Energy storage device temperature control system

Abstract

To provide a power storage device temperature adjustment system which is excellent in both heating efficiency and cooling efficiency.SOLUTION: A power storage device temperature adjustment system (1) includes a first circulation passage (10) in which a first heat medium circulates, a second circulation passage (20) in which a second heat medium having heat capacity smaller than that of the first heat medium circulates, a first heat exchanger (12), and a second heat exchanger (22). In a cooling mode, the first head medium is circulated so as to pass through the first heat exchanger (12), the second heat exchanger (22) and a power storage device (96), and the second heat medium is circulated so as to pass through the second heat exchanger (22) and a rotary electric machine (91). In a heating mode, the second heat medium is circulated so as to pass through the rotary electric machine (91) and the power storage device (96).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage device temperature adjustment system.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine for driving wheels and a power storage device connected to the rotating electric machine, a power storage device temperature adjustment system is used to adjust the temperature of the power storage device. An example of such a power storage device temperature adjustment system is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-29329 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the power storage device temperature adjustment system (battery cooling system 1) of Patent Document 1, both cooling and warming of the power storage device (battery unit 20) are performed in a circulation path (cooling circuit 10) using drive system oil as a heat medium.

[0004] However, since the drive system oil has a relatively small specific heat and accordingly a relatively small heat capacity, there is a problem that the cooling efficiency is poor although the heating efficiency is good.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desired to realize a power storage device temperature adjustment system excellent in both heating efficiency and cooling efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The power storage device temperature adjustment system according to the present disclosure is A temperature control system for a power storage device installed in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive system comprising a rotating electric machine for driving wheels and a power storage device connected to the rotating electric machine, A first circulation path through which the first heat transfer medium circulates, A second circulation path through which a second heat medium having a smaller heat capacity than the first heat medium circulates, A first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the outside air, A second heat exchanger capable of performing heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium, The system comprises a flow path control unit that controls the path of the first heat medium in the first circulation path and the path of the second heat medium in the second circulation path, The flow path control unit is capable of performing a cooling mode for cooling the energy storage device and a heating mode for heating the energy storage device. In the cooling mode, it circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the energy storage device, and circulates the second heat medium through the second heat exchanger and the rotating electric machine. In the heating mode, it circulates the second heat medium through the rotating electric machine and the energy storage device.

[0008] With this configuration, in cooling mode, a first heat transfer medium with a large heat capacity and low temperature rise is used to cool the first heat transfer medium through heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, and the energy storage device can be efficiently cooled by the cooled first heat transfer medium. In addition, the second heat transfer medium is cooled through heat exchange with the first heat transfer medium in the second heat exchanger, and the rotating electric machine can be cooled by the cooled second heat transfer medium. Therefore, the necessary parts of the vehicle drive system can be appropriately cooled. On the other hand, in heating mode, a second heat transfer medium with a small heat capacity and high temperature rise is used to easily raise the temperature of the second heat transfer medium by the heat generated by the rotating electric machine, and the energy storage device can be heated with the heat received. Therefore, even in situations where the temperature of the first heat transfer medium is low, such as immediately after starting the vehicle drive system, the energy storage device can be warmed up quickly. Thus, with this configuration, an energy storage device temperature control system with excellent heating efficiency and cooling efficiency can be realized.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a battery storage temperature control system. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the energy storage device temperature control system. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of an energy storage device [Figure 4] Diagram showing the operating state in cooling mode. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the operating state in heating mode. [Figure 6] Block diagram of a temperature control system for an energy storage device in a different configuration. [Figure 7] Block diagram of a temperature control system for an energy storage device in a different configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] An embodiment of the energy storage device temperature control system will be described with reference to the drawings. The energy storage device temperature control system 1 of this embodiment is an on-board energy storage device temperature control system used in a vehicle V, for example, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the vehicle V is an electric vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive system 9 comprising a rotating electric machine 91 for driving the wheels W and an energy storage device 96 connected to the rotating electric machine 91.

