Integrated control system for the temperature of the battery in a vehicle and the temperature of an indoor air conditioning device

Abstract

The system 10 includes a battery 12 configured to output electrical power, an air conditioning unit 44 in heat exchange relationship with the interior or cabin of the vehicle, and a temperature regulation circuit 14 configured to have a fluid flow therethrough. The circuit 14 includes a working path 16 in heat exchange relationship with the battery 12 to control the temperature, and an internal heating path 42 connected in parallel with the working path 16 and in heat exchange relationship with the air conditioning unit 44. There is also a refrigeration circuit 18 configured to have a fluid flow therethrough that can be irreversibly subjected to a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration circuit includes, in turn, a condenser 20 and an evaporator 22 in heat exchange relationship with the heating path 32 and the cooling path 34, respectively, of the temperature regulation circuit 14 for heating and cooling, respectively, the fluid intended to flow through the working path 16. The conditioning device (44) includes a first heating module (202) that is in a heat exchange relationship with the temperature control circuit (14) in the internal heating path (42), and a second cooling module (204) that is in a heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration circuit (18) in a spill duct (206) connected in parallel with the evaporator (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated control system for the temperature of a battery in a vehicle and the temperature of an in-vehicle air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] It is generally known that a vehicle is equipped with a battery that supplies power to devices and equipment mounted on such a vehicle. In particular, in some modern applications, power is also supplied to, for example, an electric vehicle or a "hybrid" vehicle in order to at least partially propel the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Similarly, in order to be able to use a battery cooling system to cool the interior, a water cooler mounted in parallel with the battery is usually used. However, this causes problems such as concerns about water temperature control in that the temperature of the water used to condition the interior must be lower than the temperature of the water sent to the battery. Also, a single water exchanger cannot provide an effective anti-fogging function for removing fog on the vehicle's windshield.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an integrated control system for the temperature of a battery in a vehicle and the temperature of an in-vehicle air conditioner, such a system being able to solve the problems suffered by the prior art and being manufacturable in a simple and economical way.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object and other objects are achieved by a system having the technical features described in the appended independent claims.

[0006] In particular, by using an adjustment device including a first heating module in heat exchange relation with a temperature adjustment circuit in an internal heating path, and a second cooling module in heat exchange relation with a refrigeration circuit in a spill duct connected in parallel with an evaporator, it becomes possible to achieve effective integrated control over the temperature of the battery and the temperature of the indoor air conditioning device.

[0007] It is understood that the appended claims are an essential part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include several optional technical features.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention are provided merely as non-limiting examples and will become apparent in light of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are summarized particularly below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 10 generally denotes an integrated control system for the temperature of a battery and the temperature of an indoor air conditioning device.

[0011] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, system 10 can be configured for use in any category and type of motor vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle may be an automobile, commercial vehicle, industrial vehicle, military vehicle, construction site vehicle, sports car, sports utility vehicle (SUV), agricultural machinery, train, bus, etc. for transporting people or goods. Such vehicles can be propelled by an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a "hybrid" propulsion system.

[0012] System 10 includes a battery 12 (or batteries) configured to output electrical power, and its temperature needs to be controlled according to the operating conditions, and in particular, it needs to be raised or lowered.

[0013] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, battery 12 can be any type of battery that needs or is desirable to control its temperature. In particular, battery 12 is configured to supply electrical power to the vehicle on which system 10 is mounted. For example, the electrical power that the battery can supply can be used at least in part to propel the vehicle on which the system is mounted.

[0014] System 10 further includes a temperature control circuit 14 illustrated by solid lines. Temperature control circuit 14 is configured such that any liquid, such as water, suitable for thermally interacting with battery 12 flows therethrough according to the operating conditions of system 10, particularly for heating and cooling respectively.

[0015] As will be described in detail below, temperature control circuit 14 includes a plurality of ducts or branches configured to selectively communicate with each other, thereby defining a plurality of paths for the liquid flowing therethrough.

[0016] The temperature control circuit 14 includes an operation path 16 that is in a heat exchange relationship with the battery 12 and controls its temperature. In this way, the liquid flowing through the operation path 16 can interact thermally with the battery 12. In particular, the liquid flowing through the operation path 16 can supply heat to the battery 12 and receive heat from the battery 12, respectively, according to the temperature of the liquid compared to the temperature of the battery 12.

