Thermal management loop

Abstract

To provide a heat management circuit that can improve cooling efficiency of a cooling target device by using a radiator.SOLUTION: A heat management circuit 10 includes a battery circuit 100 (first circuit), a refrigeration cycle 200, and a hear radiation circuit 300 (second circuit). The heat radiation circuit 300 includes a flow passage 370 (first flow passage), a flow passage 380 (second flow passage), and a flow passage 390 (third flow passage). The flow passage 370 connects a port 241b (outlet port) of a condensation unit 241 to an upstream HT radiator 321 (upstream radiator). The flow passage 380 branches from a flow passage 325 connecting the upstream HT radiator 321 to a downstream HT radiator 322 (downstream radiator), to be connected to a port 241a (inlet port) of the condensation unit 241. The flow passage 390 connects a port 243a (inlet port) of a subcooling unit 243 (overcooling unit) to the downstream HT radiator 322.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermal management circuit.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-186879 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which the cooling water of an engine is cooled by a radiator.

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 circuit of Patent Document 1 above, as described above, the coolant for cooling the engine (the device to be cooled) is cooled by the radiator. It is desired to further improve the cooling efficiency of the device to be cooled using the radiator.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermal management circuit capable of improving the cooling efficiency of a device to be cooled using a radiator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A thermal management circuit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management circuit mounted on electrical equipment and comprises: a first circuit through which a coolant that exchanges heat with the equipment to be cooled flows; a refrigeration cycle including a chiller and a water-cooled condenser, through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat in the chiller with the coolant flowing through the first circuit flows; and a second circuit including a radiator section, through which a coolant that exchanges heat in the water-cooled condenser with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle flows. The second circuit includes a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path, each connected to the water-cooled condenser. The water-cooled condenser includes a condensing section and a subcooling section. The radiator section has an upstream radiator and a downstream radiator connected in series with each other in the second circuit. The first flow path connects the coolant outlet port in the condensing section to the upstream radiator. The second flow path branches off from the flow path connecting the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator and is connected to the coolant inlet port in the condensing section. The third flow path connects the coolant inlet port in the supercooling section to the downstream radiator.

[0007] In a thermal management circuit relating to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the first flow path connects the coolant outlet port in the condensing section to the upstream radiator, the second flow path branches off from the flow path connecting the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator and connects to the coolant inlet port in the condensing section, and the third flow path connects the coolant inlet port in the subcooling section to the downstream radiator. This allows the coolant flowing out from the upstream radiator to flow directly into the condensing section through the second flow path. As a result, the coolant can circulate to the condensing section without passing through the downstream radiator and the subcooling section. This prevents a decrease in the flow rate (flow force, flow velocity) of the coolant due to passing through the downstream radiator and the subcooling section, so the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the condensing section from the second flow path can be made relatively large. Note that in the condensing section, the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid, so condensation heat is released from the refrigerant, while the temperature of the refrigerant hardly changes (decreases). Therefore, since the refrigerant temperature is maintained at a relatively high value, heat exchange with the refrigerant occurs even with the relatively high-temperature coolant that has passed only through the upstream radiator and not the downstream radiator. In addition, the large flow rate of the coolant passing through the condensation section suppresses the rise in the coolant temperature caused by passing through the condensation section. This prevents a decrease in the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the coolant. In these respects, the above configuration of the thermal management circuit is effective in increasing the amount of heat exchanged in the condensation section.

[0008] Furthermore, the coolant that has passed through the upstream and downstream radiators can be allowed to flow into the supercooled section. This allows the temperature of the coolant flowing into the supercooled section to be lower compared to when the coolant passes only through the upstream radiator. In the supercooled section, the refrigerant remains in liquid form, so its temperature decreases due to heat dissipation. Therefore, the lower the temperature of the coolant that is exchanging heat with the refrigerant, the greater the amount of heat exchange in the supercooled section. In this respect, the above configuration of the thermal management circuit is effective in increasing the amount of heat exchange in the supercooled section.

[0009] As a result, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant in a water-cooled condenser (the amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant) can be increased, making it easy to improve the cooling efficiency of the equipment being cooled.