[0012] The vehicle drive system 9 mounted on vehicle V comprises a rotating electric machine 91, a transmission mechanism 92, an output member 93, and an energy storage device 96.

[0013] The rotating electric machine 91 functions as a driving force source for the wheel W. The rotating electric machine 91 includes a stator fixed to the drive device case and a rotor rotatably supported inside the stator in the radial direction. The rotating electric machine 91 is electrically connected to the power storage device 96 via the rotating electric machine control unit 95. The rotating electric machine 91 receives power supply from the power storage device 96 and performs power running, or supplies the power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle or the like to the power storage device 96 for power storage.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine 91 is an AC motor driven by three-phase alternating current, and the rotating electric machine control unit 95 is an inverter unit including, for example, switching elements, smoothing capacitors, a control board, and the like.

[0015] The power storage device 96 is, for example, a secondary battery (battery) such as a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage device 96 may be a combination of a secondary battery and a capacitor. The power storage device 96 of the present embodiment has a plurality of power storage units 96A for storing power and a case 96B covering these plurality of power storage units 96A (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as the power storage device 96, and in this case, the power storage unit 96A is a battery cell. The plurality of power storage units 96A are aligned adjacent to each other and housed in the case 96B. In the present embodiment, the power storage device 96 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a predetermined length, width, and height (more specifically, a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape with a height shorter than the length and width).

[0016] The rotating electric machine 91 is drivingly connected to the transmission mechanism 92. The transmission mechanism 92 transmits the driving force of the rotating electric machine 91 to the wheel W side. The transmission mechanism 92 includes at least one of, for example, a fixed gear transmission mechanism, a stepped or continuously variable automatic transmission mechanism, a counter gear mechanism, and a differential gear mechanism. The transmission mechanism 92 is drivingly connected to a pair of output members 93, and is drivingly connected to the left and right pair of wheels W via the output members 93.

[0017] The battery temperature adjustment system 1 is provided in a vehicle V equipped with such a vehicle drive device 9 to cool a rotating electric machine 91 and a battery 96 that generate heat during driving, or to heat the battery 96 that has become low-temperature during a long-time stop immediately after startup.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery temperature adjustment system 1 includes two heat medium circulation paths, a first circulation path 10 through which a first heat medium circulates and a second circulation path 20 through which a second heat medium different from the first heat medium circulates. The first circulation path 10 and the second circulation path 20 are configured as independent flow paths. Further, the battery temperature adjustment system 1 includes a first heat exchanger 12, a first pump 13, a second heat exchanger 22, a second pump 23, and a flow path control unit 40.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the first heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 10 is a heat medium mainly used for cooling an object, and an aqueous heat medium is used. More specifically, the first heat medium is an antifreeze also called LLC (Long Life Coolant), which is a liquid mainly composed of ethylene glycol. The density, viscosity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity of the first heat medium are not particularly limited, but for example, they can be 0.95 to 1.0 g / cm 3 , 0.4 to 0.5 mPa·s, 4 to 5 J / g·K, and 0.5 to 0.7 W / m·K. Further, the flow rate of the first heat medium is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be 8 to 12 L / min.

[0020] In addition, as the second heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 20, in the present embodiment, the drive system oil supplied to the transmission mechanism 92 of the vehicle drive device 9 is used. More specifically, the second heat medium is an ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) enclosed in the vehicle drive device 9 for the purpose of reducing friction and wear and improving fuel consumption performance. The density, viscosity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity of the second heat medium are not particularly limited, but for example, they can be 0.75 to 0.8 g / cm 3The pressure can be 2.5-3 mPa·s, 2-2.5 J / g·K, and 0.1-0.15 W / m·K. Furthermore, the flow rate of the second heat transfer medium is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 5-6 L / min.

