Thermal management system

Abstract

To provide a heat management system capable of efficiently executing self temperature rising of a power storage device while enabling effective use of heat generated from a driving device.SOLUTION: A heat management system 1 comprises: a battery 173 (power storage device) for performing heat exchange with a flow path 170b (first flow path); a power control unit (PCU) 133 (driving device) for performing heat exchange with a flow path 130b (second flow path); a low temperature radiator 122 (radiator) of a flow path 130a (third flow path); a chiller 160 (chiller device) of a flow path 170a (fourth flow path); and five-way valves 180 and 190 (switching device). In the heat management system 1, the five-way valves 180 and 190 are controlled so that at the time of temperature rising control of the battery 173, a third closed loop 30 (first connection flow path) in which the flow path 170b, the flow path 130b, and the flow path 170a are connected is formed and the low temperature radiator 122 (radiator) is separated from the third closed loop 30 to be independent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-272395 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a power storage device (battery), an inverter, a motor, and a control device. The power storage device is connected to the inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor. The control device controls the current of the power storage device by switching control of the inverter. As a result, the control device controls the heat generated due to the power loss in the internal resistance of the power storage device. As a result, the control device can execute a temperature rising control (self-temperature rising of the power storage device) that raises the temperature of the power storage device by the current of the power storage device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In electric equipment such as electric vehicles, it may be important to effectively utilize the heat from a drive device including an inverter and a motor. Furthermore, it is desired to efficiently execute the temperature rising of the power storage device. That is, it is desired to efficiently execute the temperature rising of the power storage device while enabling the effective utilization of the heat generated from the drive device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermal management system capable of efficiently executing the temperature rising of a power storage device while enabling the effective utilization of the heat generated from a drive device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The thermal management system according to the first aspect of this disclosure is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, 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 heat transfer medium in the first channel; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the second channel and is capable of generating driving force; a radiator provided in the third channel; a chiller device provided in the fourth channel; and a switching device that can switch the connection state between the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel. A first connecting channel is formed by connecting the first channel, the second channel, and the fourth channel, and the channel circuit in which the radiator is disconnected from the connecting channel and operates independently is defined as a heating circuit. In the thermal management system, the switching device forms the heating circuit when the energy storage device is heated. Note that the radiator being disconnected from the first connecting channel and operating independently means that the heat transfer medium flowing through the first connecting channel does not flow through the radiator.

[0007] In the thermal management system relating to the first aspect of this disclosure, as described above, when the energy storage device is heated, a first connecting channel is formed that connects the first channel, the second channel, and the fourth channel, and the radiator is disconnected from the first connecting channel and operates independently. This allows the energy storage device to be heated using the heat generated in the drive unit. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the loss of heat generated in the drive unit to the radiator and other components that are unrelated to the heating of the energy storage device. As a result, the heating of the energy storage device can be efficiently carried out while enabling the effective utilization of the heat generated from the drive unit.

[0008] In the thermal management system relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the electrical equipment is an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the energy storage device is heated when the electric vehicle's running system is started. With this configuration, the temperature of the energy storage device can be easily raised when the electric vehicle starts running. As a result, the running performance of the electric vehicle can be easily maintained above a certain level when the electric vehicle starts running.

[0009] In the thermal management system relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the energy storage device is configured to be capable of external charging, where it is charged by charging power supplied from an external charging facility for the electrical equipment. The control device raises the temperature of the energy storage device so that its temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature when external charging begins. With this configuration, the temperature of the energy storage device can be easily raised when external charging begins. As a result, the charging speed and charging efficiency can be easily set to a certain level or higher when external charging begins. Note that the start of external charging is the timing when charging power begins to be supplied to the energy storage device.

[0010] The thermal management system relating to the first aspect described above preferably includes a pump provided in the second flow path for circulating the heat transfer medium. Furthermore, when the energy storage device is heated, the output of the pump is increased over time. With this configuration, the output of the pump can be increased only after the heat transfer medium in the second flow path has reached a relatively high temperature over time. As a result, the cooling of the energy storage device by the heat transfer medium can be suppressed.

[0011] The thermal management system relating to the first aspect described above preferably includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the energy storage device and a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the second flow path. Furthermore, when the energy storage device is heated, if the value detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than the value detected by the first temperature sensor, the switching device forms a heating circuit. With this configuration, the cooling of the energy storage device by the heat transfer medium in the second flow path can be suppressed more reliably.