[0010] In the thermal management circuit relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the downstream radiator is positioned upstream of the upstream radiator in the direction of airflow of the outside air entering the radiator section. With this configuration, the outside air passes through the downstream radiator before passing through the upstream radiator, so the temperature of the outside air passing through the downstream radiator can be kept relatively low. As a result, the amount of heat dissipated by the coolant in the downstream radiator can be increased. This allows for an increase in the amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant in the supercooled section.

[0011] In the thermal management circuit relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the second circuit includes a first flow path and a fourth flow path connecting the second or third flow path. The second circuit also includes a heater core provided in the fourth flow path and a first valve provided in the first flow path. The first valve is configured to adjust the flow rate of coolant flowing to the upstream radiator and the flow rate of coolant flowing to the heater core. With this configuration, the balance between the amount of heat dissipated by the coolant in the radiator section and the amount of heat dissipated by the coolant in the heater core (i.e., heating capacity) can be adjusted by the first valve.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the second circuit includes a second valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of coolant from the upstream radiator to the downstream radiator. With this configuration, the balance between the flow rate of coolant flowing through the downstream radiator and the flow rate of coolant flowing into the condenser through the second passage can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the balance between the amount of heat dissipated by the coolant in the downstream radiator and the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the coolant in the condenser.

[0013] In the above-mentioned second circuit, which is a thermal management circuit including a second valve, preferably, the second valve is integrally formed with the first valve. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration of the thermal management circuit can be simplified compared to the case where the second valve and the first valve are provided separately. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, the cooling efficiency of equipment to be cooled can be improved by using a radiator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a thermal management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the first flow pattern of the heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the second flow pattern of the heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the third flow pattern of the heat dissipation circuit in a thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a detailed configuration of a water-cooled condenser according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a heat dissipation circuit according to a first modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a heat dissipation circuit according to a second modification of one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a heat dissipation circuit according to a third modification of one embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a heat dissipation circuit according to a fourth modification of one embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows a heat dissipation circuit according to a fifth modification of one embodiment. [Figure 12]It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the five-way valve in FIG. 11. (FIG. 12(A) is a diagram when heat is supplied to the heater core. FIGS. 12(B) and (C) are diagrams when heat is supplied to the radiator. FIGS. 12(D) and (E) are diagrams when heat is supplied to the heater core and the radiator.)

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a heat management system 1 including a heat management circuit 10 according to the present embodiment. The heat management system 1 includes a heat management circuit 10, an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 20, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 30.

[0018] The heat management system 1 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle 2 (see FIG. 2). The electric vehicle 2 is an example of the "electrical equipment" of the present disclosure.

[0019] The heat management circuit 10 includes a battery circuit 100, a refrigeration cycle 200, a heat dissipation circuit 300, a low-temperature circuit 400, and a four-way valve 500. In this specification, the heat medium flowing in the refrigeration cycle 200 is referred to as "refrigerant", and the heat medium flowing in other circuits (100, 300, 400) is referred to as "coolant". The battery circuit 100 and the heat dissipation circuit 300 are examples of the "first circuit" and the "second circuit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0020] The battery circuit 100 includes a battery 110 and a water pump 120. In the battery circuit 100, the coolant that exchanges heat with the battery 110 flows. The battery 110 stores electric power used for running the electric vehicle 2 or the like. The battery 110 is an example of the "equipment to be cooled" of the present disclosure.

[0021] The refrigeration cycle 200 includes a chiller 210, an evaporator 220, a compressor 230, a water-cooled condenser 240, an expansion valve 250, and an expansion valve 260.

[0022] The chiller 210 is connected to the respective flow paths of the refrigeration cycle 200 and the battery circuit 100. As a result, heat exchange occurs in the chiller 210 between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 200 and the coolant flowing through the battery circuit 100.

[0023] The refrigerant (gas-phase or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 200 flows through one or both of the following paths: a first path from compressor 230 to water-cooled condenser 240 to expansion valve 260 to evaporator 220 to compressor 230, and a second path from compressor 230 to water-cooled condenser 240 to expansion valve 250 to chiller 210 to compressor 230.