[0021] The specific heat of the second heat medium is smaller than that of the first heat medium. The specific heat of the second heat medium is, for example, 0.8 times or less, and more preferably 0.6 times or less, of the specific heat of the first heat medium. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the second heat medium is smaller than that of the first heat medium. The flow rate of the second heat medium is, for example, 0.8 times or less, and more preferably 0.6 times or less, of the flow rate of the first heat medium. Thus, in this embodiment, the second heat medium has a smaller specific heat and flow rate than the first heat medium, resulting in a smaller heat capacity (= specific heat × flow rate) than the first heat medium.

[0022] The first circulation path 10 through which the first heat transfer medium circulates has a main circulation path 11 and a branch path 16 branching off from the main circulation path 11. The main circulation path 11 is provided with a first heat exchanger 12 and a first pump 13. The main circulation path 11 is also configured to pass through a rotating electric motor control unit 95 and a second heat exchanger 22 provided in the second circulation path 20. The first pump 13, the first heat exchanger 12, the rotating electric motor control unit 95, and the second heat exchanger 22 are provided in the order described above along the flow direction of the first heat transfer medium.

[0023] The first heat exchanger 12 performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the outside air. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 is a radiator and cools the first heat medium by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the outside air. The first pump 13 sucks in and discharges the first heat medium, circulating it in the first circulation path 10. The first pump 13 may be either an electric pump or a mechanical pump.

[0024] The branch line 16 is connected to the main circulation line 11 via three-way valves 14 and 15. The three-way valves 14 and 15 are provided separately on the upstream and downstream sides of the first heat exchanger 12, and the branch line 16 is connected in parallel to the portion of the main circulation line 11 that passes through the first heat exchanger 12. The branch line 16 is provided to pass through the energy storage device 96. In this embodiment, the branch line 16, which constitutes a part of the first circulation line 10, has a heat medium passage 16A inside the first energy storage device. This heat medium passage 16A inside the first energy storage device is arranged inside the case 96B of the energy storage device 96 (see Figure 3). The heat medium passage 16A inside the first energy storage device is arranged inside the case 96B of the energy storage device 96 in contact with a plurality of energy storage units 96A.

[0025] The three-way valve 14 can switch between a state in which only the first heat medium flowing from the second heat exchanger 22 flows to the first heat exchanger 12, and a state in which the first heat medium flowing from both the second heat exchanger 22 and the energy storage device 96 flows to the first heat exchanger 12. The three-way valve 15 can switch between a state in which the first heat medium flowing from the first heat exchanger 12 flows only to the second heat exchanger 22 side, and a state in which it flows to both the second heat exchanger 22 side and the energy storage device 96. The respective states of the three-way valves 14 and 15 are switched by the flow path control unit 40.

[0026] The second circulation path 20 through which the second heat transfer medium circulates has a main circulation path 21 and a branch path 26 branching off from the main circulation path 21. The main circulation path 21 is equipped with a second heat exchanger 22 and a second pump 23. The main circulation path 21 is also arranged to pass through a rotating electric machine 91. The second pump 23, the second heat exchanger 22, and the rotating electric machine 91 are arranged in the order described above along the flow direction of the second heat transfer medium.

[0027] The second heat exchanger 22 is capable of performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Both the first circulation path 10 and the second circulation path 20 pass through the second heat exchanger 22, and heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium occurs when both are flowing. However, if only the first heat medium is flowing through the second heat exchanger 22 and the second heat medium is not flowing, heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium will not occur. In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 22 is an oil cooler in which drive system oil is used as the second heat medium, and the second heat medium can be cooled by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0028] The second pump 23 suctions and discharges the second heat transfer medium, circulating it within the second circulation path 20. The second pump 23 may be either an electric pump or a mechanical pump.

