Electric vehicles

Abstract

To cool a battery without using electric power of the battery (without consuming electric power of the battery).SOLUTION: Outside air is cooled by utilizing condensed water occurring when an evaporator 6 for a passenger compartment is operated as an evaporator and a battery 11 is cooled by the cooled outside air SAb without using electric power (excluding power of a battery fan 14). In other words, a by-product (the condensed water) obtained by a heat pump system (a heat pump cycle) is effectively utilized to conduct thermal management (cooling) of the battery 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle equipped with a heat pump cycle air conditioning device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in response to energy conservation and environmental issues in vehicles, electric vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HV, PHV, PHEV) that run using both an engine and an electric motor, and electric vehicles (BEV) that run only on an electric motor have been put into practical use. As the exhaust heat of the engine cannot be fully utilized as an air conditioning device for electric vehicles, an air conditioning device using a heat pump cycle has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The temperature of the battery of an electric vehicle rises due to heat generation during charging and discharging, which can lead to a decrease in discharge capacity and voltage, so when the temperature rises, it needs to be cooled to maintain an appropriate temperature.To cool the battery, a technology has been proposed in which an evaporator for cooling the battery is added to the air conditioning system in the vehicle compartment, and air and water cooled by the evaporator are circulated through the battery to suppress the temperature rise of the battery (Patent Document 2).

[0004] By using the temperature management technology proposed in Patent Document 2, the air or water can be cooled by a battery cooling evaporator, and the cooled air or water can be used to cool the battery. This makes it possible to maintain the battery at an appropriate temperature by using an expanded air conditioning system for the vehicle cabin.

[0005] However, conventional battery cooling technology requires power to maintain and circulate the refrigerant pressure and temperature of the air conditioner, and power to circulate the cooling air and water, and these power sources are electricity stored in the battery. As a result, power consumption to manage the battery temperature increases, and there is a risk that this could affect the driving range, especially in electric vehicles (BEVs) that run solely on electric motors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-101180 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-54379 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an electric vehicle that can effectively utilize by-products obtained from a heat pump system to manage (cool) the temperature of the battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the electric vehicle of the present invention according to claim 1 is an electric vehicle having a heat pump cycle including an interior heat exchanger, an exterior heat exchanger, and an interior evaporator, in which a refrigerant brought to a desired state via a compression means, a path switching means, and an expansion means is circulated, and the electric vehicle is equipped with a battery for storing electric power for obtaining power for the vehicle, the electric vehicle further comprising: a battery cooling means for cooling the battery by being supplied with a cooling source; and a cooling source reflecting means for reflecting condensed water generated when the interior evaporator is operated as an evaporator to the battery cooling means as the cooling source. The battery cooling means includes a condensed water storage means disposed adjacent to the battery, and a supply means for supplying outside air to the battery through the condensed water storage means, and the cooling source reflecting means is a means for supplying the condensed water to the condensed water storage means. It is characterized by:

[0009] In the present invention according to claim 1, condensed water generated when the passenger compartment evaporator is operated as an evaporator is reflected to the battery cooling means by the cooling source reflecting means, and drain water as a by-product during air conditioning is used as a cooling source for cooling. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the by-product obtained from the heat pump system to manage (cool) the temperature of the battery, and to cool the battery without using (consuming) battery power. The condensed water is then stored in the condensed water storage means, and the outside air is passed through the condensed water storage means to cool the outside air by the heat of evaporation, and the cooled outside air cools the battery. As the condensed water storage means, a means for storing water in a state where the water can come into contact with the outside air is used.

[0010] As a battery cooling means, a battery heat exchanger can be used, and a polymer adsorbent or desiccant material for adsorbing moisture can be provided on the outside of the refrigerant passage, or condensed water can be stored in a storage means such as a tank and circulated through the battery case.

[0013] Also, Claim 2 The electric vehicle of the present invention relates to Claim 1 In the electric vehicle described in the above, the condensed water retention means is a heat exchanger for a battery, the heat exchanger for a battery has a polymer adsorbent disposed outside a medium path (heat transfer tube) through which a medium flows, and the cooling source reflecting means is a means for adhering the condensed water to the polymer adsorbent by sending the condensed water to the heat exchanger for a battery.