[0012] In the thermal management system relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the electrical equipment is an electric vehicle. The chiller device is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts the room temperature of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when the energy storage device is heated, and there is a heating request using the air conditioning circuit and the outside air temperature is below a predetermined threshold, the switching device forms a heating circuit. With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is below a predetermined threshold, heating can be activated using the chiller device by utilizing the heat generated from the drive unit and the energy storage device.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the control device is configured such that when the energy storage device is being heated while the second connecting channel, to which the first and second channels are connected, and the third connecting channel, to which the third and fourth channels are connected, are disconnected from each other and independent, the switching device forms a heating circuit when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. With this configuration, when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, the heating control can be changed from using the radiator to using the heat of the drive unit or the like. As a result, heating efficiency can be easily ensured even when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0014] The thermal management system relating to the second aspect of this disclosure is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, comprising: a compressor for compressing a working medium; an expansion valve for expanding the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation path through which the working medium circulates, the first circulation path connecting the compressor, the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger in that order; a power storage device connected to the first circulation path so as to exchange heat with the working medium flowing in the portion of the first circulation path between the compressor and the expansion valve; a power storage device bypass path connected to the first circulation path so as to bypass the power storage device; and provided in the power storage device bypass path. The system comprises a condenser that condenses the working fluid discharged from the compressor, a pump that pressurizes the heat fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger, a radiator that cools the heat fluid discharged from the pump, a second circulation path through which the heat fluid circulates, the second circulation path connecting the heat exchanger, the pump, and the radiator in that order, a drive unit connected to the second circulation path to exchange heat with the heat fluid flowing in the portion of the second circulation path between the radiator and the heat exchanger, and supplying driving force to electrical equipment, a radiator bypass path connected to the second circulation path to bypass the radiator, and a switching device that can switch the flow path through which the heat fluid flows. The switching device disconnects the radiator from the second circulation path when the energy storage device heats up. The compressor operates when the heat reception conditions are met for the working fluid to receive heat from the heat fluid in the heat exchanger.

[0015] In the thermal management system relating to the second aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the radiator is disconnected from the second circulation path when the energy storage device is heated. This allows the energy storage device to be heated using the heat generated in the drive unit, while suppressing the loss of heat generated in the drive unit to the radiator, which is unrelated to the heating of the energy storage device. Furthermore, in the thermal management system relating to the second aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the compressor operates when the heat reception conditions are met for the working fluid to receive heat from the heat exchanger. This suppresses the loss of heat from the working fluid in the heat exchanger, thereby allowing the energy storage device to be heated more efficiently.

[0016] In the thermal management system relating to the second aspect described above, preferably, the heat reception condition is set to a predetermined time having elapsed since at least one of the pump and the drive unit was activated. With this configuration, heat exchange between the working medium and the heat medium can be performed in the heat exchanger after the heat medium has been heated to a certain temperature or higher due to the drive unit being heated to a certain temperature or higher. As a result, it is possible to suppress the removal of heat from the working medium by the heat medium.

[0017] In the thermal management system relating to the second aspect described above, preferably, the heat reception condition is set such that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably suppress the removal of heat from the working medium by the heat transfer medium.

[0018] The thermal management system relating to the third aspect of this disclosure is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, 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 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 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. The first channel and the second channel are connected to the switching device in parallel with each other. When the energy storage device is heated, the switching device forms a first circuit through which the heat transfer medium circulates through the first channel, the fourth channel, and the switching device, and a second circuit through which the heat transfer medium circulates through the second channel, the fourth channel, and the switching device, and disconnects the third channel from the first and second circuits.

[0019] In the thermal management system relating to the third aspect of this disclosure, as described above, when the energy storage device is heated, a first circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through a first channel, a fourth channel, and a switching device, and a second circuit is formed in which the heat transfer medium circulates through a second channel, a fourth channel, and a switching device, and the third channel is disconnected from the first and second circuits. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the heat transfer medium of the first circuit and the heat transfer medium of the second circuit in the switching device and the fourth channel. Therefore, the energy storage device can be heated using the heat generated in the drive unit. In addition, by disconnecting the third channel from the first and second circuits, it is possible to suppress the heat generated in the drive unit from being taken away by the radiator, which is unrelated to the heating of the energy storage device.