[0017] The system 10 further includes a refrigeration circuit 18 shown by a dashed line. The refrigeration circuit 18 can be subjected to an irreversible refrigeration cycle and is configured such that a fluid that co-acts with the temperature control circuit 14 circulates, as will be described in detail below.

[0018] The refrigeration circuit 18 includes a condenser 20 and an evaporator 22. In the embodiment illustrated in the present specification as an example, the refrigeration circuit 18 includes an expansion valve or lamination valve 24 connected downstream of the condenser 20 and upstream of the evaporator 22, and a compressor 26 connected downstream of the evaporator 22 and upstream of the condenser 20.

[0019] Preferably, the refrigeration circuit 18 further includes an accumulator 28 connected downstream of the condenser and upstream of the expansion valve or lamination valve 24. Further, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the present specification, the refrigeration circuit includes a drier 30 connected downstream of the condenser 20 (particularly, at a location downstream of the accumulator 28) and upstream of the expansion valve or lamination valve 24.

[0020] The condenser 20 is in a heat exchange relationship with the heating path 32 of the temperature control circuit 14, and the evaporator 22 is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling path 34 of the temperature control circuit 14.

[0021] The conditioning device 44 includes a first heating module 202 and a second cooling module 204. The heating module 202 is in a heat exchange relationship with the temperature control circuit 14 in the internal heating path 42. The second cooling module 204 is in a heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration circuit 18 in the spill duct 206 connected in parallel with the evaporator 22. Such features enable an advantageous integration for controlling the temperature of the battery and the temperature of the vehicle's interior air conditioning device.

[0022] In particular, the first heating module 202 and the second cooling module 204 cooperate fluid - hydraulically, and more specifically in series, to effectively effect heat exchange with the interior or the cabin. As an example, and as will be made clear below, the first heating module 202 may be at least partially capable of supplying heat to the front windshield of the vehicle in which the system 10 is installed.

[0023] In the embodiment shown herein, the system 10 includes a valve assembly 36 associated with the temperature control circuit 14. The valve assembly 36 is configured to act on the temperature control circuit 14 by selectively taking heating and cooling configurations, particularly with reference to the heat exchange occurring in the battery 12. For example, the operation of the valve assembly 36, and more particularly the switching between the heating and cooling configurations, can be controlled by a control device or module (not shown) included in the system 10 according to predetermined or operator - defined criteria.

[0024] As a non - limiting example, the system 10 of FIG. 2 is shown with the valve assembly 36 in the heating configuration, while the system 10 of FIG. 3 is shown with the valve assembly 36 in the cooling configuration.

[0025] Preferably, system 10 further comprises a spill valve device 208 configured to assume an operating state and a non-operating state, respectively. In the operating state, the spill valve device 208 allows at least a portion of the fluid coming from the refrigeration circuit 18 to flow. Conversely, in the non-operating state, the spill valve device 208 blocks the flow of the fluid flowing into the refrigeration circuit 18 through the spill duct 206. In the following description, other possible operating modes of the spill valve device 208 in possible configurations of the valve assembly 36 will also be described.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in the present specification, the spill valve device 208 is connected downstream of the condenser 20 and upstream of the evaporator 22.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in the present specification, the spill valve device 208 is connected upstream of the expansion valve or lamination valve 24 of the refrigeration circuit 18. In particular, the spill valve device 208 is connected downstream of the accumulator 28 of the refrigeration circuit 18. More specifically, the spill valve device 208 is connected downstream of the dryer 30 of the refrigeration circuit 18.

[0028] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, several different options are available for the implementation of the spill valve device 208. According to one possible example, the spill valve device 208 may include a shut-off valve configured to block and allow the flow of fluid from the refrigeration circuit 18 to the spill duct 206, respectively. In such a case, the spill device 208 acts on the flow of fluid through each spill duct 206 in a selective manner. According to a further possible example, the spill valve device 208 can comprise a flow control valve. In such a case, the spill device 208 acts in proportion to the flow of fluid through each spill duct 206, allowing an adjustable intake of the amount of fluid from the cooling circuit 18 according to the simultaneous requirements regarding the cooling of the vehicle interior or cabin and the cooling of the battery 12.

[0029] Preferably, the air conditioner 44 further includes an auxiliary expansion valve or a lamination valve 210 disposed in the spill duct 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary expansion valve or the lamination valve 210 is disposed downstream of the spill valve device 208 and upstream of the second cooling module 204.

