Thermal management system

Abstract

To provide a thermal management system that can properly manage a temperature of a power storage device.SOLUTION: A thermal management system 1 is provided with: a power storage device 173 provided in a first flow path 170b; a driving device 133 provided in a second flow path 130b; a radiator 122 provided in a third flow path 130a; a chiller 160 provided in a fourth flow path 170a; and switching units 180 and 190. When a temperature of the power storage device 173 is a first set temperature or higher and a second set temperature or lower, the switching units separate the first flow path 170b from the other flow paths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-154767 discloses a thermal management system mounted on an electric vehicle. The thermal management system includes a power storage device (battery), a PCU (Power Control Unit), and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the thermal management system as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-154767, it is desirable to appropriately manage the temperature of the power storage device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system capable of appropriately managing the temperature of a power storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management system provided in an electrical device, comprising: a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the first channel; a drive device that exchanges heat with the second channel and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator provided in the third channel; a chiller provided in the fourth channel; a switching device that can switch the connection state of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel; and a control device that can control the switching device, wherein the control device controls the switching device so that the first channel is in an isolated mode, isolated from the other channels, when the temperature of the energy storage device is above a first set temperature and below a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature.

[0007] The first and second set temperatures are set within a range that allows the energy storage device to fully utilize its capabilities. Each set temperature may be updated by machine learning based on ambient temperature, etc.

[0008] Furthermore, a thermal management system according to other aspects of the present disclosure is a thermal management system provided in an electrical device, comprising: a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the first channel; a drive device that exchanges heat with the second channel and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator provided in the third channel; a chiller provided in the fourth channel; and a switching device that can switch the connection state of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel, wherein the switching device can switch between a heat storage mode and a defrosting mode, the heat storage mode being a mode in which the first channel is disconnected from the other channels, a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates only through the second channel, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the third channel and the fourth channel; and the defrosting mode being a mode in which the first channel is disconnected from the other channels, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates at least through the second channel and the third channel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal management system that can appropriately control the temperature of an energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management system in the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit in a thermal management system. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows an example of a disconnection mode for a thermal management circuit. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a disconnection mode of the thermal management circuit in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4(B) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 4(A). [Figure 5] This figure schematically illustrates an example of a disconnection mode for a thermal management system in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat storage mode of the heat management circuit in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a defrosting mode of the heat management circuit in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heat storage mode of the heat management circuit in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a defrosting mode of the heat management circuit in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] The following description will use an example of a configuration in which the thermal management system according to this disclosure is installed in an electric vehicle (not shown). The electric vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery 173 for driving, such as an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle). The electric vehicle may also 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 this disclosure is not limited to vehicles. Note that the electric vehicle is an example of "electrical equipment" in this disclosure.

[0013] [First Embodiment] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The thermal management system 1 comprises a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and a human-machine interface (HMI) 600. The ECU 500 is an example of a "control device" in this disclosure.

[0014] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured to have a medium (such as water) through which heat is exchanged. As shown in Figure 1, 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. The five-way valves 180 and 190 are examples of the "switching device" of this disclosure.

[0015] 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, a reservoir tank (R / T) 115, and a heat transfer medium (such as water) not shown.

[0016] The radiator 120 is connected (i.e., shared) to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. The radiator 120 includes a high-temperature (HT: High Temperature) radiator 121 (see FIG. 2) and a low-temperature (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 122 (see FIG. 2). Note that the low-temperature radiator 122 is an example of the "radiator" of the present disclosure.

[0017] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU: Smart Power Unit) 132, a power control unit (PCU: Power Control Unit) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a buck-boost converter 135, a reservoir tank 136, and a heat transfer medium (such as water, etc.) not shown in the figure. Note that the PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are examples of the "drive device" of the present disclosure.

[0018] The capacitor 140 is connected to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0019] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR: Evaporative Pressure Regulator) 154, an expansion valve 155, and a working medium (such as water or a medium with a lower boiling point than water, etc.) not shown in the figure.

[0020] The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170.

[0021] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass flow path 174, a battery temperature sensor 175, and a heat transfer medium temperature sensor 176. Note that the water pump 171 and the battery 173 are examples of the "pump" and the "power storage device" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0022] Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170, respectively. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 is explained in detail in Figure 2.

[0023] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, memory 502, storage 503, and interface 504.