[0020] In the thermal management system relating to the third aspect described above, preferably, a first pump provided in the first flow path and a second pump provided in the second flow path are included. The second pump operates when the heat reception conditions are met for the energy storage device to receive heat from the heat transfer medium. With this configuration, the energy storage device can be heated up more efficiently.

[0021] In this case, preferably, the heat reception condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since the driving device started operating. With such a configuration, heat exchange between the heat medium of the first circuit and the heat medium of the second circuit can be performed after the temperature of the driving device has risen to a certain temperature or higher.

[0022] In the heat management system according to the third aspect, preferably, the heat reception condition is set such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the downstream portion of the driving device in the second flow path is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device. With such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the heat medium in the first circuit from being taken away by the heat medium in the second circuit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the power storage device while enabling effective utilization of the heat generated from the driving device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with the heat management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the heat management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the first communication pattern of the heat management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the second communication pattern of the heat management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the control of the heat management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the first control of step S170 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the second control of step S170 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) shows the first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the second embodiment. Figure 11(B) shows the schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 11(A). [Figure 12] Figure 12(A) shows the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the second embodiment. Figure 12(B) shows the schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 12(A). [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the first control in step S270. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the second control in step S270. [Figure 16] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows the first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] This figure shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23(A) shows the first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 23(B) shows the schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 23(A). [Figure 24]Figure 24(A) shows the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 24(B) shows the schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 24(A). [Figure 25] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the thermal management system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of a thermal management system using modified examples of the first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 27] Figure 27(A) shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to the first modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 27(B) shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to Figure 27(A). [Figure 28] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management circuit according to the first modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 29] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management circuit according to a second modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 30] This figure shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a third modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 31] This figure shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 32] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management circuit according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 33] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management circuit according to the fourth modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 34] This figure shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 35] This diagram shows the circuit configuration including the battery, converter, inverter, and motor. [Figure 36] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a flowchart showing a first example of the heat reception conditions for compressor operation according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 38] This is a flowchart showing a second example of the heat reception conditions for compressor operation according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] This figure shows the configuration of the thermal management system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a flowchart showing a first example of the heat reception conditions for the operation of the second pump according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart showing a second example of the heat reception conditions for the operation of the second pump according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 1a (see Figure 1). The electric vehicle 1a is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery 173 for driving, and is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle). The electric vehicle 1a 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 1a is an example of "electrical equipment" in this disclosure.

[0027] [First Embodiment] <Overall Structure> Figure 2 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, a human-machine interface (HMI) 600, and an ambient temperature sensor 700.

[0028] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured to allow a heat transfer medium to flow through it. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, a five-way valve 180, and a five-way valve 190. The five-way valves 180 and 190 are examples of the "switching device" of this disclosure. The chiller 160 is an example of the "chiller device" of this disclosure.

[0029] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. The heater core 114 is an example of the "air conditioning circuit" in this disclosure.

[0030] Radiator 120 is connected to (i.e., shared by) both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. Radiator 120 includes a high-temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low-temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see Figure 3 for both). In the low-temperature radiator 122, heat exchange occurs between the heat transfer medium flowing through the low-temperature circuit 130 and the outside air. Note that the low-temperature radiator 122 is an example of a "radiator" in this disclosure.

[0031] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a buck-boost converter 135, a reservoir tank 136, and a heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are examples of the "drive unit" in this disclosure. The water pump 131 and the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 are examples of the "pump" and "second temperature sensor" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0032] The capacitor 140 is connected to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporation pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and an expansion valve 155.

[0034] The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170. In the chiller 160, heat exchange occurs between the heat transfer medium flowing through the battery circuit 170 and the medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0035] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, and a battery temperature sensor 175. The battery 173 is an example of the "energy storage device" in this disclosure. The battery temperature sensor 175 is an example of the "first temperature sensor" in this disclosure. A ripple heating circuit that raises the temperature of the battery 173 by the ripple component of the current flowing through the battery 173 may be provided in the battery circuit 170 (battery 173).

[0036] 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 3.

