage mode (heat) is delayed to enjoy reduced power consumption through heat storage utilization.

[0061] Thereafter, the changed second switching threshold is compared with the current battery temperature (step S18), and if the current battery temperature falls below the second switching threshold (step S18: YES), the mode is switched to the heat storage mode (warm heat) (step S15), and if the current battery temperature does not fall below the second switching threshold (step S18: NO), the heat storage utilization mode (warm heat) is continued.

[0062] The control flow for controlling the switching between the heat storage mode (cold heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) shown in Fig. 8 is basically the same as the control flow for controlling the switching between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) shown in Fig. 7. In the switching control during cooling operation, the battery temperature decreases due to the heat storage mode (cold heat) and increases due to the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat).

[0063] In the case of cooling operation, it is determined whether the set control mode is the heat storage mode (cold heat) (step S20), and if it is the heat storage mode (cold heat) (step S20: YES), the conditions C, D1, and D2 for performing predictive control are determined (steps S21, S22A, S22B).

[0064] Condition C, like condition A, judges whether the control mode after switching is maintained for a set time based on the predicted battery temperature. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10(a), assuming that the current control mode is switched to the heat storage utilization mode, the future battery temperature is predicted, and if the predicted battery temperature value after the first set time (e.g., about 10 minutes) has elapsed does not exceed the set switching temperature (step S21: YES), switching is performed from the heat storage mode (cold heat) to the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) at that time, and the current battery temperature is set as the first switching threshold (cold heat) (step S23).

[0065] In condition C, it is determined whether or not heat storage utilization can continue for a specified time when switching to the heat storage utilization mode. Therefore, instead of the above-mentioned determination, it is also possible to assume that the current control mode has been switched to the heat storage utilization mode, predict the time until the battery temperature exceeds the set switching temperature, and determine whether the predicted time exceeds a first set time (e.g., about 10 minutes).

[0066] If condition C is not satisfied (step S21: NO), the process may proceed directly to step S24 and the current heat storage mode (cold heat) may be continued. However, if condition C is not satisfied, a judgment is made as to whether conditions D1 and D2 are satisfied, and if both are satisfied (step S22A: YES and step S22B: YES), the process proceeds to step S23 (switching to heat storage utilization mode (cold heat)). If either condition C1 or condition C2 is not satisfied (step S22A: NO or step S22B: NO), the process proceeds to step S24 (continuing heat storage mode (cold heat)).

[0067] 10(b), condition D1 predicts the future battery temperature assuming that the current control mode is switched to the heat storage utilization mode, and judges whether the predicted battery temperature value after a second set time (e.g., about 5 minutes) shorter than the above-mentioned first set time (e.g., about 10 minutes) has elapsed exceeds the set switching temperature. If the predicted battery temperature value after the second set time has elapsed does not exceed the set switching temperature (step S22A: YES), it can be judged that the first set time cannot be continued after switching the control mode, but the second set time can be continued.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10(c), the condition D2 predicts the future battery temperature assuming that the heat storage mode (cold heat) is continued, and judges whether the predicted battery temperature value after a third set time (for example, about 10 minutes longer than the second set time) exceeds the set non-switching temperature. Here, it is judged whether a sufficient decrease in the battery temperature (i.e., cold heat storage amount) can be obtained if the heat storage mode (cold heat) is continued, and if a sufficient decrease in the battery temperature (cold heat storage amount) cannot be obtained (the predicted battery temperature value after the third set time does not exceed the set non-switching temperature) (step S22A: YES), the process proceeds to step S23 (switching to the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat)), and if a sufficient amount of cold heat storage can be obtained (the predicted battery temperature value after the third set time exceeds the set non-switching temperature), the process proceeds to step S23 (continuing the heat storage mode (cold heat)). The set non-switching temperature here is a temperature that can be arbitrarily set higher than the first switching threshold (cold heat) according to the purpose of the control.