[0024] The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The memory 502 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 503 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage 503 stores a system program including the OS (Operating System) and a control program including computer-readable code necessary for control calculations. The processor 501 performs various processes by reading the system program and the control program, loading 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.

[0025] The ECU 500 generates control commands based on sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 100 (for example, the battery temperature sensor 175) and user operations received by the HMI 600, and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may be divided into multiple ECUs for each function. Also, although Figure 1 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 storage 503.

[0026] In this specification, "processor" is not limited to processors that execute processing using stored-program methods, but may also include hardwired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be interpreted as processing circuitry in which processing is predefined by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuits.

[0027] The HMI600 consists of a touchscreen display, control panel, console, etc. The HMI600 receives user input to control the thermal management system 1. The HMI600 outputs signals indicating user input to the ECU500.

[0028] <Configuration of the thermal management circuit> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the high-temperature circuit 110 has a flow path 110a connecting the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, high-temperature radiator 121, reservoir tank 115 and water pump 111 in that order, and a flow path 110b connecting the three-way valve 113, heater core 114 and reservoir tank 115 in that order.

[0029] In the high-temperature circuit 110, the heat transfer medium (e.g., water) flows through at least one of two paths: a first path circulating in the order of water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - heater core 114 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111, and a second path circulating in the order of water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - high-temperature radiator 121 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111. The three-way valve 113 switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium so that it flows through at least one of the first and second paths.

[0030] The water pump 111 circulates the heat transfer medium within the high-temperature circuit 110 according to control commands from the ECU 500. The condenser 140 exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium and the working fluid in the refrigeration cycle 150. The electric heater 112 heats the heat transfer medium. The heater core 114 heats the air supplied to the passenger compartment (not shown) of the electric vehicle with the heat transfer medium. The reservoir tank 115 maintains the pressure and volume of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature circuit 110 by storing a portion of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature circuit 110.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the low-temperature circuit 130 has a flow path 130a connecting a five-way valve 180, a low-temperature radiator 122, and a five-way valve 190 in that order, and a flow path 130b connecting a five-way valve 190, a reservoir tank 136, a water pump 131, an SPU 132, a PCU 133, an oil cooler 134, a buck-boost converter 135, and a five-way valve 180 in that order. Flow path 130b is in thermal contact with the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135. Flow path 130a is an example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure, and flow path 130b is an example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0032] In the low-temperature circuit 130, the heat transfer medium (e.g., water) circulates through the following path in this order: water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - buck-boost converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - five-way valve 190 - reservoir tank 136 - water pump 131.

[0033] The water pump 131 circulates the heat transfer medium within the low-temperature circuit 130 according to control commands from the ECU 500. The SPU 132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 according to control commands from the ECU 500. The PCU 133 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power according to control commands from the ECU 500 and supplies that AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 134 circulates the motor's lubricating oil using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). The oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat transfer medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the motor's lubricating oil. The SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat transfer medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 maintains the pressure and volume of the heat transfer medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of it. Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 switches the heat transfer medium's path in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 according to control commands from the ECU 500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is located near the high-temperature radiator 121. The heat transfer medium flowing through the low-temperature radiator 122 exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the high-temperature radiator 121. Alternatively, the above-mentioned transaxle may be provided in the low-temperature circuit 130 instead of the oil cooler 134.

[0034] In the refrigeration cycle 150, the working fluid flows through at least one of two paths: a first path circulating through compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 152 - evaporator 153 - EPR 154 - compressor 151 in that order, and a second path circulating through compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 155 - chiller 160 - compressor 151 in that order. The expansion valves 152 and 155 switch the flow path of the working fluid so that it flows through at least one of the first and second paths.

[0035] Compressor 151 compresses the gaseous working medium flowing out of chiller 160. Condenser 140 condenses the working medium by exchanging heat between the gaseous working medium discharged from compressor 151 and the heat transfer medium flowing through high-temperature circuit 110. Expansion valves 152 and 155 expand the working medium flowing out of condenser 140. Evaporator 153 evaporates the working medium by exchanging heat between the working medium flowing out of expansion valve 152 and the air supplied to the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle. Evaporation pressure regulating valve 154 adjusts the pressure of the working medium flowing out of evaporator 153.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the battery circuit 170 has a flow path 170a connecting the five-way valve 190, water pump 171, chiller 160 and five-way valve 180 in that order, and a flow path 170b connecting the five-way valve 180, electric heater 172, battery 173 and five-way valve 190 in that order. Flow path 170b is in thermal contact with the battery 173. Flow path 170a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure, and flow path 170b is an example of the "first flow path" of this disclosure.