[0014] Claim 2 In the present invention, condensed water is sent to a polymer adsorbent disposed outside the medium path (heat transfer tube) of the battery heat exchanger, and the condensed water is kept in a state where it can come into contact with outside air. By sending a compressed medium to the battery heat exchanger, it can also be operated as an evaporator to cool the battery.

[0015] Also, Claim 3 The electric vehicle of the present invention relates to Claim 2In the electric vehicle described in the above, the interior heat exchanger and the interior evaporator are disposed inside the vehicle cabin, and the exterior heat exchanger, the battery, and the battery heat exchanger are disposed outside the vehicle cabin, and one side of a medium path of the interior heat exchanger is connected to a path for sending a medium compressed by the compression means, the path switching means is connected to the other side of the medium path of the interior heat exchanger, and the path switching means is connected to the other side of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger, and the one side of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger is connected to the other side of the medium path of the interior evaporator via a first expansion valve. The present invention is characterized in that one side of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger is connected to the other side of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger via a second expansion valve, one side of the medium path of the interior evaporator is connected to the path switching means via a third expansion valve, and one side of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger is connected to the path switching means, the medium compressed by the compression means is sent to the path switching means, and the system is provided with control means for controlling the operation of the path switching means, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve based on information indicating an operation mode.

[0016] Claim 3 In the present invention, a heat pump system can be constructed that includes an interior heat exchanger, an exterior heat exchanger, an interior evaporator, and a battery heat exchanger.

[0017] Also, Claim 4 The electric vehicle of the present invention relates to Claim 3 In the electric vehicle described in The operation mode is and an air-conditioning / battery cooling mode in which a compressed medium is sent to the vehicle-compartment exterior heat exchanger, causing the vehicle-compartment exterior heat exchanger to function as a condenser, an expanded medium is sent to the vehicle-compartment evaporator, causing the vehicle-compartment evaporator to function as an evaporator, and with the condensed water produced in the vehicle-compartment evaporator reflected in the battery heat exchanger, outside air is passed through the battery heat exchanger, and the battery is cooled by the outside air cooled by the heat of evaporation. When the air-conditioning / battery cooling mode is selected, the control means operates the path switching means to send the medium compressed by the compression means to the vehicle-compartment interior heat exchanger, the vehicle-compartment exterior heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the vehicle-compartment evaporator, and the third expansion valve in this order, and to circulate the medium to the compression means, and also operates the first expansion valve to a throttled state, the second expansion valve to a closed state, and the third expansion valve to a fully opened state, and causes the outside air to pass through the battery heat exchanger and be sent to the battery. It is characterized by:

[0018] Claim 4 In the present invention, a system can be configured in which the heat pump is used to cool the vehicle interior and the condensed water is used to cool the battery without using electricity.

[0019] Also, Claim 5 The electric vehicle of the present invention relates to Claim 3 or Claim 4 In the electric vehicle described in The operation mode is The system includes a battery cooling mode in which outside air is sent to the battery through the battery heat exchanger while the condensed water generated in the passenger compartment evaporator is reflected in the battery heat exchanger, and the control means controls the system so that, when the battery cooling mode is selected, only the operation of sending outside air to the battery through the battery heat exchanger is performed. It is characterized by:

[0020] Claim 5In the present invention, in addition to controlling the passenger compartment cooling / battery cooling mode, or regardless of whether the passenger compartment cooling / battery cooling mode is controlled or not, the battery can be cooled in a battery cooling mode in which only the operation of sending outside air to the battery through the battery heat exchanger is performed.

