Thermal Management System

Abstract

To efficiently execute self-temperature-rising of a power storage device, while enabling heat generated from a driving device to be effectively utilized.SOLUTION: A thermal management system 1 is provided with: a battery 173 (a power storage device) provided in a flow path 170b (a first flow path); a PCU 133 (a driving device) provided in a flow path 130b (a second flow path); a low-temperature radiator 122 (a radiator) provided in a flow path 130a (a third flow path); a chiller 160 (a chiller device) provided in a flow path 170a (a fourth flow path); and five-way valves 180 and 190 (switching units). In the thermal management system 1, when a temperature of the battery 173 rises, the five-way valves 180 and 190 are controlled so that a temperature-rising circuit having a passage for one heat medium that circulates through the flow path 170b, the flow path 170a, the flow path 130b and the flow path 130a is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-272395 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes an electric storage device (battery), an inverter, a motor, and a control device. The electric storage device is connected to the inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor. The control device controls the current of the electric storage device by controlling the switching of the inverter. In this way, the control device controls the heat generated due to power loss in the internal resistance of the electric storage device. As a result, the control device can perform temperature rise control (self-heating of the electric storage device) that raises the temperature of the electric storage device using the current of the electric storage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-272395 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In electrical equipment such as electric vehicles, it is sometimes important to effectively utilize heat from a drive unit including an inverter and a motor. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently perform self-heating of a power storage device. That is, it is desirable to efficiently perform self-heating of a power storage device while enabling effective utilization of heat generated from the drive unit.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a thermal management system that can efficiently perform self-heating of a storage device while enabling effective utilization of heat generated by a drive device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in an electrical device. The thermal management system includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path through which a heat medium can flow, an electric storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the first flow path, a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the second flow path and supplies driving power to the electrical device, a radiator provided in the third flow path, a chiller device provided in the fourth flow path, and a switching device that can switch the connection states between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. During a temperature-raising period in which the temperature of the electric storage device is raised by energizing the electric storage device, the switching device forms a temperature-raising circuit having a single path for the heat medium circulating through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path.

[0007] In this way, the heat generated by the self-heating of the power storage device and the heat generated by the drive device can be stored in the heat medium in the heating circuit, thereby enabling the self-heating of the power storage device to be efficiently performed while making effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the radiator is provided with a shutoff device that can switch between an introduction state in which outside air can be introduced into the radiator and a cutoff state in which the introduction of outside air is cut off. The cutoff device is switched to the cutoff state when the heating circuit is formed.

[0009] In this way, it is possible to prevent the heat accumulated in the heat medium in the temperature raising circuit from being released to the outside air via the radiator.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the electric device is an electric vehicle, and the temperature of the power storage device is increased when a driving system of the electric vehicle is started.

[0011] In this way, the temperature of the power storage device can be easily increased when the electric vehicle starts to run, and as a result, the running performance of the electric vehicle can be easily maintained at or above a certain level when the electric vehicle starts to run.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the power storage device is configured to be externally charged by charging power supplied from a charging facility external to the electrical device, and when external charging begins, the temperature of the power storage device is increased so that the temperature of the power storage device reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0013] In this way, the temperature of the power storage device can be easily raised to a predetermined temperature or higher by the time external charging starts, and as a result, the charging speed and charging efficiency can be easily maintained at or above a certain level when external charging starts.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the heating system further includes a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the power storage device, a second temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heat medium in the first flow path, and a pump that circulates the heat medium in the heating circuit. When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor during heating with the heating circuit formed, the pump is stopped. When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor during heating with the heating circuit formed, the pump is driven.

[0015] In this way, when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor, the pump stops and the heat medium in the first flow path does not flow, so that the transfer of heat from the power storage device to the heat medium in the first flow path can be suppressed. Also, when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor, the pump is driven and the heat medium in the first flow path flows, so that the heat of the heat medium in the first flow path can be transferred to the power storage device.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the electrical equipment is an electric vehicle, and the chiller device is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts the room temperature of the electric vehicle, and when a heating request is made using the air conditioning circuit during temperature rise of the power storage device, the switching device forms the temperature rise circuit.

[0017] In this way, the heat generated by the self-heating of the power storage device can be effectively utilized in the air conditioning circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the power storage device itself while enabling effective use of heat generated by the drive device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management circuit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a diagram showing a state of the thermal management circuit when the temperature of the battery rises in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing control of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management circuit in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing control of a thermal management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery rises in the third embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing control of a thermal management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the third communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery rises in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing control of a thermal management system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the third communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit in the fourth communication pattern when the temperature of the battery is rising in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration including a battery, a converter, an inverter, and a motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0021] [First embodiment] The following description will be given taking as an example a configuration in which a thermal management system according to the present disclosure is mounted on an electric vehicle 1a. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle 1a mounted with a thermal management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 1a is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery 173 for driving, such as an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle). The electric vehicle 1a may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). However, the use of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles. The electric vehicle 1a is an example of an "electrical device" in the present disclosure.

[0022] <Overall structure> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0023] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured to allow a heat medium to flow through it. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, a five-way valve 180, and a five-way valve 190. Each of the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 is an example of a "switching device" of the present disclosure. The chiller 160 is an example of a "chiller device."

[0024] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. The heater core 114 is an example of the "air conditioning circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0025] The radiator 120 is connected to (i.e., shared by) both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. The radiator 120 includes a high-temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low-temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see FIG. 3 for both). The low-temperature radiator 122 is an example of the "radiator" of the present disclosure. The low-temperature radiator 122 is provided with a grill shutter 124 (see FIG. 3).

[0026] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a reservoir tank 136. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are examples of the "drive device" of the present disclosure.

[0027] The condenser 140 is connected to both the high temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150 .

[0028] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151 , an expansion valve 152 , an evaporator 153 , an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154 , and an expansion valve 155 .