[0030] In FIG. 2, the system 10 is shown with the valve assembly 36 in a heating configuration. In the heating configuration, the valve assembly 36 defines a closed heating path for the liquid between the working path 16 and the heating path 32 within the temperature control circuit 14. The closed heating path indicated by the black arrow shown as A in FIG. 2 is represented by a thick line as compared to the remaining temperature control circuit 14.

[0031] In FIG. 3, the system 10 is shown with the valve assembly 36 in a cooling configuration. In the cooling configuration, the valve assembly 36 defines a closed cooling path for the liquid between the working path 16 and the cooling path 34 within the temperature control circuit 14. The closed cooling path indicated by the black arrow shown as B in FIG. 3 is represented by a thick line as compared to the remaining temperature control circuit 14.

[0032] Typically, the heating configuration is used inside the vehicle in winter or at a lower operating temperature in any case. Conversely, the cooling configuration is used inside the vehicle in summer or at a higher operating temperature in any case.

[0033] Preferably, the temperature control circuit 14 includes a thermal stabilization path 38 in a heat exchange relationship with the radiator 40. For example, the radiator 40 may be the radiator of a vehicle in which the system 10 is intended to be installed.

[0034] In particular, in the heating configuration shown in FIG. 2, the valve assembly 36 defines, in the temperature control circuit 14, an additional closed cooling path, drawn in thick lines and shown as A' for the liquid. The additional closed cooling path A' is defined by connecting both the cooling path 34 and the thermal stabilization path 38 together. In the embodiment illustrated herein, in such a heating configuration, the valve assembly 36 simultaneously defines a closed heating path A associated with the battery 12 and an additional closed cooling path A' associated with the radiator 40, and such closed paths A and A' are separated from each other.

[0035] In particular, in the cooling configuration shown in FIG. 3, the valve assembly 36 defines, in the temperature control circuit 14, an additional closed heating path, drawn in thick lines and shown as B' for the liquid. The additional closed heating path B' is defined by connecting both the heating path 32 and the thermal stabilization path 38 together. In the embodiment illustrated herein, in such a cooling configuration, the valve assembly 36 simultaneously defines a closed cooling path B associated with the battery 12 and an additional closed heating path B' associated with the radiator 40, and such closed paths B and B' are separated from each other.

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated herein, in the heating configuration (FIG. 2), the spill valve device 208 is configured to be in a non-operating state. This is because in this way, fluid is not taken in from the refrigeration circuit 18, and in particular during winter, it is generally not necessary to cool the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, the second cooling module 204 is not activated to cool the interior, but the first heating module 202 is activated to heat the interior.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, in the cooling configuration (FIG. 3), the spill valve device 208 is configured to be in an operating state. This is because in this way, fluid is taken in from the refrigeration circuit 18, and it is generally necessary to cool the interior of the vehicle, especially during summer. At the same time, the second cooling module 204 is activated, while the first heating module 202 is generally not activated. However, as will become apparent below, when it is necessary to defog the front windshield of the vehicle, typically for a short period of time, by appropriately controlling the valve assembly 36, the first heating module 202 can also be selectively activated, and in such a case, the first heating module 202 and the second cooling module 204 will operate simultaneously.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in this specification, particularly when the valve assembly 36 is in the heating configuration shown in FIG. 2, the internal heating path 42 is configured to be connected in parallel with the working path 16.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in this specification, when the valve assembly 36 is in the heating configuration, the system 10 further includes a heating pump device 46 configured to induce forced circulation of the liquid in the closed heating path. In particular, the heating pump device 46 is disposed within the heating path 32.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in this specification, when the valve assembly 36 is in the cooling configuration, the system 10 further includes a cooling pump device 48 configured to induce forced circulation of the liquid in the closed cooling path. In particular, the cooling pump device 48 is disposed within the cooling path 34.

[0041] Preferably, the valve assembly 36 includes a heating valve 50, a cooling valve 52, and a return switching valve 54. The heating valve 50 is disposed between the heating path 32 and the working path 16. The cooling valve 52 is disposed between the cooling path 34 and the working path 16. The return switching valve 54 is downstream of the working path 16 and upstream of the heating path 32 and the cooling path 34.

[0042] In the embodiments shown in this specification, the heating valve 50 is also a switching valve, which is downstream of the heating path 32 and upstream of the working path 16 and the thermal stabilization path 38.

[0043] In the embodiments shown in this specification, the cooling valve 52 is also a switching valve, which is downstream of the cooling path 34 and upstream of the working path 16 and the thermal stabilization path 38.