[0021] Also, Claim 6 The electric vehicle of the present invention relates to Claims 3 to 5 In the electric vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, The operation mode is a passenger compartment heating / defrosting mode in which a compressed medium is sent to the passenger compartment heat exchanger, causing the passenger compartment heat exchanger to function as a condenser, and a compressed medium is sent to the passenger compartment exterior heat exchanger, causing the passenger compartment exterior heat exchanger to function as a condenser, and an expanded medium is sent to the battery heat exchanger, causing the battery heat exchanger to function as an evaporator, and heat from the battery is recovered by the battery heat exchanger and used as a heat sink, The control means When the passenger compartment heating / defrosting mode is selected, the medium compressed by the compression means is sent to the passenger compartment heat exchanger, the passenger compartment exterior heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the battery heat exchanger in this order, and the path switching means is operated so as to circulate the medium to the compression means, and the second expansion valve is operated to a throttle state, and the first expansion valve, and the third expansion valve and a heat pump cycle is established by operating the battery heat exchanger as an evaporator in which the heat of the battery is absorbed as a heat source, and frost is removed from the exterior heat exchanger serving as a condenser. It is characterized by:

[0022] Claim 6 In the present invention, the interior heat exchanger and the exterior heat exchanger are used as condensers that perform evaporation operations, and the battery heat exchanger is used as an evaporator that absorbs heat from the battery, thereby forming a heat pump cycle, in which heating is performed by the interior heat exchanger that is used as a condenser, and frost is removed from the exterior heat exchanger that is also used as a condenser. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The electric vehicle of the present invention can effectively utilize the by-product (condensed water) obtained in the heat pump system (heat pump cycle) to manage (cool) the temperature of the battery. As a result, it is possible to cool the battery without using (consuming) the battery's power, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in cruising distance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an air conditioning device in an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system in air conditioning / battery cooling mode. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in a cooling mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in a battery cooling mode that does not use a refrigerant. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic system diagram of an air conditioner in a battery cooling mode using a refrigerant. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in heating / battery heating mode. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in dehumidifying, anti-fogging, and heating mode. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in heating and defrosting mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a schematic system diagram illustrating the entire air conditioning system in an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 in the electric vehicle of this embodiment is a heat pump cycle device in which an air-conditioning fluid is sent from an apparatus case 2 to a vehicle compartment 3. That is, inside the apparatus case 2 (inside the vehicle compartment) are arranged an interior heat exchanger 5 in which a medium flows through a heat transfer tube, and an interior evaporator 6. Outside the apparatus case 2 is arranged an exterior heat exchanger 7 that adjusts the temperature of the medium by exchanging heat with outside air.

[0027] On the other hand, an electric vehicle is equipped with a battery 11 (all or part) that provides power for traveling, and a battery heat exchanger 12 serving as a battery cooling means is disposed adjacent to the battery 11. A polymer adsorbent 13 for adsorbing moisture is provided on the outside of the medium path (heat transfer tube) of the battery heat exchanger 12 as a condensed water retention means.

[0028] The condensed water is kept in a state where it can come into contact with outside air by being sent to the polymer adsorbent 13 arranged outside the medium path (heat transfer tube) of the battery heat exchanger 12. In other words, when the vehicle interior evaporator 6 is operated as an evaporator, the condensed water of the evaporator is sent to the polymer adsorbent 13 (the condensed water is reflected to the battery cooling means by the cooling source reflection means).

[0029] As a battery cooling means, a heat exchanger with an adsorbent provided on the outside of the medium path (heat transfer tube) can be applied, or a configuration can be applied in which condensed water is stored in a storage means such as a tank and the stored condensed water is circulated through the case of the battery 11.

[0030] A battery fan 14 is disposed near the battery 11 as a supply means for sending outside air to the battery 11 through a battery heat exchanger 12 provided with a polymer adsorbent 13. When the battery fan 14 is driven, the outside air is sent to the battery 11 through the battery heat exchanger 12 having the polymer adsorbent 13 that holds the condensed water. In the battery heat exchanger 12, the outside air is cooled by the heat of evaporation of the condensed water, and the cooled outside air is sent to the battery 11 to cool it.

[0031] In other words, the by-product (condensed water) generated when the passenger compartment evaporator 6 is operated as an evaporator can be used to cool the outside air, thereby cooling the battery 11 without using electricity (except for powering the battery fan 14).