[0029] The branch line 26 is connected to the main circulation line 21 via three-way valves 24 and 25. The three-way valves 24 and 25 are provided separately on the upstream and downstream sides of the second heat exchanger 22, and the branch line 26 is connected in parallel to the portion of the main circulation line 21 that passes through the second heat exchanger 22. The branch line 26 is provided to pass through the energy storage device 96. In this embodiment, the branch line 26, which constitutes a part of the second circulation line 20, has a heat transfer medium passage 26A inside the second energy storage device. This heat transfer medium passage 26A inside the second energy storage device is arranged inside the case 96B of the energy storage device 96 (see Figure 3). The heat transfer medium passage 26A inside the second energy storage device is arranged inside the case 96B of the energy storage device 96 in contact with a plurality of energy storage units 96A.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the first internal heat transfer medium 16A and the second internal heat transfer medium 26A are arranged separately on either side of the energy storage unit 96A within the case 96B of the energy storage device 96. In this embodiment, the first internal heat transfer medium 16A and the second internal heat transfer medium 26A are arranged separately on either side of the energy storage unit 96A in the height direction, flanking a plurality of energy storage units 96A that form a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The first internal heat transfer medium 16A is arranged in a meandering manner along the lower surface of the plurality of energy storage units 96A that are aligned adjacent to each other and arranged planarly, and the second internal heat transfer medium 26A is arranged in a meandering manner along the upper surface. In this embodiment, the direction of extension of the straight portion of the meandering first internal heat transfer medium 16A and the direction of extension of the straight portion of the meandering second internal heat transfer medium 26A are orthogonal to each other.

[0031] The three-way valve 24 can switch between a state in which the second heat transfer medium flowing from the second pump 23 flows to the second heat exchanger 22 and a state in which it flows to the energy storage device 96. The three-way valve 15 can switch between a state in which the second heat transfer medium flowing from the second heat exchanger 22 flows to the rotating electric machine 91 and a state in which the second heat transfer medium flowing from the energy storage device 96 flows to the rotating electric machine 91. The respective states of the three-way valves 24 and 25 are switched by the flow path control unit 40.

[0032] The flow path control unit 40 controls the flow path of the first heat medium in the first circulation path 10 and the flow path of the second heat medium in the second circulation path 20, according to the operating mode. Here, the operating modes that the energy storage device temperature control system 1 can perform include a cooling mode and a heating mode. The cooling mode is an operating mode for cooling the energy storage device 96. In this embodiment, in addition to the energy storage device 96, the rotating electric machine control unit 95 and the rotating electric machine 91 are also cooled in the cooling mode. The heating mode is an operating mode for heating the energy storage device 96. In this embodiment, the cooling of the rotating electric machine control unit 95 is continued even in the heating mode.

[0033] The operating mode is determined, for example, based on the temperature of the energy storage device 96. As an example, the temperature of the energy storage device 96 can be monitored using a temperature sensor, and a cooling mode can be selected when the temperature of the energy storage device 96 is above a predetermined reference temperature, and a heating mode can be selected when the temperature of the energy storage device 96 is below the reference temperature.

[0034] The flow path control unit 40 controls the flow path of the first heat transfer medium and the flow path of the second heat transfer medium by individually controlling the state of the three-way valves 14, 15, 24, and 25 according to the operating mode.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the operating state in cooling mode. In cooling mode, the flow path control unit 40 sets the three-way valve 14 to a state where all three ports are in communication, and the three-way valve 15 to a state where all three ports are in communication. In addition, the flow path control unit 40 sets the three-way valve 24 to a state where only two of its three ports, the one on the second pump 23 side and the one on the second heat exchanger 22 side, are in communication, and the three-way valve 25 to a state where only two of its three ports, the one on the second heat exchanger 22 side and the one on the rotating electric machine 91 side, are in communication.

[0036] As a result, in cooling mode, the first heat transfer medium circulates through the first circulation path 10, passing through the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 22, the rotating electric machine control unit 95, and the energy storage device 96. The first heat transfer medium discharged from the first pump 13 is cooled by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 12, and then splits into two branches at the three-way valve 15 to cool the energy storage device 96 and the rotating electric machine control unit 95 (switching elements, control board, etc.). After cooling the rotating electric machine control unit 95, the first heat transfer medium cools the second heat transfer medium in the second circulation path 20 by heat exchange with the second heat transfer medium at the second heat exchanger 22. Having increased in temperature by cooling the energy storage device 96, the rotating electric machine control unit 95, and the second heat transfer medium, the first heat transfer medium merges at the three-way valve 14, is drawn into the first pump 13, and discharged again. By repeating this process, the rotating electric machine control unit 95 and the energy storage device 96 can be efficiently cooled using the first heat transfer medium, which has a relatively large heat capacity.