[0044] In particular, in the heating configuration of the valve assembly 36 shown in FIG. 2:

[0045] - The heating valve 50 enables the flow of liquid between the heating path 32 and the working path 16, preferably while blocking the flow of liquid between the heating path 32 and the thermal stabilization path 38;

[0046] - The cooling valve 52 blocks the flow of liquid between the cooling path 34 and the working path 16, preferably while enabling the flow of liquid between the cooling path 34 and the thermal stabilization path 38;

[0047] - The return switching valve 54 selectively enables the flow of liquid between the working path 16 and the heating path 32, thus bypassing the cooling path 34.

[0048] In particular, in the cooling configuration of the valve assembly 36 shown in FIG. 3:

[0049] - The heating valve 50 blocks the flow of liquid between the heating path 32 and the working path 16, preferably while enabling the flow of liquid between the heating path 32 and the thermal stabilization path 38;

[0050] - The cooling valve 52 enables the flow of liquid between the cooling path 34 and the working path 16, preferably while blocking the flow of liquid between the cooling path 34 and the thermal stabilization path 38;

[0051] - The return switching valve 54 selectively enables the flow of liquid between the working path 16 and the cooling path 34, thus bypassing the heating path 32.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in this specification, the valve assembly 36 further includes an intermediate valve device configured to control the flow toward the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 in the heating configuration and the cooling configuration, respectively.

[0053] In particular, the intermediate valve device includes a first intermediate valve 56 disposed downstream of the heating passage 32 and the heating valve 50. The first intermediate valve 56 is also disposed upstream of the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 connected in parallel to each other. The first intermediate valve 56 is configured to control the flow of fluid coming from the heating passage 32 and directed toward the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 in the heating configuration. Preferably, the first intermediate valve 56 is a flow control valve (e.g., a proportional valve) configured to distribute the liquid flow between the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 in the heating configuration (e.g., allowing only the liquid flow to either the internal heating passage 42 or the working passage 16 and distributing a part of the flow to the internal heating passage 42 and the other part of the flow to the working passage 16, respectively). Conversely, the first intermediate valve 56 blocks the liquid flow from the heating passage 32 toward the internal heating passage 42 in the cooling configuration.

[0054] In particular, the intermediate valve device includes a second intermediate valve 58 disposed downstream of the cooling passage 34 and the cooling valve 52. The second intermediate valve 58 is also connected between the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 connected in parallel to each other. The second intermediate valve 58 is configured to control the flow of fluid coming from the cooling passage 34 and directed toward the internal heating passage 42 and the working passage 16 in the cooling configuration. Preferably, the second intermediate valve 58 is a switching valve configured to selectively communicate the cooling passage 34 and the working passage 16 and block the liquid flow through the internal heating passage 42 in the cooling configuration. Conversely, the second intermediate valve 58 selectively blocks the communication between the cooling passage 34 and the working passage 16 downstream of the cooling valve 52 in the heating configuration.

[0055] As described above, in the cooling configuration, it may be necessary to defog the front windshield of the vehicle by activating the first heating module 202, at least temporarily. In the illustrated embodiment, such activation is effected by acting on the valve assembly 36, in particular the intermediate valve device, such as the second intermediate valve 58. In this case, the second intermediate valve 58 may be configured to assume a normal state (shown in FIG. 3) and a defogging state (not shown), respectively. Each, the normal state blocks the flow of liquid through the internal heating path, and the defogging state (not shown) allows the flow of liquid through the internal heating path 42 parallel to the working path 16 in the closed cooling path B. Thus, in the defogging state, the first heating module 202 is activated. The liquid is cooled so as to be able to lower the temperature of the battery 12, but has a higher temperature than the fluid acting on the second heating module 204 and can contribute to heating the front windshield of the vehicle, thereby effectively removing the fog.

[0056] In the embodiment shown herein, the valve assembly 36 further comprises a pair of recirculation valves 60, 62, such as a pair of switching valves, and a bypass valve 64, such as a shut-off valve, configured to connect the thermal stabilization path 38 to the heating path 32 and to the cooling path 34, respectively.

[0057] In the embodiment shown herein, the valve assembly 36 further comprises a pair of recirculation valves 60, 62, such as a pair of switching valves, and a bypass valve 64, such as a shut-off valve, configured to connect the thermal stabilization path 38 to the heating path 32 and to the cooling path 34, respectively.