[0032] On the other hand, a compression means 16 is provided to compress the medium, and the medium (compressed medium) compressed by the compression means 16 is sent to the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5, and then the supply is switched via a path switching means 17 to either the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7 or the vehicle interior evaporator 6 (battery heat exchanger 12).

[0033] In other words, one side (upper side in the figure) of the medium path of the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5 is connected to a path through which the medium compressed by the compression means 16 is sent, and the other side (lower side in the figure) of the medium path of the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5 is connected to the path switching means 17.

[0034] The other side (upper side in the drawing) of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger 7 is connected to path switching means 17, and one side (lower side in the drawing) of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger 7 is connected to the other side (lower side in the drawing) of the medium path of the interior evaporator 6 via a first expansion valve 21. Furthermore, one side (lower side in the drawing) of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger 7 is connected to the other side (lower side in the drawing) of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger 12 via a second expansion valve 22.

[0035] In addition, a path switching means 17 is connected to one side (upper side in the figure) of the medium path of the passenger compartment evaporator 6 via a third expansion valve 23, and a path switching means 17 is connected to one side (upper side in the figure) of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger 12.

[0036] The path switching means 17 is provided with a port 17a (connected to the outlet side of the compression means 16) connected to the other side (lower side in the figure) of the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5, a port 17b connected to the inlet side of the compression means 16, a port 17c connected to the other side (upper side in the figure) of the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7, and a port 17d connected to one side (upper side in the figure) of the vehicle interior evaporator 6 (battery heat exchanger 12).

[0037] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 is sent to the path switching means 17, and the operations of the path switching means 17, first expansion valve 21, second expansion valve 22, and third expansion valve 23 are controlled based on information instructing the operation mode from the control means 25. Also, based on instructions from the control means 25, the outdoor fan 26 and the indoor fan 27 are rotated, and the position of the damper 28 is operated to position A or position B (in position A, a flow path that does not circulate through the interior heat exchanger 5 is opened, and in position B, a flow path that circulates through the interior heat exchanger 5 is opened).

[0038] With the above configuration, a heat pump system is constructed that is made up of the interior heat exchanger 5, the exterior heat exchanger 7, the interior evaporator 6, and the battery heat exchanger 12.

[0039] Main specific examples of the operation modes of the air conditioner 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in cooling / battery cooling mode, Figure 3 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in cooling mode, Figure 4 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in battery cooling mode without using refrigerant, Figure 5 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in battery cooling mode with using refrigerant, Figure 6 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in heating / battery heating mode, Figure 7 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in dehumidification / defogging / heating mode, and Figure 8 shows a schematic system diagram of the air conditioning system in heating / defrosting mode.

[0041] The air conditioning and battery cooling mode will be explained based on Figure 2. The air conditioning and battery cooling mode is assumed to be a mode that allows continuous high-power driving over long distances to cool the passenger compartment 3.

[0042] When the air conditioning / battery cooling mode is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17c and port 17b is connected to port 17d. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to a throttled state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to a fully closed state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to a fully open state, the battery fan 14, the outdoor fan 26, and the indoor fan 27 are rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position A.

[0043] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the interior heat exchanger 5, and is sent from the path switching means 17 to the exterior heat exchanger 7, the first expansion valve 21, the interior evaporator 6, the third expansion valve 23, and the path switching means 17 in that order, before being circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the exterior heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser, and the interior evaporator 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0044] By driving the interior fan 27, the return air RA in the vehicle compartment 3 is cooled by the vehicle compartment evaporator 6 and becomes the blown air SAc to the vehicle compartment 3. Condensed water in the vehicle compartment evaporator 6 is adsorbed and held by the polymer adsorbent 13 of the battery heat exchanger 12. By driving the battery fan 14, outside air OA is sent to the battery 11 through the battery heat exchanger 12, which has the polymer adsorbent 13 holding the condensed water. In the battery heat exchanger 12, the outside air is cooled by the heat of evaporation of the condensed water, and the cooled outside air SAb is sent to the battery 11, where it cools the battery 11 and is then exhausted (EA).