[0029] The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170. In the chiller 160, the heat medium flowing through the battery circuit 170 and the medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 exchange heat.

[0030] Battery circuit 170 includes, for example, water pump 171, electric heater 172, battery 173, bypass flow path 174, battery temperature sensor 175, and heat medium temperature sensor 176. Water pump 171 and battery 173 are examples of a "pump" and a "power storage device" in the present disclosure, respectively. Battery temperature sensor 175 and heat medium temperature sensor 176 are examples of a "first temperature sensor" and a "second temperature sensor" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0031] The five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 are each connected to the low temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0032] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, and an interface 504.

[0033] The processor 501 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The memory 502 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage 503 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage 503 stores system programs including an operating system (OS) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control calculations. The processor 501 performs various processes by reading the system programs and control programs, expanding them into the memory 502, and executing them. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0034] The ECU 500 generates a control command based on sensor values ​​acquired from various sensors (for example, the battery temperature sensor 175 and the heat medium temperature sensor 176) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations accepted by the HMI 600, and the like, and outputs the generated control command to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may be divided into multiple ECUs for each function. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include multiple processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503.

[0035] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing using a stored program, but may also include hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be interpreted as a processing circuitry whose processing is predefined by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuitry.

[0036] The HMI 600 is a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 accepts user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500.

[0037] <Thermal management circuit configuration> 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. The heat medium (usually hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, heater core 114, reservoir tank 115, and water pump 111, and a second path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, high-temperature radiator 121, reservoir tank 115, and water pump 111.

[0038] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through the route of water pump 131-SPU 132-PCU 133-oil cooler 134-boost / buck converter 135-five-way valve 180-low-temperature radiator 122-five-way valve 190-reservoir tank 136-water pump 131.

[0039] Water pump 131 circulates a heat medium within low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. SPU 132 controls charging and discharging of battery 173 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. PCU 133 converts DC power supplied from battery 173 into AC power in accordance with a control command from ECU 500 and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 134 circulates lubricating oil for the motor using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). Oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through low-temperature circuit 130 and the lubricating oil for the motor. SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of the heat medium therein. The five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 each switch the heat medium path in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed near the high-temperature radiator 121 and exchanges heat with the high-temperature radiator 121. The transaxle may be provided in the low-temperature circuit 130 instead of the oil cooler 134. The grille shutter 124 is configured to be switchable between a closed state that blocks the introduction of outside air into the low-temperature radiator 122 and an open state that releases the blockage of the introduction of outside air into the low-temperature radiator 122 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The grille shutter 124 is an example of a "shutoff device" of the present disclosure.

[0040] The heat transfer medium (gas phase refrigerant or liquid phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of a first path of the compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 152-evaporator 153-EPR 154-compressor 151 and a second path of the compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 155-chiller 160-compressor 151.

[0041] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of a first path from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the electric heater 172, the battery 173, the five-way valve 190, and the water pump 171, and a second path from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the bypass flow path 174, the five-way valve 190, and the water pump 171.

[0042] The water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within the battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170 by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies electric power for driving to a motor built into the transaxle. The battery 173 can be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. The bypass flow path 174 is provided so that the heat medium bypasses the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat medium flows through the bypass flow path 174, temperature changes of the heat medium due to heat absorption / dissipation between the heat medium and the battery 173 can be suppressed. The battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 173. The heat medium temperature sensor 176 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the battery circuit 170 .

[0043] The five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the chiller 160. Port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. Port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the bypass flow path 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P5 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0044] The five-way valve 190 is provided with five ports P11 to P15. The port P11 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the chiller 160. The port P12 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. The port P13 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the step-up / step-down converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. The port P14 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the bypass flow path 174 of the battery circuit 170. The port P15 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit when the temperature of the battery rises in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the battery 173 is provided in the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170. The battery 173 exchanges heat with the heat medium in the flow path 170b. The flow path 170b is in thermal contact with the battery 173. The flow path 170b connects the port P2 of the five-way valve 180 and the port P12 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 170b is an example of the "first flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0046] The low-temperature radiator 122 is provided in a flow path 130a of the low-temperature circuit 130. The flow path 130a connects a port P5 of the five-way valve 180 and a port P15 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 130a is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0047] The water pump 131, SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, boost / buck converter 135, and reservoir tank 136 are each provided in flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130. The PCU 133, oil cooler 134, etc. exchange heat with the heat medium in flow path 130b. Flow path 130b is in thermal contact with SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and boost / buck converter 135. Flow path 130b connects port P3 of five-way valve 180 and port P13 of five-way valve 190. Flow path 130b is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0048] The chiller 160 is provided in a flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170. The flow path 170a connects a port P1 of the five-way valve 180 and a port P11 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 170a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0049] <Connection pattern> 4 shows an outline of a predetermined communication pattern (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a battery temperature rise communication pattern) of the thermal management circuit 100 formed by controlling the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190. The battery temperature rise communication pattern is an example of the "temperature rise circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0050] Here, since an electric vehicle may not be equipped with an engine, it may not be possible to use engine waste heat to heat a heating target of the electric vehicle. Therefore, it may be important to effectively utilize heat from a drive device including an inverter and a motor. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently perform self-heating of the power storage device. That is, it is desirable to efficiently perform self-heating of the power storage device while enabling effective use of heat generated from the drive device.

[0051] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 173 rises, the ECU 500 closes the grille shutter 124 and establishes the battery temperature rise communication pattern shown in Fig. 4. In the battery temperature rise communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 establishes a path that connects the port P1 to the port P5 and a path that connects the port P2 to the port P3.

[0052] In the battery temperature rise communication pattern, the five-way valve 190 forms a path that connects the port P11 with the port P12 and a path that connects the port P13 with the port P15.

[0053] As a result, a closed circuit 10 is formed, which has one path of the heat medium circulating through the flow path 170a, the flow path 130a, the flow path 130b, and the flow path 170b.