[0037] In cooling mode, the second heat transfer medium circulates through the second circulation path 20, passing through the second heat exchanger 22 and the rotating electric machine 91. The second heat transfer medium discharged from the second pump 23 is cooled in the second heat exchanger 22 by heat exchange with the first heat transfer medium in the first circulation path 10. The cooled second heat transfer medium is then supplied to the rotating electric machine 91 to cool the rotating electric machine 91 (coils, permanent magnets embedded in the rotor, etc.). Having increased in temperature due to the cooling of the rotating electric machine 91, the second heat transfer medium is drawn into the second pump 23 and discharged again. By repeating this process, the rotating electric machine 91 can be appropriately cooled using the second heat transfer medium sealed within the vehicle drive unit 9, while simultaneously cooling it through heat exchange with the first heat transfer medium.

[0038] In this way, in cooling mode, the first circulation path 10 and the second circulation path 20 work together to properly cool the necessary parts of the vehicle drive unit 9 (parts that require cooling to prevent failures or maintain performance).

[0039] In this embodiment, only the first heat medium, which has been sufficiently cooled by the first heat exchanger 12, is supplied to the energy storage device 96, and the second heat medium, which has risen in temperature by cooling the rotating electric machine 91, is not supplied, so that the energy storage device 96 can be cooled efficiently.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the operating state in heating mode. In heating mode, the flow path control unit 40 sets the three-way valve 14 so that only two of its three ports, the second heat exchanger 22 side and the first pump 13 side, are in communication, and the three-way valve 15 so that only two of its three ports, the first heat exchanger 12 side and the rotating electric machine control unit 95 side, are in communication. In addition, the flow path control unit 40 sets the three-way valve 24 so that only two of its three ports, the second pump 23 side and the energy storage device 96 side, are in communication, and the three-way valve 25 so that only two of its three ports, the energy storage device 96 side and the rotating electric machine 91 side, are in communication.

[0041] As a result, in heating mode, the first heat transfer medium circulates in the first circulation path 10, passing through the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 22, and the rotating electric machine control unit 95. The first heat transfer medium discharged from the first pump 13 is cooled by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 12, and then supplied to the rotating electric machine control unit 95 to cool the unit. After cooling the rotating electric machine control unit 95, the first heat transfer medium is supplied to the second heat exchanger 22, but in heating mode, the second heat transfer medium is not supplied to the second heat exchanger 22, so the first heat transfer medium passes directly through the second heat exchanger 22. After that, the first heat transfer medium is drawn into the first pump 13 and discharged again. By repeating this process, the rotating electric machine control unit 95, which requires constant cooling, can be efficiently cooled using the first heat transfer medium, which has a relatively large heat capacity.

[0042] In addition, in heating mode, the second heat transfer medium circulates through the second circulation path 20, passing through the rotating electric machine 91 and the energy storage device 96. The second heat transfer medium supplied to the rotating electric machine 91 cools the machine and increases in temperature. The heated second heat transfer medium is discharged by the second pump 23 and supplied to the energy storage device 96, heating the energy storage device 96. By repeating this process, the energy storage device 96 can be warmed up quickly using the second heat transfer medium, which is sealed inside the vehicle drive unit 9 and has a small heat capacity and easily rises in temperature.

[0043] In this embodiment, only the second heat transfer medium, whose temperature has risen by cooling the rotating electric machine 91, is supplied to the energy storage device 96, and the first heat transfer medium, which has been cooled by the first heat exchanger 12, is not supplied, so that the energy storage device 96 can be warmed up efficiently.