[0024] The water-cooled condenser 240 includes a condensing section 241, a receiver 242, a subcooling section 243, and a flow pipe 244. The condensing section 241, the receiver 242, and the subcooling section 243 are connected in series with each other in the refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant cycle 200. The refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200 flows in the order of condensing section 241, receiver 242, and subcooling section 243. The subcooling section 243 is an example of the "supercooling section" of this disclosure.

[0025] The condensing unit 241 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant pumped from the compressor 230 into a liquid refrigerant and exchanges heat between the liquid refrigerant and the coolant flowing through the heat dissipation circuit 300. The receiver 242 separates the liquid phase refrigerant that has passed through the condensing unit 241. The subcooling unit 243 exchanges heat between the liquid phase refrigerant that has passed through the receiver 242 and the coolant flowing through the heat dissipation circuit 300.

[0026] The condensing section 241 has ports 241a, 241b, and 241c. Port 241a is an inlet port into which the coolant from the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows. Port 241b is an outlet port into which the coolant from the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows out. Port 241c is an inlet port into which the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle 200, which is pumped from the compressor 230, flows.

[0027] The subcooling unit 243 has port 243a and port 243b. Port 243a is an inlet port through which the coolant from the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows in. Port 243b is an outlet port through which the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle 200 flows out.

[0028] The flow pipe 244 connects the subcooling section 243 and the condensing section 241. The coolant from the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through the flow pipe 244 from the subcooling section 243 to the condensing section 241.

[0029] The low-temperature circuit 400 includes an eAxle 410, a water pump 420, and an LT (Low Temperature) radiator 430. Coolant flows through the low-temperature circuit 410, exchanging heat with the eAxle 410. The eAxle 410 includes a PCU (Power Control Unit) and an oil cooler, etc., which are not shown.

[0030] The four-way valve 500 has ports P1 to P4. Port P1 is an inlet port into which coolant that has exchanged heat with the eAxle 410 flows. Port P2 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out toward the LT radiator 430. Port P3 is an inlet port into which coolant (coolant that has passed through the chiller 210) flows into the battery circuit 100. Port P4 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out toward the battery circuit 100 (battery 110 side).

[0031] The ECU 20 controls the thermal management circuit 10. The ECU 20 includes a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, and interface 24. The ECU 20 controls the open / closed state of each port of the four-way valve 500. By switching the open / closed state of each port of the four-way valve 500, the flow path of the coolant is switched.

[0032] In this context, there is a need to further improve the cooling efficiency of devices to be cooled, such as batteries, in conventional thermal management circuits.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat dissipation circuit 300 having the following configuration is used. This will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the first flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300.

[0034] The heat dissipation circuit 300 includes a heater core 310, a radiator section 320 (see Figure 1), a three-way valve 330, a valve 340, a check valve 350, and a water pump 360. The flow rate (output) of the cooling water from the water pump 360 and the states of the three-way valve 330 and valve 340 are controlled by the ECU 20 (see Figure 1). The three-way valve 330 and valve 340 are examples of the "first valve" and "second valve," respectively. The check valve 350 is an example of the "second valve" in this disclosure.

[0035] The radiator section 320 includes an upstream HT (High Temperature) radiator 321, a downstream HT radiator 322, and a flow path 325. The upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322 are connected in series with each other in the heat dissipation circuit 300. The flow path 325 connects the upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322. The upstream HT radiator 321 is positioned upstream of the downstream HT radiator 322 in the direction of coolant flow in the heat dissipation circuit 300. The upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322 are examples of the "upstream radiator" and "downstream radiator" as defined in this disclosure.

[0036] The heat dissipation circuit 300 includes a flow path 315, a flow path 370, a flow path 380, and a flow path 390. Each of the flow paths 370, 380, and 390 connects the radiator section 320 to the water-cooled condenser 240. Flow paths 370 and 380 are examples of the "first flow path" and "second flow path" of this disclosure, respectively. Flow paths 390 and 315 are examples of the "third flow path" and "fourth flow path" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0037] Specifically, the flow path 370 connects port 241b of the condensing unit 241 to the upstream HT radiator 321. The flow path 380 branches off from the flow path 325, which connects the upstream HT radiator 321 to the downstream HT radiator 322, and is connected to port 241a of the condensing unit 241. The flow path 390 connects port 243a of the subcooling unit 243 to the downstream HT radiator 322.