[0037] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, memory 502, storage 503, and interface 504.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137), 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 2 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include multiple processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and storage 503.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The outside air temperature sensor 700 detects the outside air temperature of the electric vehicle 1a. The outside air temperature information detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is transmitted to the ECU 500.

[0043] <Configuration of the thermal management circuit> Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. The heat transfer medium (usually hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of the following paths: a first path from 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 from water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - high-temperature radiator 121 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111.

[0044] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through the following path: water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - step-up / step-down converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - five-way valve 190 - reservoir tank 136 - water pump 131.

[0045] 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 frequency of the AC current flowing from the inverter (not shown) of the PCU 133 to the motor may also be set to the resonant frequency of the circuit including the inverter and the motor.

[0046] The SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by a heat transfer medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 maintains the pressure and amount of heat transfer medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of the heat transfer medium in the low-temperature circuit 130. Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 switches the heat transfer medium 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 and exchanges heat with 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.

[0047] The heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path (flow path 130b described later) where the PCU 133 and the like are installed. For example, the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing between the buck-boost converter 135 and the five-way valve 180 (downstream of the buck-boost converter 135). Alternatively, the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 may detect the temperature of the heat transfer medium between the PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134.

[0048] The heat transfer medium (gas-phase or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the following paths: the first path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 152 to evaporator 153 to EPR 154 to compressor 151, and the second path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 155 to chiller 160 to compressor 151.

[0049] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of the following paths: the first path from water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171, and the second path from water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171.

[0050] 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 heat exchange between the heat transfer medium 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 may be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. A bypass path 174 is provided so that the heat transfer medium bypasses the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat transfer medium flows through the bypass path 174, temperature changes in the heat transfer medium due to heat absorption / dissipation between the heat transfer medium and the battery 173 can be suppressed. A battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 173.

[0051] 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 from 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 path 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.

[0052] 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 from 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 path 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.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 173 is located in the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170. The battery 173 exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the flow path 170b. The flow path 170b is in thermal contact with the battery 173. The flow path 170b is a flow path connecting port P2 of the five-way valve 180 and port P12 of the five-way valve 190. Note that the flow path 170b is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0054] The low-temperature radiator 122 is provided in the flow path 130a of the low-temperature circuit 130. Flow path 130a is a flow path connecting port P5 of the five-way valve 180 and port P15 of the five-way valve 190. Flow path 130a is an example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure.

[0055] The water pump 131, SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, buck-boost converter 135, reservoir tank 136, and heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 are each located in the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130. The PCU 133 and oil cooler 134, etc., exchange heat with the heat transfer medium in the flow path 130b. The flow path 130b is in thermal contact with the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135. The flow path 130b is a flow path connecting port P3 of the five-way valve 180 and port P13 of the five-way valve 190. Note that the flow path 130b is an example of the "second flow path" in this disclosure.

[0056] The chiller 160 is located in the flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170. The flow path 170a is a flow path connecting port P1 of the five-way valve 180 and port P11 of the five-way valve 190. Note that the flow path 170a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0057] <Communication Pattern> Figures 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams showing the outlines of the first and second communication patterns of the thermal management circuit 100 formed by controlling the five-way valves 180 and 190, respectively. The second communication pattern is an example of the "temperature-boosting circuit" of this disclosure.

[0058] In the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting port P1 and port P5, and a path connecting port P2 and port P3.

[0059] In addition, in the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting port P11 and port P15, and a path connecting port P12 and port P13.

[0060] As a result, a first closed circuit 10 is formed by connecting the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130. In addition, a second closed circuit 20 is formed by connecting the flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130a of the low-temperature circuit 130. Thus, the first closed circuit 10 and the second closed circuit 20 are separated from each other and become independent. Note that the first closed circuit 10 and the second closed circuit 20 are examples of the "second connecting flow path" and "third connecting flow path" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0061] In electric vehicles, since they sometimes lack engines, it may not be possible to heat the components of the electric vehicle using engine waste heat. Therefore, it is sometimes important to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive system, including the inverter and motor. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently raise the temperature of the energy storage device. In other words, it is desirable to efficiently raise the temperature of the energy storage device while enabling the effective utilization of the heat generated by the drive system.

[0062] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the temperature rise of the battery 173 is controlled, a second communication pattern shown in Figure 5 is formed. In the second communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting port P1 and port P2, and a path connecting port P3 and port P4. In addition, in the second communication pattern, the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting port P11 and port P14, and a path connecting port P12 and port P13.