[0044] Thus, the energy storage device temperature control system 1 of this embodiment is A vehicle drive system 9 is installed on a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle drive system 9 comprising a rotating electric machine 91 for driving wheels W and a power storage device 96 connected to the rotating electric machine 91, and a power storage device temperature control system 1 is provided on the vehicle V. A first circulation path 10 through which the first heat transfer medium circulates, A second circulation path 20 through which a second heat medium, having a smaller heat capacity than the first heat medium, circulates, A first heat exchanger 12 performs heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the outside air, A second heat exchanger 22 capable of performing heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium, The system includes a flow path control unit 40 that controls the path of the first heat medium in the first circulation path 10 and the path of the second heat medium in the second circulation path 20. The flow path control unit 40 is capable of performing a cooling mode for cooling the energy storage device 96 and a heating mode for heating the energy storage device 96. In the cooling mode, it circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 22, and the energy storage device 96, and circulates the second heat medium through the second heat exchanger 22 and the rotating electric machine 91. In the heating mode, it circulates the second heat medium through the rotating electric machine 91 and the energy storage device 96.

[0045] With this configuration, in cooling mode, a first heat medium with a large heat capacity and low temperature rise rate is used to cool the first heat medium in the first heat exchanger 12 through heat exchange with the outside air, and the energy storage device 96 can be efficiently cooled by the cooled first heat medium. In addition, the second heat medium is cooled in the second heat exchanger 22 through heat exchange with the first heat medium, and the rotating electric machine 91 can be cooled by the cooled second heat medium. Therefore, the necessary parts of the vehicle drive unit 9 can be appropriately cooled. On the other hand, in heating mode, a second heat medium with a small heat capacity and high temperature rise rate is used to easily raise the temperature of the second heat medium by the heat generated by the rotating electric machine 91, and the energy storage device 96 can be heated with the heat received. Therefore, even in situations where the temperature of the first heat medium is low, such as immediately after starting the vehicle drive unit 9, the energy storage device 96 can be warmed up quickly. Thus, with this configuration, an energy storage device temperature control system 1 with excellent heating efficiency and cooling efficiency can be realized.

[0046] Here, The energy storage device 96 has an energy storage unit 96A for storing electricity, The first circulation path 10 has a first internal heat transfer medium path 16A that passes through the case 96B of the energy storage device 96. The second circulation path 20 has a second internal heat transfer medium path 26A that passes through the case 96B of the energy storage device 96. It is preferable that the heat transfer medium passage 16A within the first energy storage device and the heat transfer medium passage 26A within the second energy storage device are arranged separately on either side of the energy storage unit 96A.

[0047] This configuration allows for minimizing the influence of the second heat medium during heat exchange between the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium path and the energy storage unit 96A. Similarly, it allows for minimizing the influence of the first heat medium during heat exchange between the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium path and the energy storage unit 96A. Therefore, it is easier to achieve high heating and cooling efficiency.

[0048] Also, The vehicle drive system 9 further comprises a rotary electric machine control unit 95 that controls the rotary electric machine 91, Preferably, in cooling mode, the flow path control unit 40 circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 22, the energy storage device 96, and the rotating electric machine control unit 95, and in heating mode, it circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger 12 and the rotating electric machine control unit 95.

[0049] With this configuration, the rotating electric machine control unit 95, which contains many relatively heat-sensitive components, can be properly cooled by the first heat transfer medium cooled by the first heat exchanger 12, regardless of whether it is in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0050] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the energy storage unit 96A is directly heated by the second heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 20 in the heating mode was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the energy storage unit 96A may be heated indirectly using the second heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 20. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a third circulation path 30 is provided alongside the energy storage device 96, arranged along the energy storage unit 96A and through which the insulating heat medium circulates. The energy storage device temperature control system 1 is equipped with a third heat exchanger 32 that performs heat exchange between the insulating heat medium and the second heat medium. The insulating heat medium is a heat medium with excellent electrical insulation properties, and for example, a fluorine-based inert liquid is used.