[0069] Here, like condition C, condition D1 determines whether or not heat storage utilization can continue for a specified time when the mode is switched to the heat storage utilization mode. Therefore, instead of the above-mentioned determination, it is also possible to assume that the current control mode has been switched to the heat storage utilization mode, predict the time until the battery temperature reaches the set non-switching temperature, and determine whether the predicted time exceeds the second set time.

[0070] If the currently set control mode is the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) (step S20: NO), the second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) to the heat storage mode (cold heat) can be set by determining whether there is a need for heat storage utilization in future predictions (step S25), similar to the control during heating operation.

[0071] If there is a need for heat storage utilization (step S25: YES), the second switching threshold (cold heat) is changed to be lowered (step S26A), and the timing of switching to the heat storage mode (cold heat) is brought forward to ensure the amount of cold heat storage required to meet the need for heat storage utilization. If there is no need for heat storage utilization (step S25: NO), the second switching threshold (cold heat) is changed to be higher (step S25B), and the timing of switching to the heat storage mode (cold heat) is delayed to enjoy reduced power consumption through heat storage utilization.

[0072] Thereafter, the changed second switching threshold is compared with the current battery temperature (step S27). If the current battery temperature exceeds the second switching threshold (step S27: YES), the mode is switched to the heat storage mode (cold heat) (step S24). If the current battery temperature does not exceed the second switching threshold (step S24: NO), the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) is continued.

[0073] (System configuration example) 11 to 14 show configuration examples of the heat storage management system 1 (1A to 1D). In each figure, a dashed line indicates a flow path not in use, a solid line with an arrow indicates a flow path in use in which a medium flows in the direction of the arrow, a grey valve indicates a closed state, and a grey pump indicates a stopped state.

[0074] 11 to 14, each of the configuration examples includes a heat pump type refrigerant circuit 40 as the heat utilization unit 4, and a vehicle interior air conditioner 50 for air conditioning the vehicle interior. The refrigerant circuit 40 includes a compressor 41, a condenser (heat release side heat exchanger) 42, an expansion valve 43, and an evaporator (heat absorption side heat exchanger) 44. In the drawings, the thick solid line with an arrow of the refrigerant circuit 40 indicates a high-pressure side refrigerant flow path in which the refrigerant flows in the direction of the arrow, and the thick double line with an arrow indicates a low-pressure side refrigerant flow path in which the refrigerant flows in the direction of the arrow. The vehicle interior air conditioner 50 includes a heater core (heat release heat exchanger for inside air) 51 and a cooler core (heat absorption heat exchanger for inside air) 52 for exchanging heat with the air in the vehicle interior.

[0075] The heat storage management system 1 (1A) shown in FIG. 11 controls switching between a heat storage mode (hot heat) and a heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) during heating operation, and utilizes the stored heat for heat absorption in the refrigerant circuit 40. The heat medium circuit 10 switches the flow path between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) by flow path switching valves V01, V02 that constitute part of the control unit 5.

[0076] In the heat storage mode (hot heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1A), the heat medium circuit 10 forms one independent circuit that circulates the heat medium that exchanges heat between the heat generating section 2 and the heat storage section 3, thereby storing the exhaust heat of the heat generating section 2 in the heat storage section 3. Also, in the heat storage mode (hot heat), the heat medium circuit 10 forms another independent circuit that circulates the heat medium between the external heat exchanger 11 and the evaporator 44 of the refrigerant circuit 40, thereby performing an outside air heat absorption operation of the refrigerant circuit 40, and supplies the heat released from the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 to the heater core 51 to serve as a heat source during heating operation.