[0063] As a result, a third closed circuit 30 is formed in which the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170, the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130, and the flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170 are connected. In this case, the low-temperature radiator 122 (flow path 130a) is disconnected and not connected to the third closed circuit 30 (battery 173, chiller 160, and PCU 133). Note that the third closed circuit 30 is an example of the "first connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0064] When the battery 173 is used in the second communication pattern shown in Figure 5, the heat generated by the battery 173's self-heating is accumulated (stored) in the third closed circuit 30. Furthermore, while the battery 173 is generating its own heat, the PCU 133 and the transaxle (not shown) also generate heat. The heat generated by the PCU 133 and the transaxle is accumulated (stored) in the third closed circuit 30. Therefore, the battery 173 is heated by the heat generated by its own self-heating and the heat generated by the PCU 133 and the transaxle.

[0065] As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the battery 173 while making effective use of the heat generated from the drive unit such as the PCU 133. In addition, if there is no heating request when the ECU 500 is controlling the temperature of the battery 173, it may stop the heat exchange (heat dissipation) in the chiller 160 by stopping the compressor 151 and electric heater 112 (both shown in Figure 3), etc.

[0066] <Control method for thermal management circuits> The control method for the thermal management system 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the flowchart in Figure 5 is merely an example, and the control methods described in this disclosure are not limited to those shown in Figure 5.

[0067] In step S100, the electric vehicle 1a is started to run (the driving system is activated). Specifically, a start button (not shown) on the electric vehicle 1a is pressed, which drives the PCU 133 and other components, and the PCU 133 and the battery 173 are electrically connected (by an SMR, not shown). As a result, current is supplied from the PCU 133 to the battery 173. The ECU 500 detects that the electric vehicle 1a has started to run by receiving a predetermined internal signal from the electric vehicle 1a. At this point, the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130 are assumed to be disconnected from each other.

[0068] In step S110, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173, as detected by the battery temperature sensor 175, is less than 10°C. If the temperature of the battery 173 is less than 10°C (Yes in S110), the process proceeds to step S120. If the temperature of the battery 173 is 10°C or higher (No in S110), the process ends. Note that the threshold in step S110 may be a value other than 10°C.

[0069] In step S120, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat transfer medium detected by the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 137 is higher than the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175. If the temperature of the heat transfer medium is higher than the temperature of the battery 173 (Yes in S120), the process proceeds to step S130. If the temperature of the heat transfer medium is less than or equal to the temperature of the battery 173 (No in S120), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0070] In step S130, the ECU 500 determines whether or not the user of the electric vehicle 1a has requested to activate the heater. If such a request exists (Yes in S130), the process proceeds to step S150. If such a request does not exist (No in S130), the process proceeds to step S160. The ECU 500 may also determine whether such a request exists based on a signal sent to the ECU 500 when the user presses the button to activate the heater.

[0071] In step S140, the ECU 500 controls the heating of the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 130b. Specifically, the ECU 500 causes the heat transfer medium to flow for a predetermined time while the PCU 133 and other components are driven. As a result, the heat generated from the PCU 133 and other components raises the temperature of the heat transfer medium. Next, the process returns to step S120.

[0072] In step S150, the ECU 500 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. If the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S150), the process proceeds to step S160. If the ambient temperature is -10°C or lower (No in S150), the process proceeds to step S161. The threshold of -10°C mentioned above is set based on the fact that the heat transfer medium is cooled to approximately -10°C by expansion by the expansion valve 155. Furthermore, -10°C is an example of a "predetermined threshold" in this disclosure.

[0073] In step S160, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 respectively so that the thermal management circuit 100 follows the first communication pattern shown in Figure 4. At this time, if there is a heating request in step S130 (Yes in S130), the water pump 171 may be driven.

[0074] In step S161, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 respectively so that the thermal management circuit 100 follows the second communication pattern shown in Figure 5. In this case, even if there is a heating request in step S130 (Yes in S130), the water pump 171 may be stopped if the flow rate of the heat transfer medium (output of the water pump 131) is sufficient.

[0075] In step S170, the ECU 500 raises the temperature of the battery 173 by maintaining the state in which either the first or second communication pattern is formed. The detailed processing performed in step S170 will be described later.