[0054] 4, when the battery 173 is used, heat generated by the battery 173 itself is accumulated (stored) in the closed circuit 10. In this case, heat exchange in the chiller 160 is not performed, but heat exchange may be performed in response to the heat demand of the air conditioning.

[0055] Furthermore, while battery 173 is generating heat, PCU 133 and the transaxle (not shown) also generate heat. The heat generated by PCU 133 and the transaxle is accumulated (stored) in closed circuit 10. Furthermore, because grille shutter 124 of low-temperature radiator 122 is set to the closed state, the heat accumulated in closed circuit 10 is prevented from being released from low-temperature radiator 122.

[0056] As a result, it is possible to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive devices such as the PCU 133, and it is also possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the battery 173 itself.

[0057] <Control method of the thermal management circuit> Hereinafter, a control method for the thermal management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing control of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment. Note that the flow shown in Fig. 5 is merely an example, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5.

[0058] In step S1, driving of the electric vehicle 1a is started (the driving system is started). Specifically, a start button (not shown) of the electric vehicle 1a is pressed, and the PCU 133 and the battery 173 are electrically connected (by an SMR (not shown)). The ECU 500 detects that driving of the electric vehicle 1a has started by receiving a predetermined internal signal in the electric vehicle 1a.

[0059] In step S2, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175 is below 10°C. If the temperature of battery 173 is below 10°C (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the temperature of battery 173 is 10°C or higher (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S10. Note that the threshold value in step S2 may be a value other than 10°C.

[0060] In step S3, ECU 500 controls each of five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 so that thermal management circuit 100 is in the battery temperature increase communication pattern shown in FIG.

[0061] In step S4, ECU 500 sets grille shutter 124 to a closed state. At this time, the introduction of outside air into low-temperature radiator 122 is suppressed, and the amount of heat exchanged between low-temperature radiator 122 and the outside air decreases compared to when grille shutter 124 is in an open state.

[0062] In step S5, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175 is higher than the temperature of the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170 detected by heat medium temperature sensor 176. If the temperature of battery 173 is higher than the temperature of the heat medium (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to step S6. If the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or lower than the temperature of the heat medium (No in S5), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0063] In step S6, ECU 500 deactivates water pump 171. If water pump 171 is already deactivated, ECU 500 maintains water pump 171 in the deactivated state. This makes it possible to prevent heat generated in battery 173 from being dissipated to the heat medium. Next, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0064] In step S7, ECU 500 operates water pump 171. If water pump 171 is already operating, ECU 500 continues operating water pump 171. This allows heat from the heat medium in battery circuit 170 to be accumulated (stored) in battery 173. Next, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0065] In step S8, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175 is 10° C. or higher. If the temperature of battery 173 is 10° C. or higher (Yes in S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than 10° C. (No in S8), the process returns to step S5. Note that the threshold value in step S8 may be a value other than 10° C. as long as it is equal to or higher than the threshold value in step S2.

[0066] In step S9, ECU 500 sets grille shutter 124 to an open state. At this time, outside air is allowed to be introduced into low-temperature radiator 122, and the amount of heat exchanged between low-temperature radiator 122 and the outside air increases compared to when grille shutter 124 is in a closed state.

[0067] In step S10, ECU 500 controls each of five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 to change the communication pattern of thermal management circuit 100 from the battery temperature rise communication pattern shown in Fig. 4 to another communication pattern (for example, a communication pattern suitable for driving electric vehicle 1a), and then the process ends.

[0068] As described above, in the first embodiment, during the temperature increase control of the battery 173, the ECU 500 forms the closed circuit 10 having one heat medium path circulating through the flow paths 170a, 130a, 130b, and 170b, and sets the grille shutter 124 to a closed state. This allows heat generated by the self-heating of the battery 173 to be stored in the closed circuit 10. Furthermore, heat generated in the PCU 133 can be stored in the closed circuit 10. This allows the self-heating of the battery 173 to be efficiently performed while enabling effective use of the heat generated by the PCU 133. Furthermore, because the flow path 130b is upstream of the flow path 170b, it is possible to use the heat generated in the PCU 133 to heat the battery 173.

[0069] When it is determined that there is a request to operate the heater, for example, when the user of the electric vehicle 1a presses a button to operate the heater or when the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature, the compressor 151 is operated while the water pump 171 is operating. In this case, heat from the battery 173 is supplied to the heater core 114 as an air conditioning circuit via the chiller 160. On the other hand, when the water pump 171 is not operating, the compressor 151 is stopped. In this case, only the heat in the high-temperature circuit 110 is used to heat the electric vehicle 1a. Furthermore, when there is no request to operate the heater, the heater is deactivated. Deactivating the heater means deactivating the water pump 111, the electric heater 112, etc.

[0070] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 are used as the switching device has been described. However, the configuration of the switching device according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the switching device according to the present disclosure is an eight-way valve 280 will be described.

[0071] <Overall structure> 6 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment. The thermal management system 2 differs from the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that the thermal management system 2 includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of the thermal management circuit 100 and an ECU 510 instead of the ECU 500.

[0072] The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. The eight-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure. The chiller 220 and the refrigeration cycle 240 are examples of a "chiller device" and an "air conditioning circuit" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0073] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240. The water pump 211 is an example of the "pump" in the present disclosure.

[0074] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231 and a grill shutter 232. The radiator 231 is provided with the grill shutter 232 (see FIG. 7). The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242 (see FIG. 7), solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246 (see FIG. 7), an evaporator 247, a check valve 248, and an accumulator 249. The condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252 (see FIG. 7), and the water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230.

[0075] Drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265. Note that a transaxle may be provided in drive unit circuit 260 instead of oil cooler 264. Furthermore, PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are an example of a "drive device" in the present disclosure. Furthermore, a system including PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and battery 272 is an example of a "travel system" in the present disclosure.