[0077] On the other hand, in the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1A), the heat medium circuit 10 forms a flow path that bypasses the heat generating unit 2 and the external heat exchanger 11, and forms an independent circuit in which the heat stored in the heat storage unit 3 is absorbed by the evaporator 44 of the refrigerant circuit 40, so that the refrigerant circuit 40 operates using heat storage, and the heat released from the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 is supplied to the heater core 51 as a heat source during heating operation. FIG. 11 shows a comparison of Mollier diagrams of the case where the refrigerant circuit 40 operates in the heat storage mode (hot heat) to absorb heat from the outside air and the case where the refrigerant circuit 40 operates using heat storage in the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat). As can be seen from the comparison of the Mollier diagrams, the heat storage utilization operation of the refrigerant circuit 40 promotes a low pressure rise in the heat pump cycle, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0078] The heat storage management system 1 (1B) shown in FIG. 12 controls switching between a heat storage mode (hot heat) and a heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) during heating operation, and utilizes the stored heat as a heat source for direct heating. The heat medium circuit 10 switches the flow path between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) by flow path switching valves V11, V12 that constitute part of the control unit 5.

[0079] In the heat storage mode (hot heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1B), the heat medium circuit 10 forms one independent circuit that circulates the heat medium that exchanges heat between the heat generating section 2 and the heat storage section 3, thereby storing the exhaust heat of the heat generating section 2 in the heat storage section 3. Also, the heat medium circuit 10 in the heat storage mode (hot heat) forms another independent circuit that circulates between the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 and the heater core 51, thereby supplying the heat released from the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 that is operating to absorb heat from outside air to the heater core 51, thereby serving as a heat source during heating operation.

[0080] In contrast, in the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1B), the heat medium circuit 10 forms a flow path that bypasses the heat generating section 2, and forms an independent circuit that passes the heat stored in the heat storage section 3 through the condenser 42 of the stopped refrigerant circuit 40 and supplies it to the heater core 51. At this time, the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40 is stopped. According to this example, in the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat), heating operation is performed using the heat stored in the heat storage section 3 with the refrigerant circuit 40 stopped, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption by the amount of power required to operate the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0081] The heat storage management system 1 (1C) shown in FIG. 13 controls switching between a heat storage mode (cold heat) and a heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) during cooling operation, and the heat medium circuit 10 switches the flow path between the heat storage mode (cold heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) using flow path switching valves V21, V22 that constitute part of the control unit 5.

[0082] In the heat storage mode (cold heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1C), the heat medium circuit 10 stores cold heat in the heat storage section 3 by connecting a flow path that exchanges heat with the heat storage section 3 in series to a flow path that supplies cold heat generated by heat absorption by the evaporator 44 of the refrigerant circuit 40 to the cooler core 52. At this time, the heat source of the cold heat stored in the heat storage section 3 is the surplus cold heat remaining after cooling the air in the cooler core 52 to the set temperature during cooling operation. In addition, the heat medium circuit 10 forms an independent circuit that circulates between the condenser 42 and the external heat exchanger 11 of the refrigerant circuit 40, and the refrigerant circuit 40 performs an outside air heat dissipation operation.

[0083] In contrast, in the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1C), the heat medium circuit 10 forms one independent circuit in which a flow path that exchanges heat with the heat storage unit 3 is connected in series to a flow path between the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 and the external heat exchanger 11, and also forms another independent circuit that circulates between the evaporator 44 of the refrigerant circuit 40 and the cooler core 52. According to this example, in the heat storage utilization mode (cold heat), the destination of heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit 40 performing cooling operation is the heat storage unit 3 in which cold heat has been stored, in addition to the heat dissipation to the outside air at the external heat exchanger 11, so that as shown by comparison in the Mollier diagram, a high pressure drop in the heat pump cycle is promoted, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0084] The heat storage management system 1 (1D) shown in Fig. 14 controls switching between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) during heating operation, but the heat generating unit 2 has two systems of heat generating units 2 (2-1, 2-2) with different heat generating temperature zones, and accordingly the heat medium circuit 10 has two systems of heat medium circuits 10 (10-1, 10-2) separated into a high-temperature side and a low-temperature side. The heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) on the high-temperature side switches between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) by the flow path switching valves V31, V32, which are part of the control unit 5, and the heat medium circuit 10 (10-2) on the low-temperature side switches between the heat storage mode (hot heat) and the heat storage utilization mode (hot heat) by the flow path switching valves V33, V34, which are part of the control unit 5.