[0076] In step S180, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 is 10°C or higher. If the temperature of the battery 173 is 10°C or higher (Yes in S180), the process proceeds to step S190. If the temperature of the battery 173 is less than 10°C (No in S180), the process returns to step S170. Note that the threshold value in step S180 may be a value other than 10°C as long as it is not less than the threshold value in step S110.

[0077] In step S190, the ECU 500 changes the thermal management circuit 100 from the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 4 (or the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 5) to another communication pattern (for example, a communication pattern suitable for the running of the electric vehicle 1a) by controlling each of the five-way valves 180 and 190. Then, the process ends.

[0078] <Processing in S170> As shown in FIG. 7, the process of step S170 includes the processes of steps S171 to S173. In step S171, the ECU 500 sets (initializes) the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a relatively low value (for example, about 1 / 4 of the upper limit value) within the range of the flow rate that can be output by the water pump 131. Note that the process of step S171 is executed only in the first flow.

[0079] In step S172, the ECU 500 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 is greater than 10°C (heat medium temperature - battery 173 temperature > 10°C). If the difference is greater than 10°C (Yes in S172), the process proceeds to step S173. If the difference is 10°C or less (No in S172), the process proceeds to step S180 (see FIG. 6). Note that the temperature of the heat medium rises more rapidly than the temperature of the battery 173. Thus, during the temperature increase control of the battery 173, the difference gradually increases with the passage of time.

[0080] In step S173, the ECU 500 increases the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131. For example, the ECU 500 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 to the upper limit of the range of flow rates that the water pump 131 can output. Therefore, during temperature control of the battery 173, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 increases in accordance with the increase in the above difference (the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the temperature of the battery 173) over time. Next, the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6). Note that if the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is already set to the above upper limit in step S173, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is not changed.

[0081] In the above example, the process in step S173 is performed based on the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the temperature of the battery 173, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the process in step S173 may be performed based on the elapsed time (e.g., 10 minutes) after the process in step S171 has been performed. In other words, in this case, the above difference is not considered.

[0082] Furthermore, although step S173 shows an example in which the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is increased to a predetermined value based on the above difference, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the ECU 500 may determine the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 based on the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the required flow rate of the heat medium. The ECU 500 may also set the above flow rate (output) using a map that shows the relationship between the temperature of the heat medium, the required flow rate of the heat medium, and the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131. The above map is stored in memory 502 (see Figure 2), for example.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, the process in step S170 includes the processes in steps S174 to S177. In step S174, the ECU 500 determines whether or not the user has requested that the heating be activated. If such a request is made (Yes in S174), the process proceeds to step S175. If such a request is not made (No in S174), the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6).

[0084] In step S175, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 171. This causes the heat transfer medium to circulate through the second closed circuit 20 (see Figure 8(B)). If the water pump 171 is already running, it continues to run.

[0085] In step S176, the ECU 500 determines whether the value detected by the ambient temperature sensor 700 has fallen below -10°C. If the ambient temperature is below -10°C (Yes in S176), the process proceeds to step S177. If the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C (No in S176), the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6).

[0086] In step S177, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 such that the connection between flow path 130a and flow path 170a is released, and a third closed circuit 30 (see Figure 5) is formed connecting the first closed circuit 10 and flow path 170a. As a result, the chiller 160, battery 173, and PCU 133 are connected to each other. The low-temperature radiator 122 is also disconnected from the third closed circuit 30 (chiller 160, battery 173, and PCU 133) and becomes independent. If the thermal management circuit 100 is already in the second communication pattern (i.e., has gone through S161), the ECU 500 maintains the thermal management circuit 100 in the second communication pattern.

[0087] Note that either the series of processes in steps S174 and S175, or the series of processes in steps S176 and S177, may be performed by themselves.

[0088] As described above, in the first embodiment, when controlling the temperature rise of the battery 173, the ECU 500 forms a third closed circuit 30 in which the flow paths 170a, 170b, and 130a are connected, and the low-temperature radiator 122 (flow path 130a) is disconnected from the third closed circuit 30 and made independent. This allows the battery 173 to be heated by the heat generated by the battery 173's own heat generation and the heat generated by the PCU 133, etc. As a result, the temperature rise of the battery 173 can be efficiently carried out while enabling effective utilization of the heat generated from the PCU 133, etc.