[0038] The flow path 315 connects section 370a of the flow path 370 and section 390a of the flow path 390. A three-way valve 330 is provided in section 370a. A heater core 310 is provided in the flow path 315.

[0039] The three-way valve 330 has ports P11 to P13. Port P11 is an inlet port into which coolant flows from the condenser 241. Port P12 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out into the flow path 315 toward the heater core 310. Port P13 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out toward the upstream HT radiator 321. Ports P11 and P13 are each connected to the flow path 370. Port P12 is connected to the flow path 315. The open / closed state of each of ports P11 to P13 in the three-way valve 330 is controlled by the ECU 20. By switching the open / closed state of each of ports P11 to P13, the flow path of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 is switched.

[0040] The water pump 360 is located in the flow path 370, between the three-way valve 330 and the condenser 241. The valve 340 is located in the flow path 380. The check valve 350 is located in the flow path 390. Specifically, the check valve 350 is located between the downstream HT radiator 322 and section 390a. The check valve 350 restricts the flow of coolant from section 390a to the downstream HT radiator 322.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an example where ports P11 and P13 are open and port P12 is closed. In this case, the coolant of the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through a first path from water pump 360 - three-way valve 330 - upstream HT radiator 321 - downstream HT radiator 322 - check valve 350 - subcooling section 243 - flow pipe 244 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360, and a second path from water pump 360 - three-way valve 330 - upstream HT radiator 321 - valve 340 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360.

[0042] As a result, the coolant flowing through the first path is cooled by both the upstream HT radiator 321 and the downstream HT radiator 322 before flowing into the subcooling section 243. Consequently, the coolant, cooled to a relatively low temperature, and the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200 exchange heat in the subcooling section 243. This allows for more effective cooling of the refrigerant in the subcooling section 243. The temperature of the refrigerant in the subcooling section 243 changes due to heat exchange with the coolant.

[0043] Furthermore, unlike the first path, the coolant flowing through the second path flows into the condensing section 241 without passing through the downstream HT radiator 322 and the subcooling section 243. As a result, the flow resistance of the coolant can be reduced compared to the first path, making it possible to increase the flow rate (flow force, flow velocity) of the coolant flowing into the condensing section 241 relatively high. This makes it possible to suppress the rise in temperature of the coolant due to the heat of condensation generated when the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid in the condensing section 241. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and refrigerant in the condensing section 241 can be increased relatively high. In addition, since the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the condensing section 241 can be easily increased, the water pump 360 can be miniaturized.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the second flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300. In this case, port P13 of the three-way valve 330 is closed, and ports P11 and P12 are open. In this case, the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows through the path of water pump 360 - three-way valve 330 - heater core 310 - subcooling section 243 - flow pipe 244 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360. The check valve 350 restricts the flow of the coolant that has flowed through the heater core 310 to the downstream HT radiator 322.

[0045] As a result, when the coolant, which has been heated by heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser 240, passes through the heater core 310, the heat from the coolant is used for heating. In addition, the coolant that has been cooled by heat exchange in the heater core 310 flows from the subcooling section 243 into the water-cooled condenser 240. As a result, heat exchange takes place in both the subcooling section 243 and the condensing section 241, making it possible to increase the amount of heat exchange (amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant) compared to when the coolant flows from the condensing section 241 into the water-cooled condenser 240.

[0046] Figure 5 shows the third flow pattern of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300. In this case, ports P11 to P13 of the three-way valve 330 are open.

[0047] Here, it is preferable that the opening degree of each of ports P12 and P13 of the three-way valve 330 is adjustable. In this case, the ratio of the flow rate of coolant flowing from the three-way valve 330 to the upstream HT radiator 321 and the flow rate of coolant flowing from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the cooling efficiency of the coolant by the radiator section 320 and the heating efficiency by the heater core 310. The opening degrees of each of ports P12 and P13 are adjusted by the ECU 20.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable that the valve 340 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the coolant passing through it. Specifically, the valve 340 may be capable of adjusting the diameter of the flow path (for example, the opening of the opening) through which the coolant flows. This adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the upstream HT radiator 321 to the valve 340, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the upstream HT radiator 321 to the downstream HT radiator 322. The flow rate of the coolant passing through the valve 340 is adjusted by the ECU 20.