[0037] The heat transfer medium in the battery circuit 170 (the same heat transfer medium that flows through the low-temperature circuit 130) flows through at least one of two paths: a first path circulating in the order of water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171, and a second path circulating in the order of water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass channel 174 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171. The five-way valves 180 and 190 switch between the first and second paths so that the heat transfer medium flows through at least one of the two paths.

[0038] The water pump 171 circulates the heat transfer medium within the battery circuit 170 according to control commands from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery circuit 170 by exchanging heat between the working fluid circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat transfer medium according to control commands from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies power for driving to the motor built into the transaxle. The battery 173 can be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. The bypass passage 174 connects the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the heat transfer medium bypasses the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat transfer medium flows through the bypass passage 174, temperature changes in the heat transfer medium due to heat absorption / dissipation between the heat transfer medium and the battery 173 are suppressed. The battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 173.

[0039] The five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the chiller 160. Port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows out toward the electric heater 172 and battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. Port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows in after passing through the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134 and buck-boost converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows out toward the bypass passage 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P5 is an outlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows out toward the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0040] The five-way valve 190 is provided with five ports P11 to P15. Port P11 is an outlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows out toward the chiller 160. Port P12 is an inlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows in after passing through the electric heater 172 and battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. Port P13 is an outlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows out toward the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134 and buck-boost converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P14 is an inlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the bypass passage 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P15 is an inlet port through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0041] <Mode> Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an overview of a predetermined mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the disconnection mode) in the thermal management circuit 100, which is formed by controlling the five-way valves 180 and 190. By controlling the five-way valves 180 and 190, the connection state of each flow path 130a, 130b, 170a, 170b and the bypass flow path 174 is switched. As a result, the thermal management circuit 100 can be switched to one of several modes, including the disconnection mode.

[0042] Here, since the battery 173 has a temperature range in which its capacity is effectively utilized, it is preferable that when the temperature of the battery 173 is within that temperature range, unnecessary heat flow to the battery 173 and unnecessary cooling of the battery 173 are avoided. Hereinafter, the lower limit of that temperature range will be denoted as the first set temperature T1, and the upper limit of that temperature range will be denoted as the second set temperature T2. Note that the first set temperature T1 and the second set temperature T2 may be updated by machine learning based on ambient temperature, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the disconnection mode shown in Figure 3 is activated when the temperature of the battery 173 (detection value of the battery temperature sensor 175) is above the first set temperature T1 and below the second set temperature T2. In the disconnection mode, the battery 173 is disconnected from other flow paths. For example, in the disconnection mode shown in Figure 3, the five-way valve 180 creates a path connecting port P1 and port P5, and a path connecting port P3 and port P4, while the five-way valve 190 creates a path connecting port P11 and port P14, and a path connecting port P13 and port P15.

[0044] As a result, channel 170b, which corresponds to the "first channel," is disconnected from the other channels, and a closed circuit 11 is formed in which channel 130b, which corresponds to the "second channel," bypass channel 174, channel 170a, which corresponds to the "fourth channel," and channel 130a, which corresponds to the "third channel," are connected in this order. In other words, the battery 173 becomes disconnected from the other circuits (independent).

[0045] In the isolation mode shown in Figure 3, the flow path 130b is isolated from other flow paths, thereby suppressing the inflow of unnecessary heat into the battery 173 and unnecessary cooling of the battery 173.

[0046] Although not shown in the diagram, in the disconnection mode, the five-way valve 180 may form a path connecting port P1 and port P4, and a path connecting port P3 and port P5, and the five-way valve 190 may form a path connecting port P11 and port P15, and a path connecting port P13 and port P14.

[0047] Alternatively, in disconnection mode, the five-way valve 180 may form a path connecting port P1 and port P5, and a path connecting port P3 and port P4, while the five-way valve 190 may form a path connecting port P11 and port P15, and a path connecting port P13 and port P14. As a result, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a closed circuit is formed in which the flow path 130b corresponding to the "second flow path" and the bypass flow path 174 are connected, and a closed circuit is formed in which the flow path 170a corresponding to the "fourth flow path" and the flow path 130a corresponding to the "third flow path" are connected.