[0045] This allows the by-product (condensed water) generated when the passenger compartment evaporator 6 is operated as an evaporator to be used to cool the outside air, and the cooled outside air SAb can be used to cool the battery 11 without using electricity (except for powering the battery fan 14).

[0046] Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the by-product (condensed water) obtained in the heat pump system (heat pump cycle) to manage the temperature (cool) of the battery 11. As a result, it is possible to cool the battery 11 without using the power of the battery 11 (without consuming the power of the battery 11), and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the traveling distance of the electric vehicle.

[0047] The cooling mode will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The cooling mode is intended to be a mode in which the passenger compartment 3 is cooled when traveling a short distance (when there is no need to cool the battery 11).

[0048] When the cooling mode is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17c and port 17b is connected to port 17d. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to a throttled state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to a fully closed state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to a fully open state, the battery fan 14 is stopped, the outdoor fan 26 and the indoor fan 27 are rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position A.

[0049] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the interior heat exchanger 5, and is sent from the path switching means 17 to the exterior heat exchanger 7, the first expansion valve 21, the interior evaporator 6, the third expansion valve 23, and the path switching means 17 in that order, before being circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the exterior heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser, and the interior evaporator 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0050] By driving the indoor fan 27, the return air RA in the passenger compartment 3 is cooled by the passenger compartment evaporator 6 and is turned into air SAc sent to the passenger compartment 3. Condensed water from the passenger compartment evaporator 6 is adsorbed and held by the polymer adsorbent 13 of the battery heat exchanger 12. In this case, water three to four times the weight of the polymer can be stored.

[0051] As a result, when the vehicle is running and there is little need to cool the battery 11, the passenger compartment 3 can be cooled while storing the by-product (condensed water) generated when the passenger compartment evaporator 6 operates as an evaporator.

[0052] The battery cooling mode using condensed water will be described with reference to Figure 4. The battery cooling mode using condensed water is intended for cases where condensed water has accumulated, cooling of the vehicle interior 3 is not required, such as during rapid charging, and the temperature of the battery 11 exceeds the upper limit (for example, 40°C to 50°C), and only the battery 11 is cooled.

[0053] When the battery cooling mode using condensed water is implemented, the operation of the compression means 16, path switching means 17, first expansion valve 21, second expansion valve 22, and third expansion valve 23 is stopped, the rotation of the outdoor fan 26 and indoor fan 27 is stopped, only the battery fan 14 is rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position A.

[0054] By driving the battery fan 14, outside air OA is sent to the battery 11 through a battery heat exchanger 12 having a polymer adsorbent 13 that holds condensed water. In the battery heat exchanger 12, the outside air is cooled by the heat of evaporation of the condensed water, and the cooled outside air SAb is sent to the battery 11, where it cools and is then exhausted (EA).

[0055] As a result, the condensed water stored in the polymer adsorbent 13 is used to cool the outside air OA, and the cooled outside air SAb can be used to cool the battery 11 without using electricity (except for the power of the battery fan 14).

[0056] The battery cooling mode using refrigerant (where the battery heat exchanger 12 operates as an evaporator) will be described with reference to Figure 5. The battery cooling mode using refrigerant is intended for cases where there is no condensed water accumulated, no need to cool the vehicle interior 3 during quick charging or the like, and the temperature of the battery 11 exceeds the upper limit (for example, 40°C to 50°C), and only the battery 11 is cooled.

[0057] When the battery cooling mode using the refrigerant is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17c and port 17b is connected to port 17d. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to the fully closed state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to the throttling state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to the fully closed state, the battery fan 14 and the outdoor fan 26 are rotated, the indoor fan 27 is stopped, and the damper 28 is operated to position A.

[0058] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5, and is sent from the path switching means 17 to the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7, the second expansion valve 22, the battery heat exchanger 12, and the path switching means 17 in that order, before being circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser, and the battery heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator.

[0059] By driving the battery fan 14, the outside air OA is cooled by the battery heat exchanger 12 which functions as an evaporator, and the cooled outside air SAb is sent to the battery 11 to cool the battery 11 and is then exhausted (EA).