[0076] Battery circuit 270 includes, for example, battery 272, battery temperature sensor 273, and heat medium temperature sensor 274. Battery 272 is an example of the "power storage device" of the present disclosure. Battery temperature sensor 273 and heat medium temperature sensor 274 are examples of the "first temperature sensor" and the "second temperature sensor," respectively.

[0077] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P21 to P28 (see FIG. 7), and is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0078] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 200. The ECU 510 includes a processor 511, a memory 512, a storage 513, and an interface 514.

[0079] <Thermal management circuit configuration> 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 200 in the second embodiment. The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P23)-water pump 211-chiller 220-eight-way valve 280 (port P25).

[0080] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium within chiller circuit 210 in accordance with a control command from ECU 510. Chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating through refrigeration cycle 240. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which chiller circuit 210 is connected in accordance with a control command from ECU 510. The path switching by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0081] 7, the heat medium circulating through the radiator circuit 230 flows through the eight-way valve (port P26), the water-cooled condenser 251, the radiator 231, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P27). The radiator 231 is disposed downstream of the grille shutter 232, and exchanges heat between the heat medium and the air outside the vehicle. The configuration of the grille shutter 232 is similar to that of the grille shutter 124 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Note that the path of the heat medium circulating through the radiator circuit 230 may include a path that flows through the eight-way valve (port P26), the water-cooled condenser 251, the bypass flow path 230b, and the eight-way valve (port P27).

[0082] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 240 is a first path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241, and a second path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249. It flows through either the second path of 49-compressor 241, the third path of compressor 241-solenoid valve 244B-water-cooled condenser 251-solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245-evaporator 247-accumulator 249-compressor 241, or the fourth path of compressor 241-solenoid valve 244B-water-cooled condenser 251-solenoid valve 246-chiller 220-accumulator 249-compressor 241.

[0083] The compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to the compressor 241 and adjusts the amount of gas-phase refrigerant that flows into the compressor 241 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch whether the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor 241 flows into the water-cooled condenser 251 or the air-cooled condenser 252 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing through the radiator circuit 230. The air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with the air introduced into the vehicle cabin to produce warm air. The solenoid valve 245 limits the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into the evaporator 247 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. Solenoid valve 246 limits the inflow of liquid-phase refrigerant into chiller 220 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. Solenoid valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid-phase refrigerant. Accumulator 249 removes liquid-phase refrigerant from the refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state, and prevents the liquid-phase refrigerant from being drawn into compressor 241 if the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by evaporator 247.

[0084] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the route of the eight-way valve 280 (port P28), the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P22).

[0085] Water pump 261 circulates a heat medium within drive unit circuit 260 in accordance with a control command from ECU 510. SPU 262 controls charging and discharging of battery 272 in accordance with a control command from ECU 510. PCU 263 converts DC power supplied from battery 272 into AC power in accordance with a control command from ECU 510 and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260 and lubricating oil for the motor. Note that heat generated by supplying power to a stator without rotating the rotor of the motor may be heat exchanged with the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260. SPU 262, PCU 263, and oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260. The reservoir tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (the heat medium that overflows as the pressure increases).

[0086] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P21)--battery 272--eight-way valve 280 (port P24).

[0087] Battery 272 supplies electric power for running to a motor built into the transaxle. Battery temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of battery 272. Heat medium temperature sensor 274 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through battery circuit 270 (flow path 270a described below).

[0088] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the state of the thermal management circuit 200 in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 increases in the second embodiment. Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 200 in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 increases. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 200.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, the chiller 220 is provided in a flow path 210a (see FIG. 8(B)) of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a connects the port P23 and the port P25 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 210a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0090] The radiator 231 is provided in a flow path 230a (see FIG. 8(B)) of the radiator circuit 230. The flow path 230a is provided to connect the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 230a is provided in parallel with a bypass flow path 230b. The bypass flow path 230b is provided to connect a portion between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280. When the heat medium flows through the bypass flow path 230b, the heat medium does not flow through the radiator 231 (flow path 230a). When the heat medium flows through the radiator 231 (flow path 230a), the heat medium does not flow through the bypass flow path 230b. The flow path 230a is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0091] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 (only the PCU 263 is shown in FIG. 8 as a representative) are provided in a flow path 260a (see FIG. 8(B)) of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260a connects the port P28 and the port P22 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0092] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270a (see FIG. 8(B)) of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270a connects the port P21 and the port P24 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0093] <Connection pattern> 8 shows an outline of a first communication pattern by the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern (see FIG. 8), an internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that communicates between port P24 and port P28. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that communicates between port P21 and port P25. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that communicates between port P22 and port P26. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that communicates between port P23 and port P27. In the first communication pattern, the flow path 230a and port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected, and the end of the bypass flow path 230b is blocked.

[0094] This forms a closed circuit 30 (see FIG. 8(B)) having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230a in which radiator 231 is provided, flow path 210a in which chiller 220 is provided, flow path 270a in which battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 260a in which PCU 263 and the like are provided. As a result, the heat medium flows through the flow path of radiator 231-eight-way valve 280-chiller 220-eight-way valve 280-battery 272-eight-way valve 280-PCU 263-eight-way valve 280-water-cooled condenser 251. The closed circuit 30 formed by the first communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0095] 8(A), eight-way valve 280 has a circular shape when viewed perpendicularly to the paper surface. Eight-way valve 280 is configured such that a rotor having internal flow paths 281, 282, 283, and 284 within a housing is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise by an actuator (not shown). The actuator is driven by a control command from ECU 510 to rotate the rotor, changing the connection destinations of each port, thereby changing the communication pattern in thermal management circuit 200.

[0096] <Control method of the thermal management circuit> Hereinafter, a control method for the thermal management system 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing control of the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment. Note that the flow shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 9. Furthermore, explanations of steps similar to those in the control flow in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0097] In step S2, if ECU 510 determines that the temperature of battery 272 detected by battery temperature sensor 273 is lower than 10° C. (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S11. If the temperature of battery 272 is 10° C. or higher (No in S2), the process proceeds to S10.