[0089] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, a configuration in which five-way valves 180 and 190 are employed was described. However, the configuration of the switching device according to this disclosure is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the switching device according to this disclosure is an eight-way valve 280 will be described.

[0090] <Overall Structure> Figure 9 shows an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The thermal management system 2 differs from the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of a thermal management circuit 100 and an ECU 510 instead of an ECU 500.

[0091] The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and a multi-way valve 280. The multi-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" as disclosed herein. The chiller 220 and the refrigeration cycle 240 are examples of a "chiller device" and an "air conditioning circuit" as disclosed herein, respectively.

[0092] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240.

[0093] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, 246 (see Figure 10), an evaporator 247, a check valve 248, and an accumulator 249. The condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252 (see Figure 10), with the water-cooled condenser 251 connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230.

[0094] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a reservoir tank 265, and a heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266. A transaxle may be provided in the drive unit circuit 260 instead of the oil cooler 264. Alternatively, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 (or transaxle) may be combined into an e-axle. The PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are examples of the "drive device" in this disclosure. The heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266 and the water pump 261 are examples of the "second temperature sensor" and "pump" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0095] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a battery temperature sensor 273. The battery 272 is an example of the “energy storage device” in this disclosure. The battery temperature sensor 273 is an example of the “first temperature sensor.”

[0096] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P21 to P28 (see Figure 10) and is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0097] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 200. The ECU 510 includes a processor 511, memory 512, storage 513, and interface 514.

[0098] <Configuration of the thermal management circuit> Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 200 in the second embodiment. The heat transfer medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of eight-way valve 280 (port P23) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 (port P25).

[0099] The water pump 211 circulates the heat transfer medium within the chiller circuit 210 according to control commands from the ECU 510. The chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 and the heat transfer medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240. The eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which the chiller circuit 210 is connected according to control commands from the ECU 510. The switching of paths by the eight-way valve 280 will be explained in detail later.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 10, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through the eight-way valve 280 (port P26) - water-cooled condenser 251 - bypass passage 230b - eight-way valve 280 (port P27). The radiator 231 is located downstream of the grill shutter (not shown) and exchanges heat between the vehicle's outside air and the heat transfer fluid.

[0101] The heat transfer medium (gas-phase or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 is connected in two paths: first path: compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241; and second path: compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 2 The current flows through one of the following paths: 49-compressor 241 (second path), compressor 241-solenoid valve 244B-water-cooled condenser 251-solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245-evaporator 247-accumulator 249-compressor 241 (third path), or compressor 241-solenoid valve 244B-water-cooled condenser 251-solenoid valve 246-chiller 220-accumulator 249-compressor 241 (fourth path).

[0102] Compressor 241 compresses the gaseous refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 according to control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to compressor 241 and adjusts the amount of gaseous refrigerant flowing into compressor 241 according to control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch whether the gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 flows into water-cooled condenser 251 or air-cooled condenser 252 according to control commands from ECU 510. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 and the heat transfer medium flowing through radiator circuit 230. Air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with the air introduced into the passenger compartment to produce warm air. Solenoid valve 245 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into evaporator 247 according to control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 246 restricts the inflow of liquid-phase refrigerant into chiller 220 according to control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid-phase refrigerant. Accumulator 249 removes liquid-phase refrigerant from the gas-liquid mixture, preventing liquid-phase refrigerant from being drawn into compressor 241 if it is not completely vaporized by evaporator 247.

[0103] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the following path: eight-way valve 280 (port P28) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - eight-way valve 280 (port P22).

[0104] The water pump 261 circulates the heat transfer medium within the drive unit circuit 260 according to control commands from the ECU 510. The SPU 262 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 272 according to control commands from the ECU 510. The PCU 263 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 272 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 264 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat transfer medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 and the motor's lubricating oil. Alternatively, heat exchange may occur between the heat generated by supplying power to the stator without rotating the motor's rotor and the heat transfer medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260.

[0105] The SPU262, PCU263, and oil cooler264 are cooled by a heat transfer medium circulating through the drive unit circuit260. The reservoir tank265 maintains the pressure and volume of the heat transfer medium in the drive unit circuit260 by storing a portion of the heat transfer medium in the drive unit circuit260 (heat transfer medium that overflows as the pressure rises).