[0048] Alternatively, in disconnection mode, the five-way valve 180 may form a path connecting port P1 and port P4, and a path connecting port P3 and port P5, while the five-way valve 190 may form a path connecting port P11 and port P14, and a path connecting port P13 and port P15. As a result, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a closed circuit is formed in which the flow path 130b corresponding to the "second flow path" and the flow path 130a corresponding to the "third flow path" are connected, and a closed circuit is formed in which the flow path 170a corresponding to the "fourth flow path" and the bypass flow path 174 are connected.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit in the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a disconnection mode of the thermal management circuit in the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4(B) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 4(A). In the second embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same descriptions of structure, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0050] The second embodiment differs from the thermal management circuit 100 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 2) in that it includes a single ten-way valve 280 instead of two five-way valves 180 and 190 as a switching device.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4(B), the 10-way valve 280 includes 10 ports P50 to P59. Flow path 170b is connected to ports P51 and P54. A bypass flow path 270d, which bypasses the battery 173, is connected to flow path 170b, and the bypass flow path 270d is connected to port P50. Flow path 130b is connected to ports P52 and P58. Flow path 130a is connected to ports P56 and P57. A bypass flow path 230e, which bypasses the low-temperature radiator 122, is connected to flow path 130a, and the bypass flow path 230e is connected to port P59. A water-cooled condenser 251 (see Figure 4(B)) may be provided in flow path 130a, for example. Note that the water-cooled condenser 251 is not shown in Figure 4(A). Flow path 170a is connected to ports P53 and P55.

[0052] The ten-way valve 280 has a first internal passage 281, a second internal passage 282, a third internal passage 283, and a fourth internal passage 284. Each internal passage 281 to 284 connects two of the ten ports P50 to P59 to each other. These internal passages 281 to 284 are rotatable around a rotation center O (see Figure 4(A)) while maintaining their relative phases.

[0053] In the disconnection modes shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the first internal flow path 281 connects ports P55 and P56, the second internal flow path 282 connects ports P56 and P58, the third internal flow path 283 connects ports P51 and P52, and the fourth internal flow path 284 connects ports P50 and P53. In this disconnection mode, the flow path 170b, which corresponds to the "first flow path," is disconnected from the other flow paths, and the heat transfer medium circulates through a closed circuit 12 (see Figure 4(B)) in which flow paths 130b, bypass flow path 270d, flow path 170a, and flow path 130a are connected in this order.

[0054] Although not shown in the diagram, in the disconnection mode, the first internal flow path 281 may connect port P53 and port P57, the second internal flow path 282 may connect port P51 and port P52, the third internal flow path 283 may connect port P50 and port P58, and the fourth internal flow path 284 may connect port P55 and port P59. In this case, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130b and bypass flow path 270d, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 170a and bypass flow path 230e.

[0055] Alternatively, in disconnection mode, the first internal flow path 281 may connect ports P57 and P58, the second internal flow path 282 may connect ports P51 and P55, the third internal flow path 283 may connect ports P50 and P53, and the fourth internal flow path 284 may connect ports P52 and P59. In this case, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130b and bypass flow path 230e, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 170a and bypass flow path 270d.

[0056] [Third Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit in the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the isolation mode of the thermal management system in the third embodiment of this disclosure. In the third embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same descriptions of structure, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0057] The third embodiment differs from the thermal management circuit 100 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 2) in that it is equipped with two hexagonal valves 380 and 390 instead of two five-way valves 180 and 190 as a switching device.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the hexagonal valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36, and the hexagonal valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46. The hexagonal valve 380 is connected to the hexagonal valve 390. Specifically, port P35 of the hexagonal valve 380 and port P45 of the hexagonal valve 390 are connected by a connecting channel 5, and port P36 of the hexagonal valve 380 and port P46 of the hexagonal valve 390 are connected by a connecting channel 6. Note that the connecting channel 5 and the connecting channel 6 are examples of the "switching device" of this disclosure.