[0049] Referring again to Figure 2, the downstream HT radiator 322 is positioned upstream of the upstream HT radiator 321 in the direction of airflow for outside air entering the radiator section 320. Specifically, outside air flows into the vehicle through the grille 2a located at the front end of the electric vehicle 2. Therefore, the downstream HT radiator 322 is positioned in front of the upstream HT radiator 321 in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle 2. Also, when viewed from the front of the electric vehicle 2, the downstream HT radiator 322 may be positioned so that at least a portion of it does not overlap with the upstream HT radiator 321. This makes it possible to suppress outside air that has been warmed by passing through the downstream HT radiator 322 from passing through the upstream HT radiator 321.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a detailed configuration of the water-cooled condenser 240. In Figure 6, the flow of the coolant in the heat dissipation circuit 300 is represented by dashed arrows. The flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 200 is represented by solid arrows.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the condensing section 241 and the subcooling section 243 are arranged to be stacked on top of each other. The water-cooled condenser 240 also has a flow pipe 245 and a flow pipe 246. The flow pipe 245 connects the condensing section 241 and the receiver 242. The refrigerant flowing into the condensing section 241 from port 241c flows into the receiver 242 through the flow pipe 245. The flow pipe 246 connects the subcooling section 243 and the receiver 242. The refrigerant flowing into the receiver 242 through the flow pipe 245 flows into the subcooling section 243 through the flow pipe 246. The refrigerant flowing into the subcooling section 243 through the flow pipe 246 flows out of the subcooling section 243 through port 243b.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow path 370 connects port 241b of the condensing section 241 to the upstream HT radiator 321, the flow path 380 branches off from the flow path 325 and connects to port 241a of the condensing section 241, and the flow path 390 connects port 243a of the subcooling section 243 to the downstream HT radiator 322. This allows for a relatively large flow rate of coolant flowing into the condensing section 241 through the flow path 380. In addition, the temperature of the coolant flowing into the subcooling section 243 through the flow path 390 can be kept relatively low. As a result, the amount of heat exchange (amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant) between the coolant and the refrigerant in both the condensing section 241 and the condensing section 243 can be increased. As a result, the battery 110 can be efficiently cooled using the dissipated refrigerant.

[0053] The water-cooled condenser 240A shown in Figure 7 differs in configuration from the water-cooled condenser 240 in that it includes a flow path 247 instead of the flow pipe 244 of the water-cooled condenser 240. The flow path 247 connects the subcooling section 243 and the flow path 370. Specifically, the flow path 247 connects the subcooling section 243 and the flow path between the condensing section 241 and the water pump 360. The coolant of the heat dissipation circuit 300 flows from the subcooling section 243 to the flow path 370 through the flow path 247. In this configuration, the coolant that flows from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 does not pass through the condensing section 241, but flows through the flow path 247 and into the flow path 370.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 8, a three-way valve 330A is placed in section 390a of the flow path 390 instead of the three-way valve 330. Also, a valve 340A is placed in the flow path between section 370a of the flow path 370 and the upstream HT radiator 321 instead of the valve 340. The three-way valve 330A and the valve 340A have the same configuration as the three-way valve 330 and the valve 340, respectively. In this configuration, when the valve 340A is closed and only port P13 of the three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through the following path: water pump 360 - heater core 310 - three-way valve 330A - subcooling section 243 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360. Furthermore, when valve 340A is open and only port P12 of the three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a first path: water pump 360 - valve 340A - upstream HT radiator 321 - downstream HT radiator 322 - three-way valve 330A - subcooling section 243 - flow path 244 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360, and a second path: water pump 360 - valve 340A - upstream HT radiator 321 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360. Note that the three-way valve 330A and valve 340A are examples of the "second valve" and "first valve" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 9, the heater core 310 is provided in a passage 315A that connects portion 370a of passage 370 and portion 380a of passage 380, which is different from the embodiment described above. Also, in the example shown in Figure 9, a check valve 350A is placed between passage 325 and portion 380a instead of the check valve 350. The check valve 350A restricts the flow of coolant from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 to the passage 325 side. In this configuration, the coolant from the three-way valve 330 to the heater core 310 does not pass through the subcooling section 243 but flows into the condensing section 241. The passage 315A and the check valve 350A are examples of the "fourth passage" and "second valve" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0056] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the example shown in Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 10, a valve 340A is positioned between section 370a and the upstream HT radiator 321 in the flow path 370. A three-way valve 330A is also positioned in section 380a of the flow path 380. When valve 340A is closed and only port P13 of the three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through the following path: water pump 360 - heater core 310 - three-way valve 330 - condenser 241 - water pump 360. Furthermore, when valve 340A is open and only port P12 of the three-way valve 330A is closed, the coolant flows through a first path from water pump 360 - valve 340A - upstream HT radiator 321 - downstream HT radiator 322 - subcooling section 243 - flow path 244 - condensing section 241 - water pump 360, and a second path from water pump 360 - valve 340A - upstream HT radiator 321 - three-way valve 330A - condensing section 241 - water pump 360.