[0060] As a result, when no condensed water is accumulated in the polymer adsorbent 13, the outside air OA can be cooled by the battery heat exchanger 12, and the battery 11 can be cooled by the cooled outside air SAb.

[0061] The heating / battery heating mode will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The heating / battery heating mode is intended for cases where the vehicle interior 3 is heated and the battery 11 is heated when driving in winter or when starting up at low temperatures.

[0062] When the heating / battery heating mode is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17d and port 17c is connected to port 17b. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to the fully closed state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to the throttled state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to the fully closed state, the battery fan 14, the outdoor fan 26, and the indoor fan 27 are rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position B.

[0063] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the interior heat exchanger 5, and is sent from the path switching means 17 to the battery heat exchanger 12, the second expansion valve 22, the exterior heat exchanger 7, and the path switching means 17 in that order, before being circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the interior heat exchanger 5 and the battery heat exchanger 12 function as condensers, and the exterior heat exchanger 7 functions as an evaporator.

[0064] By driving the interior fan 27, the return air RA in the vehicle compartment 3 passes through the vehicle compartment evaporator 6, is heated by the vehicle compartment heat exchanger 5, and is then sent as air SAc to the vehicle compartment 3. By driving the battery fan 14, the outside air OA is heated by the battery heat exchanger 12, and the high-temperature outside air SAb is sent to the battery 11, where it heats up, and is then exhausted (EA).

[0065] By stopping the interior fan 27 or the battery fan 14, the battery 11 or the passenger compartment 3 can be heated independently.

[0066] The dehumidifying, defogging, and heating mode is explained based on Figure 7. The dehumidifying, defogging, and heating mode is intended for use when driving in low-temperature, high-humidity outdoor conditions and performing dehumidification, defogging, and heating.

[0067] When the dehumidifying, anti-fogging, and heating mode is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17d and port 17c is connected to port 17b. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to a throttled state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to a fully closed state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to a throttled state, the battery fan 14 is stopped, the outdoor fan 26 and the indoor fan 27 are rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position B.

[0068] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the interior heat exchanger 5, and is sent from the path switching means 17 to the third expansion valve 23, the interior evaporator 6, the first expansion valve 21, the exterior heat exchanger 7, and the path switching means 17 in that order, before being circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the interior heat exchanger 5 functions as a condenser, and the interior evaporator 6 and the exterior heat exchanger 7 function as evaporators.

[0069] By driving the interior fan 27, the return air RA in the vehicle interior 3 is dehumidified by the vehicle interior evaporator 6, heated by the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5, and turned into heated and dehumidified air SAc (heated and dehumidified air SAc) sent to the vehicle interior 3. By sending out heated and dehumidified air SAc, the vehicle interior 3 is heated and the dehumidified air prevents fogging of the windshield, window glass, etc.

[0070] The heating and defrosting mode using battery heat storage will be explained based on Figure 8.

[0071] When the heat pump system is operated in the heating mode (when the interior heat exchanger 5 is operated as a condenser), the exterior heat exchanger 7 must be operated as a condenser to absorb heat from the atmosphere (a heat absorption source is required). For this reason, if the heating mode is continued, frost will form on the exterior heat exchanger 7. In order to maintain the heat absorption capacity from the atmosphere, the frost must be removed (defrosted).

[0072] The battery 11 generates heat due to repeated charging and discharging of the battery 11. This generated heat is stored within a predetermined range (for example, 20°C to 40°C), and when the heating mode is performed, the heat of the battery 11 is used as a heat absorption source (the battery heat exchanger 12 is operated as an evaporator), and the vehicle interior heat exchanger 5 and the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7 are operated as condensers to heat the vehicle interior 3 and defrost the vehicle exterior heat exchanger 7.

[0073] That is, when the heating mode is performed, the exterior heat exchanger 7 is defrosted while continuing to heat the passenger compartment 3 (without stopping the heating). Therefore, while maintaining the heat pump system in the heating mode, the exterior heat exchanger 7 can operate as a condenser, and the passenger compartment 3 can be heated while defrosting the exterior heat exchanger 7.