[0085] In the heat storage mode (hot heat), the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) forms one independent circuit in which the heat medium exchanges heat between the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 and the heater core 51, and another independent circuit in which the heat medium exchanges heat between the heat generating section 2 (2-1) and the heat storage section 3 (3-1), as shown in the figure. In addition, in the heat storage mode (hot heat), the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-2) forms one independent circuit in which the heat medium exchanges heat between the evaporator 44 of the refrigerant circuit 40 and the external heat exchanger 11, and another independent circuit in which the heat medium exchanges heat between the heat generating section 2 (2-2) and the heat storage section 3 (3-2), as shown in the figure.

[0086] As a result, in the heat storage mode (hot heat) of the heat storage management system 1 (1D), the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) stores the exhaust heat of the heat generating section 2 (2-1) in the heat storage section 3 (3-1) while supplying heat radiation from the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 to the heater core 51, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-2) stores the exhaust heat of the heat generating section 2 (2-2) in the heat storage section 3 (3-3) while the refrigerant circuit 40 operates to absorb heat from the outside air.

[0087] The heat storage utilization mode of the heat storage management system 1 (1D) has three types of control modes depending on how the two heat storage units 3 (3-1, 3-2) are utilized. In one control mode, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) is set to the heat storage mode, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-2) is switched in the same manner as the heat storage utilization mode of Fig. 11, whereby heat released from the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40 operating in heat storage utilization mode is supplied to the heater core 51.

[0088] As another control mode, the refrigerant circuit 40 is stopped, and the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) is switched in the same manner as the heat storage utilization mode of Fig. 12, thereby performing heating operation using only the heat stored in the heat storage unit 3 (3-1). As yet another control mode, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-1) is switched in the same manner as the heat storage utilization mode of Fig. 12, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 10 (10-2) is switched in the same manner as the heat storage utilization mode of Fig. 11, thereby performing heat storage utilization operation of the refrigerant circuit 40, and adding the heat stored in the heat storage unit 3 (3-1) to the heat released by the condenser 42 of the refrigerant circuit 40, and supplying it to the heater core 51. As the heat storage utilization mode in the thermal management system 1 (1D), an appropriate control mode is selected according to the target temperature during heating operation and the heat storage state of the heat storage units 3 (3-1, 3-2).

[0089] In the above description of the circuit of the thermal management system 1 (1A, 1B, 1D), it has been described that in the heat storage utilization mode, the heat medium circuit 10 becomes a flow path that bypasses the heat generating unit 2, but it may be in a state of a flow path that does not bypass. In that case, the heat generated by the heat generating unit 2 and the heat stored in the heat storage unit 3 are absorbed by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1(1A, 1B, 1C, 1D):Heat storage management system, 2 (2-1, 2-2): Heat generating section, 3 (3-1, 3-2): Heat storage section, 4: Heat utilization section, 5: Control section, 10(10-1,10-2):Heating medium circuit, 10A, 10B, 10C: Heat exchange section (heat exchanger), 40: refrigerant circuit, 41: compressor, 42: condenser, 43: expansion valve, 44: evaporator, 50: Vehicle interior air conditioning unit, 51: Heater core, 52: Cooler core, 100: control device, 101: CPU, 102: ROM, 103: RAM, 104: Input / Output I / F, 105: External I / F (Interface), P: Pump, V1, V2, V01, V02, V11, V12, V21, V22, V31, V32, V33, V34::Flow path switching valve, L: In-vehicle network

