Temperature control system and method for controlling a temperature control system

Abstract

Appropriately switch the circulation amount of the heat medium when executing the heater mode to improve the thermal efficiency. 【Solution means】The heat medium circuit 20 includes an indoor air conditioning unit 25, a first pump 21 that pumps the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12, and a second pump 22 that pumps the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14. The control unit 30 operates either one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 to combine the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 through the communication flow path L5 and supply them to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 in the first heater mode. In the second heater mode, both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated to combine the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 by the three-way valve 29 and supply them to the indoor air conditioning unit 25. A temperature control system 100 is provided that switches and executes these modes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature control system suitable for use in a vehicle and a method for controlling the temperature control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle thermal management system having an operation mode for quickly heating a device to be heated at a low outside air temperature is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle thermal management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 arranges a low-pressure side heat exchanger included in a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates in a first cooling water circuit and circulates the cooling water by a first pump, and arranges a high-pressure side heat exchanger included in the refrigeration cycle in a second cooling water circuit and circulates the cooling water by a second pump, thereby performing a heat pump operation.

[0003] When the vehicle thermal management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 executes an operation mode for quickly heating a device to be heated at a low outside air temperature, both the first pump and the second pump are operated, and both the cooling water circulating in the first cooling water circuit and the cooling water circulating in the second cooling water circuit are supplied to a heater core, which is a device to be heated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, when executing an operation mode for quickly heating a device to be heated at a low outside air temperature, it is always necessary to operate both the first pump and the second pump. Therefore, for example, heat dissipation to the atmosphere always occurs from both the first pump and the second pump, and there is a possibility that the thermal efficiency of the system may decrease.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a temperature control system and a control method for the temperature control system that can appropriately switch the circulation amount of a heat medium when executing a heater mode in which the heat medium heated by the power of a compressor is supplied to a temperature control device at a low outside air temperature to improve the thermal efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A temperature control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching unit that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging unit that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path and guides the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, a first pump that is disposed in the first heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, a second pump that is disposed in the second heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, and a communication flow path that communicates a downstream side of the first heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a downstream side of the second heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the low-pressure side heat exchanger. The control unit switches between and executes a first heater mode in which either one of the first pump and the second pump is operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger via the communication flow path and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path merging unit and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device.

[0008] In a method for controlling a temperature control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature control system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branch unit that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging unit that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, a first pump that is disposed in the first heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, a second pump that is disposed in the second heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, and a communication flow path that communicates a downstream side of the first heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a downstream side of the second heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the low-pressure side heat exchanger. A control step is provided for controlling the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit so as to switch between and execute a first heater mode in which either one of the first pump and the second pump is operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger through the communication flow path and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path merging unit and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a temperature control system and a control method for the temperature control system that can appropriately switch the circulation amount of the heat medium when executing a heater mode in which the heat medium heated by the power of the compressor is supplied to the temperature control device at low outside air temperatures, thereby improving the thermal efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a temperature control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle temperature control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped in a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle that does not include an engine and obtains driving force for vehicle travel from a driving electric motor for travel, or a so-called hybrid vehicle that obtains driving force for vehicle travel from an engine and an electric motor.

[0012] The temperature control system 100 is responsible for air conditioning such as heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and ventilating the passenger compartment where the occupants are located, as well as heat management, waste heat recovery, etc. of in-vehicle devices such as the battery device (power supply device) mounted on the vehicle, the driving electric motor, and the electronic devices that generate heat. The general term "heat management" refers to air conditioning to appropriate temperatures and humidities and managing the in-vehicle devices at appropriate temperatures.

[0013] Power stored in the in-vehicle battery device is supplied to the temperature control system 100 and the electric and electronic devices provided in the in-vehicle devices. The in-vehicle battery device is charged from an external power source when the vehicle is stopped.

[0014] The temperature control system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to allow the refrigerant RF to circulate, a heat medium circuit 20 configured to allow a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant RF to circulate, and a control unit 30 that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 sets the temperature control system 100 to a predetermined operation mode and controls the operation state of the temperature control system 100 according to the operation mode. The temperature control system 100 includes sensors (not shown) such as a sensor that detects the outside air temperature and a sensor that detects the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment.