[0058] In the heating configuration, the following occurs:

[0059] - The first recirculation valve 60 places the cooling path 34 (downstream of the cooling valve 52) and the thermal stabilization path 38 in mutual liquid communication in sequence,

[0060] - The second recirculation valve 62 places the return valve 54 and the output path of the heating path 32 in mutual liquid communication in sequence,

[0061] - The bypass valve 64 places the thermal stabilization path 38 (upstream of the recirculation valve 62) and the cooling path 34 in sequential fluid communication with each other.

[0062] In the cooling configuration, the following occurs:

[0063] - The first recirculation valve 60 places the thermal stabilization path 38 and the heating path 32 in sequential fluid communication with each other,

[0064] - The second recirculation valve 62 places the heating path 32 (downstream of the heating valve 50) and the thermal stabilization path 38 in sequential fluid communication with each other,

[0065] - The bypass valve 64 blocks the fluid communication between the thermal stabilization path 38 (downstream of the recirculation valve 62) and the cooling path 34.

[0066] Of course, without detracting from the principles of the present invention, aspects of the embodiments and details of implementation may be widely varied from those described and illustrated herein as non-limiting examples without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated control system (10) for the temperature of at least one battery (12) and the vehicle's cabin air conditioner (44), the system comprising: At least one battery (12) configured to output power; An air conditioner (44) in heat exchange relation with the vehicle's interior or cabin; A working path (16) configured such that a liquid flows through it, In heat exchange relation with the battery (12) so as to control its temperature, and An internal heating path (42) connected in parallel with the working path (16) and in heat exchange relation with the air conditioner (44), A temperature control circuit (14) comprising; The system further comprises a refrigeration circuit (18) configured such that a fluid that can be irreversibly subjected to a refrigeration cycle flows through it, the refrigeration circuit comprising in sequence a condenser (20) and an evaporator (22), which are in heat exchange relation with a heating path (32) and a cooling path (34) respectively of the temperature control circuit (14) for heating and cooling respectively the liquid intended to flow through the working path (16), characterized in that; The air conditioner (44) comprises a first heating module (202) in heat exchange relation with the temperature control circuit (14) in the internal heating path (42); A second cooling module (204) in heat exchange relation with the refrigeration circuit (18) in a spill duct (206) connected in parallel with the evaporator (22), The system further comprises a spill valve device (208) configured to be in an operating state and a non-operating state respectively, The spill valve device (208) respectively allows a flow of at least a part of the fluid and blocks the flow of the fluid from the refrigeration circuit (18) through the spill duct (206), A valve assembly (36) associated with the temperature control circuit (14), A heating configuration in which the valve assembly (36) defines a closed heating path (A) for the liquid between the working path (16) and the heating path (32) in the temperature control circuit (14), and a heating configuration, A cooling configuration in which the valve assembly (36) defines a closed cooling path (B) for the liquid between the working path (16) and the cooling path (34) in the temperature control circuit (14), and a cooling configuration, The system characterized by comprising a valve assembly (36) configured to selectively take.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the spill valve device (208) is downstream of the condenser (20) and connected upstream of the evaporator (22).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the spill valve device (208) is connected upstream of the expansion valve or lamination valve (24) of the refrigeration circuit (18).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the spill valve device (208) is connected downstream of the accumulator (28) of the refrigeration circuit (18).

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the spill valve device (208) is connected downstream of the drier (30) of the refrigeration circuit (18).

6. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the spill valve device (208) is a shut-off valve configured to block and allow the flow of fluid from the refrigeration circuit (18) to the spill duct (206), respectively.

7. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the spill valve device (208) is a flow control valve.

8. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the air conditioner (44) further comprises an auxiliary expansion valve or lamination valve (210) disposed in the spill duct (206).

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary expansion valve or lamination valve (210) is downstream of the spill valve device (208) and disposed upstream of the second cooling module (204).

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the valve assembly (36) is in the heating configuration, the internal heating path (42) is connected in parallel with the operating path (16).

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the heating configuration, the spill valve device (208) is in the non-operating state, and in the cooling configuration, the spill valve device (208) is in the operating state.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the valve assembly (36) includes intermediate valve devices (56, 58) configured to take a normal state and a defogging state, and in the cooling configuration, block and allow the flow of liquid through the internal heating path (42) parallel to the operating path (16), respectively.

13. The module (202, 204) is a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which are connected in series with each other and cooperate fluid - pressure - wise to achieve heat exchange with the interior or the cabin.

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