[0098] In step S11, ECU 510 controls eight-way valve 280 so that thermal management circuit 200 is in the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, ECU 510 controls the actuator to rotate the rotor of eight-way valve 280 to a position that forms the first communication pattern. The process then proceeds to step S4.

[0099] The other configurations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0100] In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which eight-way valve 280 is controlled to form the first communication pattern when the temperature of battery 272 rises, but the method of controlling eight-way valve 280 is not limited to forming the first communication pattern, and it may also be to form the second communication pattern described below.

[0101] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the thermal management circuit 200 in the second communication pattern when the battery temperature rises in the second embodiment. Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 200 in the second communication pattern when the battery temperature rises. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 200.

[0102] The eight-way valve 280 shown in FIG. 10(A) shows a state in which the rotor has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the state shown in FIG. 8(A).

[0103] In the second communication pattern (see FIG. 10), an internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that connects port P23 and port P24. Also, in the second communication pattern, an internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that connects port P25 and port P26. Also, in the second communication pattern, an internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that connects port P21 and port P22. Also, in the second communication pattern, an internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that connects port P27 and port P28.

[0104] This forms a closed circuit 32 (see FIG. 10(B)) having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230a in which radiator 231 is provided, flow path 260a in which PCU 263 and the like are provided, flow path 270a in which battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 210a in which chiller 220 is provided. As a result, the heat medium flows through the path of radiator 231-eight-way valve 280-PCU 263-eight-way valve 280-battery 272-eight-way valve 280-chiller 220-eight-way valve 280-water-cooled condenser 251. The closed circuit 32 formed by the second communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0105] This also achieves the same effects as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, since the flow path 260a is located upstream of the flow path 270a, it is possible to use the heat generated in the PCU 263 to raise the temperature of the battery 272.

[0106] Note that the first communication pattern (see FIG. 8) and the second communication pattern (see FIG. 10) may be switched between by rotating eight-way valve 280. ECU 510 may set either the first communication pattern or the second communication pattern as the communication pattern at the start of temperature rise of battery 272 depending on, for example, the temperature of battery 272, the temperature of PCU 263, whether or not the heater is being used, the operating state of water pump 211 or water pump 261, etc. Alternatively, ECU 510 may switch from one communication pattern to the other depending on the state during temperature rise, the temperature rise time, etc.

[0107] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, two six-way valves are used as the switching device, unlike the second embodiment in which an eight-way valve 280 is used. The same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0108] <Overall structure> 11 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 3 according to the third embodiment. The thermal management system 3 differs from the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 6) in that the thermal management system 3 includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of the thermal management circuit 200 and an ECU 520 instead of the ECU 510.

[0109] The thermal management circuit 300 includes a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, a six-way valve 380, and a six-way valve 390. Each of the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 is an example of a "switching device" of the present disclosure.

[0110] Chiller 220 is provided in flow path 210b of chiller circuit 210. Flow path 210b is provided to connect chiller circuit 210 to each of six-way valve 380 and six-way valve 390. Flow path 210b is an example of a "fourth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0111] Radiator 231 is provided in flow path 230c. Radiator 231 is provided with grill shutter 232. Flow path 230c is provided to connect radiator 231 and six-way valve 390. Flow path 230c is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0112] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 are provided in a flow path 260b of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260b is provided to connect the drive unit circuit 260 to each of the six-way valves 380 and 390. The flow path 260b is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0113] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270b of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270b is provided to connect the battery circuit 270 and the six-way valve 380. The flow path 270b is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0114] The ECU 520 controls the thermal management circuit 300. The ECU 520 includes a processor 521, a memory 522, a storage 523, and an interface 524.

[0115] <Thermal management circuit configuration> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the heat management circuit 300 in the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the six-way valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36. Furthermore, the six-way valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46.

[0116] The six-way valve 380 is connected to a six-way valve 390. Specifically, a port P35 of the six-way valve 380 and a port P45 of the six-way valve 390 are connected by a flow path 5. Furthermore, a port P36 of the six-way valve 380 and a port P46 of the six-way valve 390 are connected by a flow path 6.

[0117] The heat medium circulating through the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of the six-way valve 380 (port P33), the water pump 211, the chiller 220, and the six-way valve 390 (port P43).

[0118] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through the six-way valve 390 (port P41), the radiator 231, and the six-way valve 390 (port P44).

[0119] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the six-way valve 390 (port P42), reservoir tank 265, water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, water-cooled condenser 251, and six-way valve 380 (port P32).

[0120] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of the six-way valve 380 (port P31)--battery 272--six-way valve 380 (port P34).

[0121] <Connection pattern> Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit 300 in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 is rising. Fig. 13 shows an overview of the first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300, which is formed by controlling the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390. In the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 13, the six-way valve 380 forms a path that communicates between the port P31 and the port P32, and a path that communicates between the port P33 and the port P34.

[0122] In the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 13, the six-way valve 390 forms a path that communicates between the port P42 and the port P44, and a path that communicates between the port P41 and the port P43.

[0123] This forms a closed circuit 40 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230c in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, flow path 260b in which six-way valve 390, PCU 263 and the like are provided, flow path 270b in which six-way valve 380, battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 210b in which chiller 220 and the like are provided. Note that closed circuit 40 formed by the first communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0124] <Control method of the thermal management circuit> A control method for the thermal management system 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flow diagram showing control of the thermal management system 3 according to the third embodiment. Note that the flow shown in Fig. 14 is merely an example, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control flow in the third embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0125] In step S2, if ECU 520 determines that the temperature of battery 272 detected by battery temperature sensor 273 is lower than 10° C. (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to S12. If the temperature of battery 272 is 10° C. or higher (No in S2), the process proceeds to S10.

[0126] In step S12, ECU 520 controls each of six-way valve 380 and six-way valve 390 so that thermal management circuit 300 is in the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 13. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S4.