[0015] The temperature control system 100 can execute any one of a plurality of operation modes selected by the occupant or the control unit 30. In this embodiment, as the operation modes of the temperature control system 100, a heater mode (FIG. 1) in which only the first pump 21 operates, a heater mode (FIG. 2) in which only the second pump 22 operates, a heater mode (FIG. 3) in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 operate, and a heat pump mode (FIG. 4) are exemplified.

[0016] <Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit 10> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses the refrigerant RF, a condenser (high-pressure side heat exchanger) 12, an expansion valve (pressure reducing section) 13, an evaporator (low-pressure side heat exchanger) 14, and a pressure detection section 15. In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant RF circulates according to the refrigeration cycle. As the refrigerant RF enclosed in the refrigerant circuit 10, a single refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant can be used. For example, HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbon) refrigerants such as R410A and R32, HFO (Hydro Fluoro Olefin) refrigerants such as R1234ze and R1234yf, or hydrocarbon (HC) - based refrigerants such as propane and isobutane can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use R1234yf as the refrigerant of the present embodiment.

[0017] When using the fluorocarbon - based or hydrocarbon - based refrigerants listed above, a sub - critical refrigeration cycle is configured where the refrigerant pressure on the high - pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. When using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the refrigerant, a transcritical refrigeration cycle is configured where the refrigerant pressure on the high - pressure side exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Even in that case, since heat is radiated from the refrigerant by the high - pressure side heat exchanger similar to the condenser 12 of the present embodiment, and heat is absorbed by the refrigerant by the low - pressure side heat exchanger similar to the evaporator 14 of the present embodiment, refrigerants that constitute a transcritical refrigeration cycle such as carbon dioxide refrigerant can also be adopted in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0018] The compressor 11 is, for example, an electric compressor equipped with an electric motor (not shown). The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control unit 30. As the compressor 11, for example, a scroll compressor or a rotary compressor is used.

[0019] The condenser 12 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF discharged from the compressor 11 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20.

[0020] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 13, in addition to an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled based on a command from the control unit 30, a thermal expansion valve can be adopted. Note that a capillary tube may be adopted instead of the expansion valve 13. Further, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 13.

[0021] The evaporator 14 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF flowing out from the expansion valve 13 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20. The refrigerant RF evaporated by the evaporator 14 is guided to the suction side of the compressor 11. An accumulator (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the evaporator 14 and the compressor 11.

[0022] The pressure detection unit 15 is a device that detects the pressure of the refrigerant RF whose pressure has been reduced by the expansion valve 13. The pressure detection unit 15 detects, for example, the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing between the evaporator 14 and the compressor 11.

[0023] The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the evaporator 14, and the refrigerant pipes connecting these elements are installed, for example, outside the passenger compartment.

[0024] <Configuration of the heat medium circuit 20> The heat medium circuit 20 is configured such that the heat medium HM capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 can circulate. The heat medium HM is used for cooling or heating at least one temperature control target. The temperature control target in the present embodiment is the air supplied into the passenger compartment for air conditioning. Further, the temperature control target may be an in-vehicle battery device.

[0025] The heat medium HM enclosed in the heat medium circuit 20 is a liquid such as water or brine that maintains a liquid phase state and circulates through the heat medium circuit 20. Examples of brine include a mixed solution of water and propylene glycol, or a mixed solution of water and ethylene glycol.

[0026] The heat medium circuit 20 includes a first pump 21, a second pump 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a reserve tank 24, an indoor air-conditioning unit (temperature control device) 25, a three-way valve (flow path branching section) 26, a three-way valve 27, a three-way valve 28, and a three-way valve (flow path merging section) 29.

[0027] As a flow path for circulating the heat medium HM, the heat medium circuit 20 has a first heat medium flow path L1 that connects the three-way valve 26 and the three-way valve 29 via the condenser 12, a second heat medium flow path L2 that connects the three-way valve 26 and the three-way valve 29 via the three-way valve 27, the evaporator 14, and the three-way valve 28, a third heat medium flow path L3 that connects the three-way valve 29 and the three-way valve 26 via the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, a fourth heat medium flow path L4 that connects the three-way valve 28 and the three-way valve 27 via the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and a communication flow path L5 that communicates the first heat medium flow path L1 and the second heat medium flow path L2.

[0028] The activation, stop, and rotational speed of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are controlled by the control unit 30.

[0029] The first pump 21 is a device that is arranged in the first heat medium flow path L1 and pumps the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 along the flow direction. The second pump 22 is a device that is arranged in the second heat medium flow path L2 and pumps the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 along the flow direction.