[0059] Flow path 170b is connected to ports P31 and P34 of the hexagonal valve 380. Flow path 130b is connected to port P32 of the hexagonal valve 380 and port P42 of the hexagonal valve 390. Flow path 130a is connected to ports P41 and P44 of the hexagonal valve 390. Flow path 170a is connected to port P33 of the hexagonal valve 380 and port P43 of the hexagonal valve 390.

[0060] In the disconnection mode shown in Figure 5, ports P32 and P33 of the hexagonal valve 380 are connected to each other, ports P42 and P44 of the hexagonal valve 390 are connected to each other, and ports P41 and P43 are connected to each other. In this disconnection mode, the flow path 170b, which corresponds to the "first flow path," is disconnected from the other flow paths, and the heat transfer medium circulates through a closed circuit 13 in which flow paths 130b, flow path 170a, and flow path 130a are connected in that order. Note that the closed circuit 13 can also be formed by changing the way each port of the hexagonal valves 380 and 390 is connected.

[0061] Although not shown in the diagram, in the disconnection mode, ports P32 and P35 of the six-way valve 380 may be connected to each other, ports P33 and P36 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, ports P41 and P43 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, ports P42 and P45 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, and ports P44 and P46 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other. In this disconnection mode, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between the flow path 130b and the switching device (six-way valves 380, 390), and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a.

[0062] Alternatively, in disconnection mode, ports P32 and P35 of the six-way valve 380 may be connected to each other, ports P33 and P36 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, ports P41 and P45 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, ports P42 and P44 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, and ports P43 and P46 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other. In this disconnection mode, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between flow path 130b and flow path 130a, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between flow path 170a and the switching device (six-way valves 380, 390).

[0063] Alternatively, in disconnection mode, ports P32 and P35 of the six-way valve 380 may be connected to each other, ports P33 and P36 of the six-way valve 380 may be connected to each other, ports P42 and P45 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other, and ports P43 and P46 of the six-way valve 390 may be connected to each other. In this disconnection mode, the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is disconnected from the other flow paths, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between flow path 130b and the switching device (six-way valves 380, 390), and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates between flow path 170a and the switching device (six-way valves 380, 390).

[0064] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the heat storage mode of the thermal management circuit in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the defrosting mode of the thermal management circuit in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. In the fourth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same explanation of structure, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0065] The heat storage mode is a mode in which a closed circuit 21 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130b and bypass flow path 174, and a closed circuit 22 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130a and flow path 170a. That is, in the heat storage mode, ports P1 and P5 of the five-way valve 180 are connected to each other, as are ports P3 and P4 of the five-way valve 180, as are ports P11 and P15 of the five-way valve 190, as well as ports P13 and P14 of the five-way valve 190. In the heat storage mode, heat generated by the PCU 133, etc., is stored in the heat transfer medium circulating in the closed circuit 21. Note that the closed circuit 21 may be a circuit in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 170b and flow path 130b.

[0066] The defrost mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through at least the flow path 130b and the flow path 130a. In the defrost mode shown in Figure 6(B), a closed circuit 23 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the flow path 130b and the flow path 130a, and a closed circuit 24 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the flow path 170a and the bypass flow path 174. Specifically, ports P1 and P4 of the five-way valve 180 are connected to each other, as are ports P3 and P5, ports P11 and P14 of the five-way valve 190 are connected to each other, and ports P13 and P15 are connected to each other. In the defrost mode, the heat accumulated in the heat transfer medium circulating in the closed circuit 21 in the heat storage mode is supplied to the low-temperature radiator 122. This effectively removes the frost adhering to the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0067] In this embodiment, an upstream temperature sensor 137 is provided in the upstream portion of the flow path 130a of the low-temperature radiator 122, and a downstream temperature sensor 138 is provided in the downstream portion of the flow path 130a of the low-temperature radiator 122. The upstream temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the low-temperature radiator 122, and the downstream temperature sensor 138 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing out of the low-temperature radiator 122. In addition, a temperature sensor 139 is provided in the downstream portion of the flow path 130b of the PCU 133.

[0068] The ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 to enter heat storage mode when the outside temperature is within a preset temperature range (for example, 0 degrees Celsius or more and 10 degrees Celsius or less), and controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 to enter defrost mode when the frost formation condition is met, indicating that frost has formed on the low-temperature radiator 122. If the frost formation condition is met when the outside temperature is within the above temperature range, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 to enter defrost mode.