[0127] In step S10, ECU 520 controls each of six-way valves 380 and 390 to change the communication pattern of heat management circuit 300 from the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 13 to another communication pattern (for example, a communication pattern suitable for running electric vehicle 1a), and then the process ends.

[0128] Other configurations and effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment. In addition, since the flow path 260b is located upstream of the flow path 270b, it is possible to increase the temperature of the battery 272 by using heat generated in the PCU 263.

[0129] In the above-described third embodiment, an example was described in which each of the six-way valves 380 and 390 is controlled to form the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 rises, but the method of controlling the six-way valves 380 and 390 is not limited to forming the first communication pattern, and the second communication pattern or the third communication pattern described below may be formed instead of the first communication pattern.

[0130] 15 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit 300 in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 in the third embodiment increases. Fig. 15 shows an overview of the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300 formed by controlling the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390.

[0131] In the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 15, the six-way valve 380 forms a path that connects the port P31 with the port P32, a path that connects the port P33 with the port P36, and a path that connects the port P34 with the port P35.

[0132] In addition, in the second communication pattern shown in Figure 15, the six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting port P41 and port P43, a path connecting port P42 and port P44, and a path connecting port P45 and port P46.

[0133] This forms a closed circuit 42 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230c in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, six-way valve 390 (P44-P42), flow path 260b in which PCU 263 and the like are provided, six-way valve 380 (P32-P31), flow path 270b in which battery 272 and the like are provided, six-way valve 380 (P34-P35), flow path 5, six-way valve 390 (P45-P46), flow path 6, six-way valve 380 (P36-P33), flow path 210b in which chiller 220 and the like are provided, and six-way valve 390 (P43-P41). Note that closed circuit 42 formed by the second communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0134] 16 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit 300 in the third communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 in the third embodiment increases. Fig. 16 shows an overview of the third communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300 formed by controlling the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390.

[0135] In the third communication pattern shown in FIG. 16, the six-way valve 380 forms a path that connects the port P31 with the port P36, a path that connects the port P32 with the port P35, and a path that connects the port P33 with the port P34.

[0136] In addition, in the third communication pattern shown in Figure 16, the six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting port P41 and port P43, a path connecting port P42 and port P44, and a path connecting port P45 and port P46.

[0137] This forms a closed circuit 44 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230c in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, six-way valve 390 (P44-P42), flow path 260b in which PCU 263 and the like are provided, six-way valve 380 (P32-P35), flow path 5, six-way valve 390 (P45-P46), flow path 6, six-way valve 380 (P36-P31), flow path 270b in which battery 272 and the like are provided, six-way valve 380 (P34-P33), flow path 210b in which chiller 220 and the like are provided, and six-way valve 390 (P43-P41). Note that closed circuit 44 formed by the third communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0138] This also achieves the effects of the third embodiment. Switching between the first communication pattern and the second communication pattern may be performed by controlling six-way valves 380 and 390. ECU 520 may set either the first communication pattern or the second communication pattern as the communication pattern at the start of warming up battery 272, depending on, for example, the total amount of circulating heat medium, the temperatures of battery 272 and PCU 263, whether or not the heater is being used, the operating state of water pump 211 or water pump 261, etc. Alternatively, ECU 520 may switch from one communication pattern to the other depending on the state during warming up, the warming time, etc.

[0139] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment employs a ten-way valve as a switching device, unlike the third embodiment which employs six-way valves 380 and 390. The same components as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0140] <Overall structure> 17 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The thermal management system 4 differs from the thermal management system 3 according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 11) in that the thermal management system 4 includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of the thermal management circuit 300 and an ECU 530 instead of the ECU 520.

[0141] The thermal management circuit 400 includes a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and a ten-way valve 480. The ten-way valve 480 is an example of the "switching device" of the present disclosure.

[0142] Chiller 220 is provided in flow path 210c of chiller circuit 210. Flow path 210c is provided to connect chiller circuit 210 and ten-way valve 480. Flow path 210c is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0143] Radiator 231 is provided in flow path 230d. Radiator 231 is provided with grill shutter 232. Flow path 230d is provided to connect radiator 231 and ten-way valve 480. Flow path 230d is an example of the "third flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0144] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 are provided in a flow path 260c of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260c is provided to connect the drive unit circuit 260 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 260c is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0145] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270c of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270c is provided to connect the battery circuit 270 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 270c is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0146] The ECU 530 controls the thermal management circuit 400. The ECU 530 includes a processor 531, a memory 532, a storage 523, and an interface 524.

[0147] <Thermal management circuit configuration> Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the heat management circuit 400 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, a ten-way valve 480 includes ports P50 to P59.

[0148] The heat medium circulating through the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P53), the water pump 211, the chiller 220, and the ten-way valve 480 (port P55).

[0149] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through a path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P56)-water-cooled condenser 251-radiator 231-ten-way valve (port P57).

[0150] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the route of the ten-way valve 480 (port P58), the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the ten-way valve 480 (port P52).

[0151] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P51)--battery 272--ten-way valve 480 (port P54).

[0152] <Connection pattern> 19A and 19B are diagrams showing the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 is rising. Fig. 19A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the first communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 is rising. Fig. 19B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 400.

[0153] In the first communication pattern shown in Figure 19, the ten-way valve 480 forms a path (internal flow path 482) connecting ports P51 and P52, a path (internal flow path 484) connecting ports P53 and P54, a path (internal flow path 483) connecting ports P55 and P56, and a path (internal flow path 481) connecting ports P57 and P58.

[0154] This forms a closed circuit 50 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230d in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, flow path 260c in which PCU 263 and the like are provided, flow path 210c in which chiller 220 and the like are provided, and flow path 270c in which battery 272 and the like are provided. Note that closed circuit 50 formed by the first communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0155] 19(A), ten-way valve 480 has a circular shape when viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the page. Ten-way valve 480 is configured such that a rotor having internal flow paths 481, 482, 483, and 484 within a housing is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise by an actuator (not shown). The actuator is driven by a control command from ECU 530 to rotate the rotor, changing the connection destinations of each port, thereby changing the communication pattern in thermal management circuit 400.