[0051] Thus, The energy storage device 96 includes an energy storage unit 96A for storing power, and a third circulation path 30 arranged along the energy storage unit 96A through which an insulating heat medium circulates. It is preferable to further include a third heat exchanger 32 that performs heat exchange between the insulating heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0052] With this configuration, the third heat exchanger 32 raises the temperature of the insulating heat medium through heat exchange with the second heat medium, and the energy storage unit 96A can be heated by the heated insulating heat medium. By using the insulating heat medium, the energy storage device 96 can be efficiently heated by bringing the insulating heat medium into contact with various electrical components included in the energy storage device 96, such as electrodes and contacts of the energy storage unit 96A, thereby increasing the heating efficiency.

[0053] (2) In the above embodiment, the second heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 20 may also be used to heat other in-vehicle components besides the energy storage device 96 in heating mode. In this case, for example as shown in Figure 7, the second circulation path 20 may have a connecting path 36 connected to the main circulation path 21 via three-way valves 34 and 35, and a fourth heat exchanger 37 may be provided in this connecting path 36. The fourth heat exchanger 37 is provided in an in-vehicle device installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle V. The in-vehicle device is not particularly limited, but examples include an air conditioner, seats, steering wheel, etc., installed in the passenger compartment. In heating mode, the flow path control unit 40 controls the state of the three-way valves 34 and 35 to circulate the second heat medium so that it passes through the rotating electric machine 91 and the energy storage device 96, as well as the fourth heat exchanger 37.

[0054] Thus, The vehicle V is further equipped with a fourth heat exchanger 37 that performs heat exchange with in-cabin equipment located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In heating mode, the flow path control unit 40 preferably circulates the second heat transfer medium through the fourth heat exchanger 37 in addition to the rotating electric machine 91 and the energy storage device 96.

[0055] With this configuration, in heating mode, the second heat transfer medium, which easily increases in temperature, can raise the temperature of the in-cabin equipment in addition to the energy storage device 96. Therefore, the energy storage device 96 and the in-cabin equipment can be warmed up quickly, for example, immediately after starting the vehicle's drive system 9.

[0056] (3) In the above embodiment, the first energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 16A and the second energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 26A were described as being arranged separately on both sides in the height direction of the energy storage unit 96A, with the energy storage unit 96A in between, within the case 96B of the rectangular parallelepiped energy storage device 96. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the first energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 16A and the second energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 26A may be arranged separately on both sides in the length direction or width direction of the energy storage unit 96A, with the energy storage unit 96A in between. Alternatively, the first energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 16A and the second energy storage device's internal heat transfer medium 26A may be arranged along surfaces that intersect each other, such as the top surface and side surface of the energy storage unit 96A.

[0057] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as one in which a second heat medium having a specific heat smaller than that of the first heat medium is used, and the flow rate of the second heat medium is set to be smaller than that of the first heat medium. However, the configuration is not limited to such one, and as long as the heat capacity (= specific heat × flow rate) of the second heat medium is smaller than that of the first heat medium, for example, the flow rate of the second heat medium may be equal to or greater than that of the first heat medium. The same can be said for specific heat, but it is preferable that the specific heat of the second heat medium is smaller than that of the first heat medium.

[0058] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the operating mode is determined based on the temperature of the energy storage device 96 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the operating mode may be determined based on at least one of the temperature of the rotating electric machine 91 and the temperature of the rotating electric machine control unit 95, in addition to the temperature of the energy storage device 96.

[0059] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which there are two operational modes that can be performed in the energy storage device temperature control system 1 is described as an example. However, the system is not limited to such a configuration, and other operational modes other than the cooling mode and heating mode (for example, a standby mode in which neither heating nor cooling is performed) may be selectable. In this case, for example, the cooling mode may be selected when the temperature of the energy storage device 96 is equal to or above a predetermined first reference temperature, and the heating mode may be selected when the temperature of the energy storage device 96 is below a predetermined second reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature.