[0057] Figure 11 differs from the above embodiment in that a five-way valve 600 is provided instead of the three-way valve 330 and valve 340. The five-way valve 600 has a configuration in which the three-way valve 330 and valve 340 are integrally formed. The five-way valve 600 has ports P21 to P25. Port P21 is an inlet port into which coolant flows from the condenser 241 (water pump 360). Port P22 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out into the flow path 315 toward the heater core 310. Port P23 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out into the flow path 370 toward the upstream HT radiator 321. Port P24 is an inlet port into which coolant flowing through the flow path 380 (coolant from the upstream HT radiator 321) flows in. Port P25 is an outlet port into which coolant flows out into the flow path 380 toward the condenser 241. Furthermore, the five-way valve 600 has both the function of the "first valve" and the function of the "second valve" as described herein.

[0058] Figures 12(A) to (E) show the detailed configuration of the five-way valve 600. As shown in Figures 12(A) to (E), the five-way valve 600 includes a main body 610, a valve body 620, and a valve body 630. The main body 610 is connected to ports P21 to P25 and houses the valve bodies 620 and 630. Ports P21, P22, P5, P24, and P23 are arranged clockwise around the main body 610 in that order. The valve bodies 620 and 630 rotate integrally within the main body 610. This changes which ports (P21 to P25) are blocked by the valve bodies 620 and 630. As a result, the flow path of the coolant is switched. The rotation angles of the valve bodies 620 and 630 can be controlled by the ECU 20 in predetermined angles (for example, 1 degree).

[0059] Furthermore, each of the valve bodies 620 and 630 has a sector shape. The valve bodies 620 and 630 are arranged facing each other with their tips overlapping. As a result, the internal space of the main body 610 is divided into two spaces by the valve bodies 620 and 630. Note that the central angle θ1 of valve body 620 is smaller than the central angle θ2 of the whole 630.

[0060] Figure 12(A) shows the state of the five-way valve 600 when heat is supplied to the heater core 310. In the example shown in Figure 12(A), port P23 is blocked by valve body 620, and port P25 is blocked by valve body 630. Coolant that has flowed into the five-way valve 600 from port P21 flows out to the heater core 310 side from port P22.

[0061] Figures 12(B) and (C) show the state of the five-way valve 600 when supplying heat to the radiator. In the example shown in Figure 12(B), port P22 is blocked by the valve body 630. Coolant that flows into the five-way valve 600 from port P21 flows out from port P23 to the upstream HT radiator 321. Coolant that flows into the five-way valve 600 from port P24 flows out from port P25 to the water-cooled condenser 240 (condensing section 241).

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 12(C), port P22 is blocked by valve body 630, and a portion of port P24 is blocked by valve body 620. As a result, the flow rate of coolant from port P24 to port P25 is more restricted than in the case of Figure 12(B).

[0063] Figures 12(D) and (E) show the state of the five-way valve 600 when supplying heat to the heater core 310 and the radiator, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 12(D), port P25 is blocked by the valve body 630. Coolant that has flowed into the five-way valve 600 from port P21 flows out of the five-way valve 600 through ports P23 and P22, respectively.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 12(E), port P25 is blocked by valve body 630, and a portion of port P23 is blocked by valve body 620. As a result, the flow rate of coolant from port P21 to port P23 is more restricted than in the case of Figure 12(D).