[0069] The ECU500 determines that frost formation conditions have been met when the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the low-temperature radiator 122 (detected by the upstream temperature sensor 137) and the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing out of the low-temperature radiator 122 (detected by the downstream temperature sensor 138) falls below a threshold.

[0070] The ECU 500 increases the amount of heat generated by the drive unit (PCU 133 and oil cooler 134) by reducing the operating efficiency of the drive unit (PCU 133 and oil cooler 134) when frost formation conditions are met and the amount of heat contained in the heat transfer medium sent to the low-temperature radiator 122 is less than the amount of heat required to remove the frost accumulated on the low-temperature radiator 122. The amount of heat contained in the heat transfer medium sent to the low-temperature radiator 122 is calculated based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the downstream portion of the flow path 130b (detection value of the temperature sensor 139) and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 130b (rotation speed of the water pump 131), etc.

[0071] Whether the amount of heat contained in the heat transfer medium sent to the low-temperature radiator 122 is less than the amount of heat required to remove frost adhering to the low-temperature radiator 122 is determined, for example, based on a map showing the relationship between the vehicle speed (wind speed hitting the low-temperature radiator 122), the ambient temperature, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing into the low-temperature radiator 122 (such as the rotational speed of the water pump 131), and the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing in the downstream portion of the flow path 130b of the PCU 133.

[0072] Although not shown in the diagram, in defrost mode, the flow path 170b may be disconnected, and a closed circuit may be formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates in the order of flow path 130b, bypass flow path 174, flow path 170a, and flow path 130a. In this case, ports P1 and P5 of the five-way valve 180 are connected to each other, as are ports P3 and P4 of the five-way valve 190, as are ports P11 and P14 of the five-way valve 190, and as are ports P13 and P15 of the five-way valve 190.

[0073] Alternatively, in defrost mode, the flow path 170b may be disconnected, and a closed circuit may be formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates in the order of flow path 130b, flow path 130a, flow path 170a, and bypass flow path 174. In this case, ports P1 and P4 of the five-way valve 180 are connected to each other, as are ports P3 and P5 of the five-way valve 190, as are ports P11 and P15 of the five-way valve 190, as well as ports P13 and P14 of the five-way valve 190.

[0074] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the heat storage mode of the thermal management circuit in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the defrosting mode of the thermal management circuit in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. In the fifth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the fourth embodiment will be described, and the same explanation of structure, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0075] The thermal management circuit in this embodiment, like that in the third embodiment, includes two hexagonal valves 380 and 390 as switching devices.

[0076] The heat storage mode is a mode in which a closed circuit 25 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130b and connecting flow path 5, and a closed circuit 26 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130a and flow path 170a. That is, in the heat storage mode, ports P32 and P35 of the six-way valve 380 are connected to each other, as are ports P33 and P36 of the six-way valve 390, ports P41 and P43 of the six-way valve 390 are connected to each other, as are ports P42 and P45 of the six-way valve 390, and as are ports P44 and P46 of the six-way valve 390. In the heat storage mode, heat generated in the PCU 133, etc., is stored in the heat transfer medium circulating in the closed circuit 25. Note that the closed circuit 25 may be a circuit in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 170b and flow path 130b.

[0077] The defrosting mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through at least the flow path 130b and the flow path 130a. In the defrosting mode shown in Figure 7(B), a closed circuit 27 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the flow path 130b and the flow path 130a, and a closed circuit 28 is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the flow path 170a and the connecting flow path 6. Specifically, ports P32 and P35 of the six-way valve 380 are connected to each other, as are ports P33 and P36 of the six-way valve 390, ports P41 and P45 of the six-way valve 390 are connected to each other, as are ports P42 and P44 of the six-way valve 390, and as are ports P43 and P46 of the six-way valve 390. In the defrosting mode, the heat accumulated in the heat transfer medium circulating in the closed circuit 25 in the heat storage mode is supplied to the low-temperature radiator 122. This effectively removes the frost that has accumulated on the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0078] Although not shown in the diagram, in defrost mode, the flow path 170b may be disconnected, and a closed circuit may be formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through flow path 130b, flow path 170a, and flow path 130a in that order. In this case, ports P32 and P33 of the six-way valve 380 are connected to each other, ports P41 and P43 of the six-way valve 390 are connected to each other, and ports P42 and P44 are connected to each other.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0080] [Aspect 1] A thermal management system installed in electrical equipment, A first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow, A power storage device that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel, A drive device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the second channel and supplies driving force to the electrical equipment, A radiator provided in the third flow path, A chiller provided in the fourth channel, The system includes a switching device capable of switching the connection state of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel, The switching device is a thermal management system that disconnects the first flow path from other flow paths when the temperature of the energy storage device is above a first set temperature and below a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature.