[0030] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a device that is arranged in the fourth heat medium flow path L4 and exchanges heat between the outside air outside the passenger compartment and the heat medium. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is arranged, for example, near the air inlet of the vehicle. The outside air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the running of the vehicle and the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger fan 23a dissipates or absorbs heat based on the temperature difference between the outside air and the heat medium. The outside air temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit 23b.

[0031] The fourth heat medium flow path L4 is a flow path that branches the heat medium HM from the second heat medium flow path L2 on the downstream side of the heat medium HM in the flow direction from the evaporator 14 and allows the heat medium HM to flow into the second heat medium flow path L2 through the three-way valve 27 on the upstream side of the evaporator 14 in the flow direction.

[0032] The communication flow path L5 is a flow path that connects a first position P1 on the downstream side in the flow direction from the condenser 12 of the first heat medium flow path L1 and a second position P2 on the downstream side in the flow direction from the evaporator 14 of the second heat medium flow path L2.

[0033] The reserve tank 24 is a device that is disposed in the communication flow path L5 and stores the heat medium HM. When the heat medium HM enclosed in the heat medium circuit 20 expands as the temperature rises, the reserve tank 24 receives the heat medium HM that exceeds the volume of the piping of the heat medium circuit 20 inside the tank.

[0034] Further, when the volume of the heat medium HM decreases as the temperature drops, the heat medium HM is replenished from the reserve tank 24 to the communication flow path L5, so that the inside of the communication flow path L5 is maintained in a state filled with the heat medium HM. That is, the reserve tank 24 can prevent the internal pressure of the communication flow path L5 from becoming excessive or the inside of the communication flow path L5 from becoming a negative pressure. The inside of the reserve tank 24 is open to the atmosphere. Note that the reserve tank 24 may be sealed and adjusted to a desired constant pressure.

[0035] The indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is a device that heats the air to be temperature-controlled using the heat medium HM by heat-exchanging the air sent by an indoor air-conditioning fan (not shown) and the heat medium HM. The indoor air-conditioning unit 25 supplies the air temperature-controlled in the vehicle interior by the indoor air-conditioning fan. The temperature of the heat medium HM supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is detected by the temperature detection unit 25a.

[0036] The three-way valve 26 is disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium HM from the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, and is a device that branches the heat medium HM into at least one of the first heat medium flow path L1 where the condenser 12 is disposed and the second heat medium flow path L2 where the evaporator 14 is disposed. The opening degree of the three-way valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction is switched according to the operation mode. Further, the three-way valve 26 may have a non-circulating state in which the heat medium HM does not flow through the third heat medium flow path L3.

[0037] The three-way valve 27 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat medium HM flows through the fourth heat medium flow path L4 and a non-circulating state in which the heat medium HM does not flow through the fourth heat medium flow path L4. The three-way valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 30 and can switch the connection direction or stop the heat medium HM from flowing according to the operation mode.

[0038] The three-way valve 28 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat medium HM flows through the fourth heat medium flow path L4 and a non-circulating state in which the heat medium HM does not flow through the fourth heat medium flow path L4. The three-way valve 28 is controlled by the control unit 30 and can switch the connection direction or stop the heat medium HM from flowing according to the operation mode.

[0039] The three-way valve 29 is arranged upstream of the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 in the flow direction, and is a device that combines the heat medium HM flowing through the first heat medium flow path L1 and the heat medium HM flowing through the second heat medium flow path L2 and guides them to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 via the third heat medium flow path L3.

[0040] <Configuration of the control unit 30> The control unit 30 is a device that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium, etc. And a series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in a storage medium, etc. in the form of a program as an example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM, etc. and executes information processing and arithmetic processing, thereby realizing various functions.

[0041] Note that the program may be applied in the form of being pre-installed in a ROM or other storage medium, in the form of being provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, in the form of being distributed via wired or wireless communication means, etc. The computer-readable storage medium includes a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0042] Next, the control of the temperature control system 100 with the above configuration will be described. <Heater mode for operating only the first pump 21: Figure 1> The heater mode for operating only the first pump 21 (the first heater mode) is suitable for heating when heat absorption from the outside air to the heat medium HM cannot be performed because the outside air temperature is low. In the heater mode, while avoiding heat dissipation from the heat medium HM to the outside air, an amount of heat corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source is conveyed to the passenger compartment by the heat medium HM. Thereby, the heating capacity can be ensured even in a situation where the outside air temperature significantly drops below 0°C. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in FIG. 1, the location where the heat medium HM flows is indicated by a thick dashed line, and the location where the heat medium HM does not flow is indicated by a thin dotted line.