[0074] When the heating / defrosting mode using battery heat storage is performed, the control means 25 controls the operation of the path switching means 17 so that port 17a is connected to port 17c and port 17d is connected to port 17b. Then, the first expansion valve 21 is operated to the fully closed state, the second expansion valve 22 is operated to the throttled state, the third expansion valve 23 is operated to the fully closed state, the battery fan 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, the outdoor fan 26 is stopped, the indoor fan 27 is rotated, and the damper 28 is operated to position B.

[0075] The medium compressed by the compression means 16 passes through the interior heat exchanger 5, is sent from the path switching means 17 to the exterior heat exchanger 7, the second expansion valve 22, the battery heat exchanger 12, and the path switching means 17 in that order, and is then circulated to the compression means 16. As a result, the interior heat exchanger 5 and the exterior heat exchanger 7 function as condensers, and the battery heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator.

[0076] By driving the interior fan 27, the return air RA in the vehicle compartment 3 passes through the vehicle compartment evaporator 6, is heated by the vehicle compartment heat exchanger 5, and is then sent as air SAc to the vehicle compartment 3, thereby heating the vehicle compartment 3. Frost adhering to the vehicle compartment exterior heat exchanger 7, which functions as a condenser, is removed. Meanwhile, by rotating the battery fan 14 in the reverse direction, the outside air OA is heated by the heat of the battery 11. To maintain the heat pump cycle, the heated outside air OA is dissipated by the battery heat exchanger 12, which functions as an evaporator, thereby evaporating the refrigerant in the battery heat exchanger 12. The heat-dissipated outside air OA is exhausted (EA).

[0077] This makes it possible to continue heating the passenger compartment 3 while defrosting the exterior heat exchanger 7. That is, a heat pump cycle is constructed in which the interior heat exchanger 5 and the exterior heat exchanger 7 function as condensers, and the battery heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator that absorbs heat from the battery 11, and heating is performed by the interior heat exchanger 5 functioning as a condenser, while frost adhering to the exterior heat exchanger 7 functioning as a condenser is removed.

[0078] In addition, in order to maintain the temperature of the heat stored in the battery 11 within a predetermined temperature range, it is also possible to provide a temperature detection means and store heat while cooling it so that the generated heat is kept within a predetermined range (for example, 20°C to 40°C).

[0079] The air conditioning device 1 for the electric vehicle described above cools outside air by utilizing the by-product (condensed water) generated when the passenger compartment evaporator 6 operates as an evaporator, and can cool the battery 11 using the cooled outside air SAb without using electricity (except for powering the battery fan 14).

[0080] Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the by-product (condensed water) obtained in the heat pump system (heat pump cycle) to manage the temperature (cool) of the battery 11. As a result, it is possible to cool the battery 11 without using the power of the battery 11 (without consuming the power of the battery 11), and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the traveling distance of the electric vehicle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The present invention can be used in the industrial field of electric vehicles equipped with heat pump cycle air conditioning devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Air conditioner 2 Equipment case 3 Cabin 5 In-vehicle heat exchanger 6. Vehicle cabin evaporator 7 Vehicle outdoor heat exchanger 11 Battery 12 Battery heat exchanger 13 Polymer adsorbents 14 Battery Fan 16 Compression Methods 17 Route switching means 21 First expansion valve 22 Second expansion valve 23 Third expansion valve 25 Control Means 26 Outdoor fan 27 Indoor fan 28 Damper

Claims

1. a heat pump cycle including an interior heat exchanger, an exterior heat exchanger, and an interior evaporator, in which a refrigerant brought to a desired state via a compression means, a path switching means, and an expansion means is circulated; and a battery that stores electric power to power the vehicle. a battery cooling unit that cools the battery by receiving a cooling source; a cooling source reflecting means for reflecting condensed water generated when the vehicle interior evaporator is operated as an evaporator to the battery cooling means as the cooling source, The battery cooling means a condensed water storage means disposed adjacent to the battery; and a supply means for supplying outside air to the battery through the condensed water storage means, The cooling source reflecting means is a means for sending the condensed water to the condensed water holding means; An electric vehicle characterized by:

2. In the electric vehicle described in claim 1, the condensed water retaining means is a heat exchanger for a battery; The battery heat exchanger comprises: A polymer adsorbent is disposed outside the medium path through which the medium flows; The cooling source reflecting means is The condensed water is sent to the heat exchanger for the battery, thereby causing the condensed water to adhere to the polymer adsorbent. An electric vehicle characterized by:

3. In the electric vehicle described in claim 2, the vehicle interior heat exchanger and the vehicle interior evaporator are disposed in a vehicle interior; The exterior heat exchanger, the battery, and the battery heat exchanger are provided outside the vehicle cabin. Distributed, One side of the medium path of the vehicle interior heat exchanger is provided with a passage for conveying the medium compressed by the compression means. The roads are connected, the path switching means is connected to the other side of the medium path of the vehicle interior heat exchanger; the path switching means is connected to the other side of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger, One side of the medium path of the exterior heat exchanger is connected to the interior evaporator via a first expansion valve. The other side of the medium path is connected to the exterior heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger is connected to the exterior heat exchanger. the other side of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger is connected via a second expansion valve; The path switching means is connected to one side of the medium path of the passenger compartment evaporator via a third expansion valve. and the path switching means is connected to one side of the medium path of the battery heat exchanger. is connected, the medium compressed by the compression means is sent to the path switching means; The path switching means, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the like are controlled based on the information indicating the operation mode. a control means for controlling the operation of the expansion valve and the third expansion valve; An electric vehicle characterized by:

4. In the electric vehicle described in claim 3, The operation mode is The compressed medium is sent to the exterior heat exchanger, which functions as a condenser. The expanded medium is sent to the vehicle compartment evaporator, and the vehicle compartment evaporator functions as an evaporator. and the condensed water generated in the passenger compartment evaporator is reflected in the battery heat exchanger. The outside air is passed through the battery heat exchanger, and the outside air cooled by the heat of evaporation heats the battery. Includes air conditioning and battery cooling modes The control means When the cooling / battery cooling mode is selected, The medium compressed by the compression means is supplied to the interior heat exchanger, the exterior heat exchanger, and the first The refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve, the evaporator for the passenger compartment, and the third expansion valve in this order, and is then circulated to the compression means. the path switching means is operated and the first expansion valve is operated to a throttle state, The second expansion valve is operated to a closed state, the third expansion valve is operated to a fully open state, and the outside air is sent to the battery through the battery heat exchanger. An electric vehicle characterized by:

5. In the electric vehicle according to claim 3 or claim 4, The operation mode is In a state where the condensed water generated in the vehicle interior evaporator is reflected in the battery heat exchanger, Battery cooling by sending outside air through the battery heat exchanger to the battery Includes modes, The control means When the battery cooling mode is selected, Only the operation of sending outside air to the battery through the battery heat exchanger is performed. Make it so An electric vehicle characterized by:

6. In an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The operation mode is a passenger compartment heating / defrosting mode in which a compressed medium is sent to the passenger compartment heat exchanger, causing the passenger compartment heat exchanger to function as a condenser, and a compressed medium is sent to the passenger compartment exterior heat exchanger, causing the passenger compartment exterior heat exchanger to function as a condenser, and an expanded medium is sent to the battery heat exchanger, causing the battery heat exchanger to function as an evaporator, and heat from the battery is recovered by the battery heat exchanger and used as a heat sink, The control means When the vehicle interior heating / defrosting mode is selected, The medium compressed by the compression means is sent to the interior heat exchanger, the exterior heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the battery heat exchanger in this order, and the path switching means is operated to circulate the medium to the compression means, the second expansion valve is operated in a throttled state, and the first expansion valve and the third expansion valve are operated in a closed state, thereby establishing a heat pump cycle with the battery heat exchanger as an evaporator that absorbs heat from the battery, and removing frost from the exterior heat exchanger that is used as a condenser. An electric vehicle characterized by:

Images