Claims

1. A heat storage unit that stores hot or cold heat generated by a heat source; a heat medium circuit in which a circulating heat medium exchanges heat with the heat storage unit; A heat storage management system including a control unit that performs switching control of the heat medium circuit between a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage unit and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage unit is utilized, The control unit is changing one or both of a first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and a second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode based on the temperature of the heat storage unit; When the temperature of the heat storage unit is within a management temperature range, a control mode is set to the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode based on an outside air temperature and the temperature of the heat storage unit; a mode switching region in which the switching control is performed is set between the first switching threshold value and the second switching threshold value; A temperature of the heat storage unit in the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode is predicted; changing the first switching threshold value or the second switching threshold value based on the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit; Based on the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit, A heat storage management system, comprising: a control unit for controlling a control mode after switching; a control unit for controlling a control mode after switching;

2. A heat storage section for storing hot or cold heat generated by a heat source; a heat medium circuit in which a circulating heat medium exchanges heat with the heat storage unit; A heat storage management system including a control unit that performs switching control of the heat medium circuit between a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage unit and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage unit is utilized, The control unit is changing one or both of a first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and a second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode based on the temperature of the heat storage unit; When the temperature of the heat storage unit is within a management temperature range, a control mode is set to the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode based on an outside air temperature and the temperature of the heat storage unit; a mode switching region in which the switching control is performed is set between the first switching threshold value and the second switching threshold value; A temperature of the heat storage unit in the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode is predicted; changing the first switching threshold value or the second switching threshold value based on the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit; The heat storage mode is continued to predict the temperature of the heat storage unit after a set time. If the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit does not exceed a set non-switching temperature, A heat storage management system that sets a current temperature of the heat storage unit to the first switching threshold value.

3. A heat storage section for storing hot or cold heat generated by a heat source; a heat medium circuit in which a circulating heat medium exchanges heat with the heat storage unit; A heat storage management system including a control unit that performs switching control of the heat medium circuit between a heat storage mode in which heat is stored in the heat storage unit and a heat storage utilization mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage unit is utilized, The control unit is changing one or both of a first switching threshold for switching from the heat storage mode to the heat storage utilization mode and a second switching threshold for switching from the heat storage utilization mode to the heat storage mode based on the temperature of the heat storage unit; When the temperature of the heat storage unit is within a management temperature range, a control mode is set to the heat storage mode or the heat storage utilization mode based on an outside air temperature and the temperature of the heat storage unit; a mode switching region in which the switching control is performed is set between the first switching threshold value and the second switching threshold value; A heat storage management system that predicts the time required to reach a set switching temperature in a switched control mode based on the current temperature of the heat storage unit, and sets the current temperature of the heat storage unit to the first switching threshold value if the predicted time exceeds a set time.

4. The control unit is 2. The heat storage management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature of the heat storage unit after a set time has elapsed since switching to the heat storage utilization mode, and if the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit does not exceed a set switching temperature, the current temperature of the heat storage unit is set to the first switching threshold value.

5. The control unit is A temperature of the heat storage unit after a first set time from switching to the heat storage utilization mode is predicted, and when the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit exceeds a set switching temperature, When the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit after a second set time shorter than the first set time after switching to the heat storage utilization mode does not exceed the set switching temperature, and when the predicted temperature of the heat storage unit after a third set time by continuing the heat storage mode does not exceed the set non-switching temperature, The thermal storage management system according to claim 1 , wherein a current temperature of the thermal storage unit is set to the first switching threshold value.

6. The control unit is 6. The heat storage management system according to claim 1, further comprising: predicting a need for heat storage utilization; and changing the first switching threshold or the second switching threshold based on the prediction result.

7. 7. The heat storage management system according to claim 6, wherein, when it is predicted that there is a need for the stored heat utilization, the second switching threshold is changed so as to hasten a transition from the stored heat utilization mode to the heat storage mode.

8. The heat source includes a motor for driving an electric vehicle, The heat storage unit includes a battery that supplies power to the motor. The heat storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The heat source includes a heat pump type refrigerant circuit, The heat medium circuit includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circulating through the heat medium circuit. The heat storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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