[0043] The refrigerant circuit 10 is activated by a command from the control unit 30. Thereby, the refrigerant RF is compressed by the compressor 11 and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF dissipates heat by exchanging heat with the heat medium HM, and the refrigerant RF condenses and liquefies. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the evaporator 14 after being decompressed by the expansion valve 13.

[0044] In the evaporator 14, the refrigerant RF obtains heat by exchanging heat with the heat medium HM and evaporates to become a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant RF. The refrigerant RF that has exited the evaporator 14 is guided to the compressor 11 and repeats the above-described refrigeration cycle.

[0045] The control unit 30 branches the heat medium HM into the first heat medium flow path L1 and the second heat medium flow path L2 by means of the three-way valve 26, and combines the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 disposed in the first heat medium flow path L1 and the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 disposed in the second heat medium flow path L2 at the first position P1 via the communication flow path L5. The heat medium HM that has merged at the first position P1 is supplied to the in-vehicle air-conditioning unit 25 disposed in the third heat medium flow path L3 via the three-way valve 29.

[0046] The heat medium HM flowing into the condenser 12 takes heat from the refrigerant RF flowing through the condenser 12 to liquefy the refrigerant RF. The heat medium HM flowing into the evaporator 14 gives heat to the refrigerant RF flowing through the evaporator 14 to evaporate the refrigerant RF. The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 provides warmth to the air (or outside air) in the vehicle interior in the in-vehicle air-conditioning unit 25 to perform heating. The heat medium HM that has been cooled by providing warmth is guided to the three-way valve 26.

[0047] The three-way valve 26 is configured to be able to adjust the first flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the first heat medium flow path L1 and the second flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the second heat medium flow path L2. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate, for example, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14. When the control unit 30 increases the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so that the second flow rate increases.

[0048] Further, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate, for example, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12. When the control unit 30 increases the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so that the second flow rate increases.

[0049] As described above, the control unit 30 controls the refrigerant circuit 10, the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, and the first pump 21 to execute a heater mode in which only the first pump 21 is operated without operating the second pump 22, and the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25.

[0050] <Heater mode of operating only the second pump 22: Figure 2> The heater mode of operating only the second pump 22 (the first heater mode) is suitable for heating when heat absorption from the outside air to the heat medium HM cannot be performed because the outside air temperature is low. In the heater mode, while avoiding heat dissipation from the heat medium HM to the outside air, an amount of heat corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source is conveyed to the passenger compartment by the heat medium HM. Thereby, the heating capacity can be ensured even in a situation where the outside air temperature is significantly lower than 0°C. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in FIG. 2, the locations where the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed-dotted lines, and the locations where the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0051] The heater mode of operating only the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 2 is different from the heater mode of operating only the first pump 21 shown in FIG. 1 in that the second pump 22 is operated instead of the first pump 21.

[0052] The control unit 30 branches the heat medium HM into the first heat medium flow path L1 and the second heat medium flow path L2 by the three-way valve 26, and combines the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 disposed in the first heat medium flow path L1 and the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 disposed in the second heat medium flow path L2 at the second position P2 via the communication flow path L5. The heat medium HM that has merged at the second position P2 is supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 disposed in the third heat medium flow path L3 via the three-way valves 28 and 29.

[0053] As described above, the control unit 30 controls the refrigerant circuit 10, the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, and the first pump 21 to execute a heater mode in which only the second pump 22 is operated without operating the first pump 21, and the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 is supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25.

[0054] <Heater mode of operating both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22: FIG. 3> The heater mode of operating both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 (the second heater mode) is suitable for heating when heat absorption from the outside air to the heat medium HM cannot be performed because the outside air temperature is low. The heater mode conveys an amount of heat corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source to the passenger compartment by the heat medium HM while avoiding heat dissipation from the heat medium HM to the outside air. Thereby, the heating capacity can be ensured even in a situation where the outside air temperature is significantly lower than 0°C. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in FIG. 3, the locations where the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed-dotted lines, and the locations where the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0055] The heater mode of operating both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 3 is different from the heater mode of operating only the first pump 21 shown in FIG. 1 in that not only the first pump 21 but also the second pump 22 is operated.