[0156] <Control method of the thermal management circuit> A control method for the thermal management system 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flow diagram showing control of the thermal management system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the flow shown in Fig. 20 is merely an example, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control flow in the third embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0157] In step S2, if ECU 530 determines that the temperature of battery 272 detected by battery temperature sensor 273 is lower than 10° C. (Yes in S2, the process proceeds to S13), or if the temperature of battery 272 is 10° C. or higher (No in S2, the process proceeds to S10).

[0158] In step S13, ECU 530 controls ten-way valve 480 so that thermal management circuit 400 is in the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 19. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S4.

[0159] In step S10, ECU 530 controls ten-way valve 480 to change the communication pattern of heat management circuit 400 from the first communication pattern shown in Fig. 19 to another communication pattern (for example, a communication pattern suitable for running of electric vehicle 1a), and then the process ends.

[0160] The other configurations and effects of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0161] In the above-described fourth embodiment, an example was described in which ten-way valve 480 is controlled to form the first communication pattern when battery 272 is heated, but the method of controlling ten-way valve 480 is not limited to forming the first communication pattern, and instead of the first communication pattern, any one of the second communication pattern, third communication pattern, and fourth communication pattern described below may be formed.

[0162] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 in the fourth embodiment is rising. Fig. 20(A) is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the second communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 is rising. Fig. 20(B) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 400.

[0163] The ten-way valve 480 shown in FIG. 21(A) shows a state in which the rotor has been rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90°) from the state shown in FIG. 19(A).

[0164] In the second communication pattern shown in Figure 21, the ten-way valve 480 forms a path (internal flow path 482) connecting port P51 and port P55, a path (internal flow path 483) connecting port P52 and port P56, a path (internal flow path 484) connecting port P53 and port P57, and a path (internal flow path 481) connecting port P54 and port P58.

[0165] This forms a closed circuit 52 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230d in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, flow path 210c in which chiller 220 and the like are provided, flow path 270c in which battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 260c in which PCU 263 and the like are provided. Note that closed circuit 52 formed by the second communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0166] 22A and 22B are diagrams showing the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the third communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 in the fourth embodiment increases. Fig. 22A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the third communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 increases. Fig. 22B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 400.

[0167] The ten-way valve 480 shown in FIG. 22(A) shows a state in which the rotor has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the state shown in FIG. 21(A).

[0168] In the third communication pattern shown in Figure 22, the ten-way valve 480 forms a path (internal flow path 483) connecting ports P51 and P52, a path (internal flow path 481) connecting ports P53 and P54, a path (internal flow path 482) connecting ports P55 and P56, and a path (internal flow path 484) connecting ports P57 and P58.

[0169] This forms a closed circuit 54 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230d in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, flow path 260c in which PCU 263 and the like are provided, flow path 270c in which battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 210c in which chiller 220 and the like are provided. Note that closed circuit 54 formed by the third communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0170] 23A and 23B are diagrams showing the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the fourth communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 rises in the fourth embodiment. Fig. 23A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management circuit 400 in the fourth communication pattern when the temperature of the battery 272 rises. Fig. 23B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit 400.

[0171] The ten-way valve 480 shown in FIG. 23(A) shows a state in which the rotor has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the state shown in FIG. 22(A).

[0172] In the fourth communication pattern shown in Figure 23, the ten-way valve 480 forms a path (internal flow path 483) connecting ports P51 and P55, a path (internal flow path 482) connecting ports P52 and P56, a path (internal flow path 481) connecting ports P53 and P57, and a path (internal flow path 484) connecting ports P54 and P58.

[0173] This forms a closed circuit 56 having one heat medium path that circulates through flow path 230d in which radiator 231 and the like are provided, flow path 210c in which chiller 220 and the like are provided, flow path 270c in which battery 272 and the like are provided, and flow path 260c in which PCU 263 and the like are provided. Note that closed circuit 56 formed by the fourth communication pattern is an example of a "heating circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0174] This also achieves the effects of the fourth embodiment. The first, second, third, and fourth communication patterns may be switched by controlling ten-way valve 480. ECU 520 may set one of the first, second, third, and fourth communication patterns as the communication pattern to be used when the temperature of battery 272 starts to rise, depending on, for example, the total amount of circulating heat medium, the temperature of battery 272 or PCU 263, whether or not the heater is being used, and the operating state of water pump 211 or water pump 261. Alternatively, ECU 520 may switch from one communication pattern to another depending on the state during temperature rise, the time required for temperature rise, and other conditions.

[0175] In the first to fourth embodiments, the battery temperature control is performed when the electric vehicle 1a starts to drive (when the traveling system is started), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the battery temperature control may be performed so that the battery temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature when external charging, in which the battery is charged using charging power supplied from a charging facility (not shown) external to the electric vehicle, starts. The predetermined temperature is not particularly limited as long as it is within a temperature range in which the battery can be efficiently charged. Alternatively, the battery temperature control may be performed when the charging plug is attached to the electric vehicle 1a and plugged in. Even before plugging in, the battery temperature control may be started, for example, when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled start time of external charging (start of supply of charging power). Furthermore, the battery temperature control may be started when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) has passed since the scheduled start time of the next traveling.

[0176] In the first to fourth embodiments, examples have been shown in which the thermal management system is provided in an electric vehicle, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management system may also be provided in an electric device other than the electric vehicle (for example, a stationary power storage device).