[0060] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a second pump 23 is used to circulate the second heat medium in the second circulation path 20 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the second heat medium may be scraped up by a gear provided in the transmission mechanism 92 (for example, an input gear of a differential gear device, sometimes called a differential ring gear), and the second heat medium may be circulated using the difference in water head. In this case, for example, a storage chamber (catch tank, etc.) is provided to temporarily store the scraped-up second heat medium, and the second heat exchanger 22 is configured to perform heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium in the storage chamber.

[0061] (8) In the above embodiment, the energy storage device temperature control system 1 used in a front-wheel drive vehicle V was described as an example. However, the energy storage device temperature control system 1 is not limited to such a configuration and can be similarly installed and used in a rear-wheel drive vehicle V or a four-wheel drive vehicle V.

[0062] (9) In the above embodiment, the energy storage device temperature control system 1 used in an electric vehicle was described as an example. However, the energy storage device temperature control system 1 is not limited to such a configuration and can be similarly installed and used in a hybrid vehicle.

[0063] (10) The configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, insofar as they do not cause a conflict. With respect to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1: Energy storage device temperature control system, 9: Vehicle drive system, 10: First circulation path, 11: Main circulation path, 12: First heat exchanger, 13: First pump, 14: Three-way valve, 15: Three-way valve, 16: Branch path, 16A: Heat transfer medium path inside the first energy storage device, 20: Second circulation path, 21: Main circulation path, 22: Second heat exchanger, 23: Second pump, 24: Three-way valve, 25: Three-way valve, 26: Minutes Crossroads, 26A: Heat transfer medium path in the second energy storage device, 30: Third circulation path, 32: Third heat exchanger, 34: Three-way valve, 35: Three-way valve, 36: Connecting path, 37: Fourth heat exchanger, 40: Flow path control unit, 91: Rotating electric machine, 92: Transmission mechanism, 93: Output component, 95: Rotating electric machine control unit, 96: Energy storage device, 96A: Energy storage unit, 96B: Case, V: Vehicle, W: Wheels

Claims

1. A temperature control system for a power storage device installed in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive system comprising a rotating electric machine for driving wheels and a power storage device connected to the rotating electric machine, A first circulation path through which the first heat transfer medium circulates, A second circulation path through which a second heat medium having a smaller heat capacity than the first heat medium circulates, A first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the outside air, A second heat exchanger capable of performing heat exchange between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium, The system comprises a flow path control unit that controls the path of the first heat medium in the first circulation path and the path of the second heat medium in the second circulation path, The flow path control unit is capable of performing a cooling mode for cooling the energy storage device and a heating mode for heating the energy storage device, wherein in the cooling mode, the first heat medium is circulated so as to pass through the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the energy storage device, and the second heat medium is circulated so as to pass through the second heat exchanger and the rotating electric machine, and in the heating mode, the second heat medium is circulated so as to pass through the rotating electric machine and the energy storage device, an energy storage device temperature control system.

2. The aforementioned energy storage device has an energy storage unit for storing electricity, The first circulation path has a first internal heat transfer medium path that passes through the case of the energy storage device, The second circulation path has a second internal heat transfer medium path that passes through the case of the energy storage device, The energy storage device temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer medium path within the first energy storage device and the heat transfer medium path within the second energy storage device are arranged separately on both sides of the energy storage unit.

3. The energy storage device comprises an energy storage unit for storing electricity and a third circulation path arranged along the energy storage unit through which an insulating heat medium circulates. The energy storage device temperature control system according to claim 1, further comprising a third heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the insulating heat medium and the second heat medium.

4. The vehicle drive system further comprises a rotating electric machine control unit for controlling the rotating electric machine, The energy storage device temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path control unit circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the energy storage device, and the rotating electric machine control unit in the cooling mode, and circulates the first heat medium through the first heat exchanger and the rotating electric machine control unit in the heating mode.

5. The vehicle is further equipped with a fourth heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with in-cabin equipment located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. The energy storage device temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path control unit circulates the second heat medium through the fourth heat exchanger in addition to the rotating electric machine and the energy storage device in the heating mode.

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