[0056] The control unit 30 branches the heat medium HM into the first heat medium flow path L1 and the second heat medium flow path L2 by the three-way valve 26, and combines, at the first position P1 via the communication flow path L5, the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 disposed in the first heat medium flow path L1 and a part of the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 disposed in the second heat medium flow path L2.

[0057] Another part of the heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 disposed in the second heat medium flow path L2 is guided to the three-way valve 28 via the second pump 22. The heat medium HM that passes through the first pump 21 and the heat medium HM that passes through the second pump 22 merge at the three-way valve 29 and are supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 disposed in the third heat medium flow path L3.

[0058] As described above, the control unit 30 controls the refrigerant circuit 10, the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 so as to execute a heater mode in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated to supply the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25.

[0059] When the control unit 30 executes the heater mode in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated, the control unit 30 may control the three-way valves 26, 29, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 so that the second flow rate of the heat medium HM passing through the evaporator 14 is larger than the first flow rate of the heat medium HM passing through the condenser 12. By doing so, the amount of heat exchange between the heat medium HM and the refrigerant RF in the evaporator 14 can be increased, and the low pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased. As a result, the heating capacity of the heat medium HM by the condenser 12 can be increased, and the heating capacity of the indoor air conditioning unit 25 can be improved.

[0060] <Heat pump mode: Figure 4> In the heat pump mode, heat is drawn from the outside air as a heat source to heat the interior of the vehicle. Since the operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same as that in the heater mode shown in FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted.

[0061] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided to the third heat medium flow path L3 through the first heat medium flow path L1 by the action of the first pump 21. Then, the heat medium HM heats the air (or outside air) in the vehicle interior guided from the indoor air conditioning unit 25. The heat medium HM that has been cooled by giving heat is guided to the three-way valve 26.

[0062] The control unit 30 forms the first circulation system by guiding the heat medium HM from the third heat medium flow path L3 only to the first heat medium flow path L1 with the three-way valve 26 and guiding the heat medium HM that has passed through the first heat medium flow path L1 to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 with the three-way valve 29. Further, the control unit 30 forms the second circulation system by guiding the heat medium HM from the second heat medium flow path L2 to the fourth heat medium flow path L4 with the three-way valves 27 and 28.

[0063] The control unit 30 forms the first circulation system and the second circulation system, heats the heat medium HM with outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, heats the refrigerant RF with the heat medium HM passing through the second heat medium flow path L2, and heats the heat medium HM passing through the first heat medium flow path L1 with the refrigerant RF, and controls the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, 29, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 so as to execute the heat pump mode.

[0064] <Heating operation mode switching operation> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the switching operation of the heating operation mode will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process in which the temperature control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure executes a heating operation. The control unit 30 executes a heating operation by switching between the first heater mode, the second heater mode, and the heat pump mode by the process shown in FIG. 5.

[0065] Here, the first heater mode is a heater mode in which only the first pump 21 shown in FIG. 1 operates or a heater mode in which only the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 2 operates. The second heater mode is a heater mode in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 3 operate.

[0066] In step S101, the control unit 30 determines whether the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 23b is equal to or lower than a predetermined outside air temperature at which heating operation by the heat pump mode is impossible. If YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S107. Note that not only the outside air temperature but also whether heating operation by the heat pump mode is impossible may be determined from the outside air temperature and the required heating capacity.

[0067] In step S102, the control unit 30 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium HM detected by the temperature detection unit 25a is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. If YES, the process proceeds to step S103, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0068] In step S103, the control unit 30 determines whether the pressure of the refrigerant RF detected by the pressure detection unit 15 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. If YES, the process proceeds to step S104; if NO, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0069] In step S104, the control unit 30 determines whether the amount of heat required by the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If YES, the process proceeds to step S105; if NO, the process proceeds to step S108. The temperature control system 100 includes a setting unit 35 that sets the amount of heat required by the indoor air conditioning unit 25 (for example, the target temperature inside the vehicle cabin). The control unit 30 executes step S105 when the amount of heat set by the setting unit 35 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, and executes step S108 when the amount of heat set by the setting unit 35 is greater than the predetermined value.