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the thermal management circuit 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle 2, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management circuit 10 may be mounted on electrical equipment other than an electric vehicle (for example, a stationary energy storage device).

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the battery 110 is cooled by a coolant that undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 200 in the chiller 210, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The battery 110 may not be cooled by the coolant that undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant in the chiller 210, and other equipment (e.g., the eAxel 410 and the engine, etc.) may be cooled instead.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a heater core 310 is provided in the heat dissipation circuit 300, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat dissipation circuit 300 does not need to be provided with a heater core 310 (and flow path 315). In this case, the flow path 390 does not need to be provided with a check valve 350.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a valve 340 is provided in the flow path 380, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. A valve 340 is not required to be provided in the flow path 380.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the downstream HT radiator 322 is located further forward in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle 2 than the upstream HT radiator 321, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The positional relationship between the downstream HT radiator 322 and the upstream HT radiator 321 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, the downstream HT radiator 322 and the upstream HT radiator 321 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the electric vehicle 2. In other words, the downstream HT radiator 322 and the upstream HT radiator 321 may be arranged side by side in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the direction of airflow into the radiator section 320.

[0070] The modified configurations of the above embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 12 may be combined with each other.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 2 Electric Vehicle (Electrical Equipment), 10 Thermal Management Circuit, 100 Battery Circuit (First Circuit), 110 Battery (Cooled Equipment), 200 Refrigeration Cycle, 210 Chiller, 240, 240A Water-Cooled Condenser, 241 Condenser, 241a Port (Inlet Port of Condenser), 241b Port (Outlet Port of Condenser), 243 Subcooling Section (Supercooling Section), 243a Port (Inlet Port of Supercooling Section), 300 Heat Dissipation Circuit (Second Circuit), 310 Heater Core, 315, 315A Flow Channel (Fourth Flow Channel), 320 Radiator Section, 321 Upstream HT Radiator (Upstream Radiator), 322 Downstream HT Radiator (Downstream Radiator), 325 Flow Channel, 330 Three-Way Valve (First Valve), 330A Three-Way Valve (Second Valve), 340 Valve (Second Valve), 340A Valve (1st valve), 350, 350A; Check valve (2nd valve), 370; Flow path (1st flow path), 380; Flow path (2nd flow path), 390; Flow path (3rd flow path), 600; Five-way valve.

Claims

1. A thermal management circuit installed in electrical equipment, A first circuit through which a coolant flows that exchanges heat with the equipment to be cooled, A refrigeration cycle comprising a chiller and a water-cooled condenser, wherein a coolant flowing through the first circuit and a refrigerant undergoing heat exchange in the chiller flow through the first circuit, It includes a radiator section and a second circuit through which the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle and the coolant that undergoes heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser flow, The second circuit includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, each of which is connected to the water-cooled capacitor. The water-cooled condenser includes a condensing section and a supercooling section. The radiator section comprises an upstream radiator and a downstream radiator connected in series with each other in the second circuit. The first flow path connects the coolant outlet port in the condensing section to the upstream radiator. The second flow path branches off from the flow path connecting the upstream radiator and the downstream radiator and is connected to the coolant inlet port in the condensing section. The third flow path is a thermal management circuit connecting the coolant inlet port in the supercooling section to the downstream radiator.

2. The thermal management circuit according to claim 1, wherein the downstream radiator is positioned upstream of the upstream radiator in the direction of airflow of outside air into the radiator section.

3. The second circuit is, A fourth channel connecting the first channel and the second channel or the third channel, A heater core provided in the fourth flow path, The first valve provided in the first flow path, The thermal management circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first valve is configured to adjust the flow rate of coolant flowing to the upstream radiator and the flow rate of coolant flowing to the heater core.

4. The thermal management circuit according to claim 3, wherein the second circuit includes a second valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of coolant from the upstream radiator to the downstream radiator.

5. The thermal management circuit according to claim 4, wherein the second valve is integrally formed with the first valve.

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