[0081] In this thermal management system, the first flow path is disconnected from the other flow paths when the temperature of the energy storage device is between the first and second set temperatures. This prevents unnecessary heat from entering the energy storage device and unnecessary cooling of the device. Therefore, it becomes possible to properly manage the temperature of the energy storage device. The first and second set temperatures are set within a range that allows the energy storage device to fully perform at its capacity.

[0082] [Aspect 2] A thermal management system installed in electrical equipment, A first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow, A power storage device that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel, A drive device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the second channel and supplies driving force to the electrical equipment, A radiator provided in the third flow path, A chiller provided in the fourth channel, The system includes a switching device capable of switching the connection state of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel, The aforementioned switching device is capable of switching between a heat storage mode and a defrosting mode. The heat storage mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the second flow path and the switching device or through the first flow path and the second flow path, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the third flow path and the fourth flow path. A thermal management system in which the defrosting mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates at least through the second and third flow paths.

[0083] In this thermal management system, heat is stored in the heat transfer medium flowing through the second channel in the heat storage mode. By switching from the heat storage mode to the defrosting mode, the heat contained in the heat transfer medium is supplied to the radiator located in the third channel. As a result, frost adhering to the radiator is effectively removed.

[0084] [Aspect 3] The thermal management system according to embodiment 2, wherein the switching device forms a circuit for the heat storage mode when the outside temperature is within a preset temperature range, and forms a circuit for the defrosting mode when the frost formation condition indicating that frost has formed on the radiator is met.

[0085] [Aspect 4] The thermal management system according to embodiment 3, wherein the drive unit reduces the operating efficiency of the drive unit so as to increase the amount of heat generated by the drive unit when the frost formation conditions are met and the amount of heat contained in the heat transfer medium sent to the radiator is less than the amount of heat required to remove the frost attached to the radiator.

[0086] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Thermal management system, 5, 6 Connecting flow paths, 11~13, 21~28 Closed circuits, 100 Thermal management circuit, 110 High-temperature circuit, 111 Water pump (pump), 114 Heater core, 120 Radiator, 121 High-temperature radiator, 122 Low-temperature radiator, 130a Flow path (3rd flow path), 130b Flow path (2nd flow path), 133 PCU (Drive unit), 134 Oil cooler (Drive unit), 140 Condenser, 150 Refrigeration cycle, 151 Compressor, 160 Chiller, 170a Flow path (4th flow path), 170b Flow path (1st flow path), 171 Water pump (pump), 173 Battery (Energy storage device), 174, 230e, 270d Bypass flow path, 175 Battery temperature sensor, 180, 190 Five-way valve (Switching device), 280 Ten-way valve (switching device), 380, 390; Six-way valve (switching device), 500; ECU (control unit), 600; HMI.

Claims

[Claim 1] A thermal management system installed in electrical equipment, A first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel through which a heat transfer medium can flow, A power storage device that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the first channel, A drive device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the second channel and supplies driving force to the electrical equipment, A radiator provided in the third flow path, A chiller provided in the fourth flow path, The system includes a switching device capable of switching the connection state of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel, The aforementioned switching device is capable of switching between a heat storage mode and a defrosting mode. The heat storage mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the second flow path and the switching device or through the first flow path and the second flow path, and a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through the third flow path and the fourth flow path. The defrost mode is a mode in which a circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates at least through the second and third flow paths, The switching device forms the circuit for the heat storage mode when the outside temperature is within a preset temperature range, and forms the circuit for the defrosting mode when the frost accumulation condition, which indicates that frost has accumulated on the radiator, is met. A thermal management system that reduces the operating efficiency of the drive unit so as to increase the amount of heat generated by the drive unit when the frost formation conditions are met and the amount of heat contained in the heat transfer medium sent to the radiator is less than the amount of heat required to remove the frost attached to the radiator.

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