[0070] In step S105, the control unit 30 controls the temperature control system 100 to execute the first heater mode. The control unit 30 executes either a heater mode in which only the first pump 21 shown in FIG. 1 operates or a heater mode in which only the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 2 operates.

[0071] In step S106, the control unit 30 determines whether to end the heating operation. If YES, the process of this flowchart is terminated; if NO, step S101 is executed again.

[0072] In step S107, the control unit 30 controls the temperature control system 100 to execute the heat pump mode shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] In step S108, the control unit 30 controls the temperature control system 100 to execute the second heater mode. The control unit 30 executes a heater mode in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 shown in FIG. 3 operate.

[0074] The temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment described above has the following operations and effects. According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when the temperature of the heat medium HM is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, or when the pressure of the refrigerant RF is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, or when the amount of heat required in the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, etc., when the circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 may be relatively small, by executing the first heater mode, the heat dissipation amount to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated.

[0075] Further, according to the control method of the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when the temperature of the heat medium HM is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the pressure of the refrigerant RF is lower than a predetermined pressure, or when the amount of heat required in the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is larger than a predetermined value, etc., when the circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is required to be relatively large, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is operated. Thus, by switching between the first heater mode and the second heater mode and executing, when executing the heater mode of supplying the heat medium HM heated by the power of the compressor 11 to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 at a low outside air temperature, the circulation amount of the heat medium HM can be appropriately switched to improve the thermal efficiency.

[0076] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when the temperature of the heat medium HM supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is relatively small, sufficient heat can be supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the heat dissipation amount to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated. Further, when the temperature of the heat medium HM supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is lower than a predetermined temperature, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is operated.

[0077] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when the pressure of the refrigerant RF decompressed by the expansion valve 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is relatively small, sufficient heat can be supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the amount of heat radiated to the outside air can be reduced as compared with the case where both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated. Further, when the pressure of the refrigerant RF decompressed by the expansion valve 13 is lower than the predetermined pressure, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved as compared with the case where only one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is operated.

[0078] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when the amount of heat required by the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is relatively small, sufficient heat can be supplied to the indoor air conditioning unit 25. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the amount of heat radiated to the outside air can be reduced as compared with the case where both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are operated. Further, when the amount of heat required by the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is greater than the predetermined value, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium HM circulated to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved as compared with the case where only one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is operated.

[0079] 〔First Modification Example〕 In the temperature control system 100 described above, the first pump 21 is arranged in the first heat medium flow path L1, and the second pump 22 is arranged in the second heat medium flow path L2. However, other embodiments may also be possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 may be arranged in the third heat medium flow path L3. In this case, the first heater mode is a mode in which only one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 operates, and the second heater mode is a mode in which both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 operate.

[0080] 〔Second Modified Example〕 In the first modified example, the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 may not be arranged in the third heat medium flow path L3, but may be arranged between the first position P1 of the first heat medium flow path L1 and the three-way valve 29.

[0081] 〔Third Modified Example〕 In the second modified example, the first pump 21 may be arranged between the first position P1 of the first heat medium flow path L1 and the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, and the second pump 22 may be arranged between the three-way valve 26 of the first heat medium flow path L1 and the condenser 12.

[0082] 〔Fourth Modified Example〕 In the above description, the first pump 21 is arranged in the first heat medium flow path L1 on the downstream side of the first position P1 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM, and the second pump 22 is arranged in the second heat medium flow path L2 on the downstream side of the second position P2 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM. However, other embodiments may also be possible. For example, the first pump 21 may be arranged at an arbitrary position on the downstream side of the three-way valve 29 and on the upstream side of the three-way valve 26 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM, and the second pump 22 may be arranged at an arbitrary position on the downstream side of the three-way valve 28 and on the upstream side of the three-way valve 27 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM.

[0083] 〔Fifth Modified Example〕 In the above description, the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is arranged in the third heat medium flow path L3, but other embodiments may also be possible. For example, the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 may be arranged at an arbitrary position between the condenser 12 of the first heat medium flow path L1 and the first position P1. In this case, when the heater mode is executed, since the heat medium HM that is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant RF when passing through the evaporator 14 is not supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, the heat of the heat medium HM that heats the air in the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 is not cooled by other heat media HM. Therefore, it is possible to improve the heating start-up performance when executing the heater mode in which the heat medium HM heated by the power of the compressor 11 at low outside air temperatures is supplied to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25.