[0177] In the first to fourth embodiments, examples have been shown in which the operating state of the water pump is controlled based on whether the battery temperature or the heat medium temperature is high or low, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to or instead of the above control, control may be performed to switch whether or not heat exchange in the chiller is performed based on whether or not heating is required, or neither control may be performed. Alternatively, for example, during a period in which the water pump is operable, the water pump may be maintained in continuous operation regardless of the result of comparing the battery temperature and the heat medium temperature, or intermittent operation or strong / weak operation may be performed depending on various temperature conditions such as the battery temperature and the heat medium temperature.

[0178] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the thermal management circuit 100 is provided with the high-temperature circuit 110, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management circuit 100 does not have to be provided with the high-temperature circuit 110. Furthermore, the thermal management circuit 200 of the second embodiment, the thermal management circuit 300 of the third embodiment, and the thermal management circuit 400 of the fourth embodiment may be provided with a high-temperature circuit having a function similar to that of the high-temperature circuit 110.

[0179] In the first to fourth embodiments, examples have been described in which the battery temperature increase control is performed when the electric vehicle 1a starts to drive (when the traveling system is started), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the temperature increase control may be performed when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined threshold value (10°C in the above embodiment) rather than when the electric vehicle 1a starts to drive (when the traveling system is started). In this case, the ECU may acquire the detected value of the battery temperature every predetermined period (for example, every hour). Furthermore, the battery temperature increase communication pattern may be formed while the electric vehicle 1a is traveling, and a current larger than normal may be passed through the battery to increase the battery temperature.

[0180] The configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0181] The temperature increase control of the battery 173 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration including the battery 173, a converter 810, an inverter 820, and a motor 830. The battery 173 is connected to the converter 810 via an SMR (System Main Relay) 800. The converter 810 is connected to the inverter 820. The inverter 820 is connected to the motor 830. A discharge circuit 840 including a switch and a resistive element is connected to the battery 173. A smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between the battery 173 and the converter 810. A discharge circuit 860 including a switch and a resistive element is connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 850. Note that FIG. 24 shows the configuration of the first embodiment as a representative example, but the second to fourth embodiments may also have a similar configuration.

[0182] The temperature increase control of the battery 173 may include, for example, control to electrically disconnect the SMR 800 and turn on the switch of the discharge circuit 840. As a result, a current flows through the closed circuit formed by the battery 173 and the discharge circuit 840. The temperature increase control of the battery 173 may also include control to turn off the switch of the discharge circuit 840 and turn on the switches of the SMR 800 and the discharge circuit 860. As a result, a current flows through the closed circuit formed by the battery 173, the SMR 800, and the discharge circuit 860. The temperature increase control of the battery 173 may also include control to turn on the SMR 800 and, with the switches of the discharge circuit 840 and the discharge circuit 860 turned off, to flow a current adjusted so that no torque is generated in the motor 830.

[0183] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1, 2, 3, 4 Thermal management system, 1a Electric vehicle, 10, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 50, 52, 54, 56 Closed circuit, 100, 200, 300, 400 Thermal management circuit, 110 High temperature circuit, 111, 131, 171, 211, 261 Water pump, 112, 172 Electric heater, 113 Three-way valve, 114 Heater core, 115, 136, 265 Reservoir tank, 120, 231 Radiator, 121 High temperature radiator, 122 Low temperature radiator, 124, 232 Grille shutter, 130 Low temperature circuit, 134, 264 Oil cooler, 135 Buck-boost converter, 140, 250 Condenser, 150, 240 Refrigeration cycle, 151, 241 Compressor, 152, 155 Expansion valve, 153, 247 Evaporator, 160, 220 Chiller, 170, 270 Battery circuit, 173, 272 Battery, 174, 230b Bypass flow path, 175, 273 Battery temperature sensor, 176, 274 Heat transfer medium temperature sensor, 180, 190 Five-way valve, 210 Chiller circuit, 230 Radiator circuit, 251 Water-cooled condenser, 252 Air-cooled condenser, 260 Drive unit circuit, 263 PCU, 280 Eight-way valve, 380, 390 Six-way valve, 480 Ten-way valve, 500, 510, 520, 530 ECU.

Claims

1. A thermal management system provided in an electrical device, a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path through which a heat medium can flow; an electricity storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the first flow path; a driving device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electric device; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a chiller device provided in the fourth flow path; a switching device capable of switching a connection state among the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, during a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the power storage device is increased by energizing the power storage device, the switching device forms a temperature increase circuit having one path for the heat medium circulating through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path; The radiator is provided with a shutoff device that can switch between an introduction state in which outside air can be introduced into the radiator and a shutoff state in which the introduction of the outside air is shut off, The thermal management system is configured such that the cutoff device is switched to the cutoff state when the heating circuit is formed.

2. A thermal management system provided in an electrical device, a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path through which a heat medium can flow; an electricity storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the first flow path; a driving device that exchanges heat with the heat medium in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electric device; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a chiller device provided in the fourth flow path; a switching device capable of switching a connection state among the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, during a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the power storage device is increased by energizing the power storage device, the switching device forms a temperature increase circuit having one path for the heat medium circulating through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path; The thermal management system includes: a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the power storage device; a second temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heat medium in the first flow path; a pump that circulates the heat medium in the temperature increasing circuit, When the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is higher than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor during the temperature increase in a state in which the temperature increase circuit is formed, the pump is stopped; A thermal management system in which the pump is driven when the measurement value of the first temperature sensor is equal to or less than the measurement value of the second temperature sensor during the temperature rise in a state in which the temperature rise circuit is formed.

3. The electrical device is an electric vehicle, The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature increase of the power storage device is performed when a driving system of the electric vehicle is started up.

4. the power storage device is configured to be externally chargeable by being charged with charging power supplied from a charging facility external to the electrical device, The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature of the power storage device is increased so that the temperature of the power storage device becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature when the external charging is started.

5. The electrical device is an electric vehicle, the chiller device is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts a room temperature of the electric vehicle; The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the switching device forms the heating circuit when a heating request using the air conditioning circuit is made during the heating of the power storage device.

Images