[0084] The temperature control system and the method for controlling the temperature control system according to each of the embodiments described above can be understood as follows, for example.

[0085] The temperature control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit (10) through which a refrigerant circulates, the refrigerant circuit including a compressor (11), a high-pressure side heat exchanger (12), a decompression section (13), and a low-pressure side heat exchanger (14); a heat medium circuit (20) through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates; and a control section (30) that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device (25) that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching section (26) that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path (L1) that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path (L2) that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging section (29) that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path and guides the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, a first pump (21) that is disposed in the first heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, a second pump (22) that is disposed in the second heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, and a communication flow path (L5) that communicates a downstream side of the high-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction of the first heat medium flow path and a downstream side of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction of the second heat medium flow path. The control section switches between and executes a first heater mode in which either one of the first pump and the second pump is operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger via the communication flow path and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path merging section and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device.

[0086] According to the temperature control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to switch between and execute a first heater mode in which only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated. For example, when the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, or when the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device may be relatively small, by executing the first heater mode, the heat dissipation amount to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump and the second pump are operated.

[0087] Further, according to the temperature control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, for example, when the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is required to be relatively large, by executing the second heater mode, the power consumption of both the first pump and the second pump can be used for heating compared to the case where only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated, so that the heating performance can be improved. In this way, by switching between and executing the first heater mode and the second heater mode, the circulation amount of the heat medium when executing the heater mode of supplying the heat medium heated by the power of the compressor to the temperature control device at low outside air temperature can be appropriately switched to improve the thermal efficiency.

[0088] The temperature control system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect. That is, it includes a temperature detection unit (25a) that detects the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit, and the control unit executes the first heater mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and executes the second heater mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. Further, the temperature detection unit may be installed in the first heat medium flow path L1.

[0089] According to the temperature control system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, when the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is relatively small, sufficient heat can be supplied to the temperature control device. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the amount of heat radiated to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump and the second pump are operated. When the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is lower than the predetermined temperature, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated.

[0090] The temperature control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect. That is, a pressure detection unit (15) for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit is provided, and the control unit executes the first heater mode when the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, and executes the second heater mode when the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the pressure detection unit is lower than the predetermined pressure. Alternatively, the pressure detection unit may be installed on the high-pressure side, the first heater mode may be executed when the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, and the second heater mode may be executed when the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.

[0091] According to the temperature control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, when the pressure of the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is relatively small, sufficient heat can be supplied to the temperature control device. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the amount of heat radiated to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump and the second pump are operated. When the pressure of the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit is lower than the predetermined pressure, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated.

[0092] The temperature control system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect. That is, it includes a setting unit (35) for setting the amount of heat required by the temperature control device, and when the amount of heat set by the setting unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit executes the first heater mode, and when the amount of heat set by the setting unit is greater than the predetermined value, the control unit executes the second heater mode.

[0093] According to the temperature control system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of heat required by the temperature control device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, even if the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is relatively small, a sufficient amount of heat can be supplied to the temperature control device. Therefore, by executing the first heater mode, the amount of heat radiated to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump and the second pump are operated. Further, when the amount of heat required by the temperature control device is greater than a predetermined value, a relatively large circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is required. Therefore, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated.

[0094] The temperature control system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. That is, when executing the second heater mode, the control unit controls the first pump and the second pump so that the second flow rate of the heat medium passing through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is greater than the first flow rate of the heat medium passing through the high-pressure side heat exchanger.

[0095] According to the temperature control system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, by making the second flow rate of the heat medium passing through the low-pressure side heat exchanger greater than the first flow rate of the heat medium passing through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the amount of heat exchange between the heat medium and the refrigerant in the low-pressure side heat exchanger can be increased, and the low pressure in the refrigerant circuit can be increased. As a result, the density of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor increases, and the refrigerant circulation amount increases, thereby improving the heating capacity.

[0096] In the control method of the temperature control system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature control system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching section that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging section that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, a first pump that is disposed in the first heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, a second pump that is disposed in the second heat medium flow path and pumps the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction, and a communication flow path that communicates a downstream side of the first heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a downstream side of the second heat medium flow path in the flow direction with respect to the low-pressure side heat exchanger. A control step is provided for controlling the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit so as to switch between and execute a first heater mode in which either one of the first pump and the second pump is operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger through the communication flow path and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path merging section and supply the merged heat medium to the temperature control device.

[0097] According to the control method of the temperature control system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to switch between and execute a first heater mode in which only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated. For example, when the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, or when the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device may be relatively small, by executing the first heater mode, the heat dissipation amount to the outside air can be reduced compared to the case where both the first pump and the second pump are operated.

[0098] Further, according to the control method of the temperature control system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, for example, when the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the temperature control device is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the circulation amount of the heat medium circulated through the temperature control device is relatively large and required, by executing the second heater mode, the heating performance can be improved compared to the case where only one of the first pump and the second pump is operated. In this way, by switching between and executing the first heater mode and the second heater mode, the circulation amount of the heat medium when executing the heater mode in which the heat medium heated by the power of the compressor is supplied to the temperature control device at a low outside air temperature can be appropriately switched to improve the thermal efficiency.

Explanation of Signs

[0099] 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Compressor 12 Condenser (High-pressure side heat exchanger) 13 Expansion valve (Pressure reducing section) 14 Evaporator (Low-pressure side heat exchanger) 15 Pressure detection section 20 Heat medium circuit 21 First pump 22 Second pump 23 Outdoor heat exchanger 23a Outdoor heat exchanger fan 23b Temperature detection section 24 Reserve tank 25 Indoor air conditioning unit (Temperature control device) 25a Temperature detection section 26 Three-way valve (flow path branching section) 27, 28 Three-way valve 29 Three-way valve (flow path confluence section) 30 Control unit 35 Setting unit 100 Temperature control system HM Heat medium L1 First heat medium flow path L2 Second heat medium flow path L3 Third heat medium flow path L4 Fourth heat medium flow path L5 Communication flow path P1 First position P2 Second position RF Refrigerant

Claims

1. a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat medium circuit through which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger; A control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit, The heat medium circuit includes: A temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium; a flow path branch portion that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in a flow direction of the heat medium and that guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path junction portion that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and joins the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path to guide the heat medium to the temperature control device; a first pump disposed in the first heat medium flow path and configured to pump the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction; a second pump disposed in the second heat medium flow path and configured to pump the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction; a communication flow path that communicates a downstream side of the high-pressure side heat exchanger of the first heat medium flow path in the flow direction with a downstream side of the low-pressure side heat exchanger of the second heat medium flow path in the flow direction, The control unit operates either the first pump or the second pump to switch between a first heater mode in which the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger are merged via the communicating flow path to supply the heat control device, and a second heater mode in which the control unit operates both the first pump and the second pump to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path junction to supply the heat control device.

2. a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the heat medium circulating through the heat medium circuit, The temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the first heater mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and executes the second heater mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined temperature.

3. a pressure detection unit that detects the pressure of the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit, The temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the first heater mode when the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, and executes the second heater mode when the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the pressure detection unit is lower than the predetermined pressure.

4. A setting unit that sets the amount of heat required by the temperature control device, The temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the first heater mode when the heat amount set by the setting unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and executes the second heater mode when the heat amount set by the setting unit is greater than the predetermined value.

5. 5. The temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the first pump and the second pump so that a second flow rate of the heat medium passing through the low-pressure side heat exchanger is greater than a first flow rate of the heat medium passing through the high-pressure side heat exchanger when the second heater mode is executed.

6. A method for controlling a temperature adjustment system, comprising: The temperature control system includes: a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat medium circuit through which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, The heat medium circuit includes: A temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium; a flow path branch portion that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in a flow direction of the heat medium and that guides the heat medium to at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger; a flow path junction portion that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and that joins the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path; a first pump disposed in the first heat medium flow path and configured to pump the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction; a second pump disposed in the second heat medium flow path and configured to pump the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger along the flow direction; a communication flow path that communicates a downstream side of the high-pressure side heat exchanger of the first heat medium flow path in the flow direction with a downstream side of the low-pressure side heat exchanger of the second heat medium flow path in the flow direction, A control method for a temperature adjustment system comprising: a control step of controlling the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit to switch between a first heater mode in which either one of the first pump or the second pump is operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger via the communicating flow path and supply the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device, and a second heater mode in which both the first pump and the second pump are operated to merge the heat medium that has passed through the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the heat medium that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger at the flow path junction and supply the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device.

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