[0106] The heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path (flow path 260a described later) where the PCU 263 and the like are installed. For example, the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing between the oil cooler 264 and the eight-way valve 280 (downstream of the oil cooler 264). Alternatively, the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266 may detect the temperature of the heat transfer medium between the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264.

[0107] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of eight-way valve 280 (port P21) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 (port P24).

[0108] ADAS271 includes, for example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Auto Speed ​​Limiter (ASL), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Pre-Crash Safety (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The battery circuit 270 may also include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS) in addition to ADAS271. The battery 272 supplies power for driving to the motor built into the transaxle. The battery temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of the battery 272.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11, the chiller 220 is located in the flow path 210a (see Figure 11(B)) of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a is a flow path connecting port P23 and port P25 of the eight-way valve 280. Note that the flow path 210a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0110] The radiator 231 is located in the flow path 230a (see Figure 11(B)) of the radiator circuit 230. The flow path 230a also includes a bypass path 230b. The bypass path 230b is provided to connect the portion between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the radiator 231 to the eight-way valve 280. When the heat transfer fluid flows through the bypass path 230b, the heat transfer fluid does not flow through the radiator 231. Conversely, when the heat transfer fluid flows through the radiator 231, the heat transfer fluid does not flow through the bypass path 230b. Note that flow path 230a is an example of the "third flow path" in this disclosure.

[0111] The water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265 (only PCU 263 is shown in Figure 11 as a representative) are located in the flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260 (see Figure 11(B)). The flow path 260a is a flow path connecting port P28 and port P22 of the eight-way valve 280. Note that the flow path 260a is an example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0112] The battery 272 is located in the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270 (see Figure 11(B)). The flow path 270a is a flow path connecting port P21 and port P24 of the eight-way valve 280. Note that the flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0113] <Communication Pattern> Figures 11 and 12 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the outlines of the first and second communication patterns using the eight-way valve 280, respectively. The second communication pattern is an example of the "temperature-boosting circuit" described herein.

[0114] In the first communication pattern (see Figure 11), a path is formed connecting port P22 and port P21 by the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern, a path is formed connecting port P24 and port P28 by the internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern, a path is formed connecting port P27 and port P23 by the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern, a path is formed connecting port P25 and port P26 by the internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern, the radiator 231 and port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by flow path 230a.

[0115] As a result, the flow path 260a, where the PCU 263 and the like are located, and the flow path 270a, where the battery 272 is located, are connected via the eight-way valve 280. Consequently, the heat transfer medium flows through the first closed circuit 11 of water pump 261-PCU 263-eight-way valve 280-battery 272-eight-way valve 280-water pump 261. Note that the first closed circuit 11 is an example of the "second connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0116] Furthermore, the flow path 210a where the chiller 220 is provided and the flow path 230a of the radiator circuit 230 are connected via the eight-way valve 280. As a result, the heat transfer medium flows through the second closed circuit 21 of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 - water cooling condenser 251 - radiator 231 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 211. Note that the second closed circuit 21 is an example of the "third connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 11, the first closed circuit 11 and the second closed circuit 21 are disconnected and independent of each other.

[0118] Here, as shown in Figure 11(A), the eight-way valve 280 has a circular shape when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The eight-way valve 280 is configured to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0119] Figure 12(A) shows a second communication pattern when the eight-way valve 280 is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle (for example, about 20 degrees) from the state shown in Figure 11(A). In this case, the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P24 and port P28. The internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P21 and port P25. The internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P22 and port P26. The internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P23 and port P27. In the second communication pattern, the bypass flow path 230b and port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by flow path 230a (bypass flow path 230b).

[0120] As a result, as shown in Figure 12(B), the heat transfer medium flows through the third closed circuit 31 consisting of the water-cooled condenser 251 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - eight-way valve 280 - water-cooled condenser 251. The radiator 231 is disconnected from the third closed circuit 31 and operates independently. Note that the third closed circuit 31 is an example of the "first connection flow path" in this disclosure.

[0121] Therefore, by rotating the 8-way valve 280, it is possible to easily switch between the first communication pattern (see Figure 11) and the second communication pattern (see Figure 12).

[0122] <Control method for thermal management circuits> The control method for the thermal management system 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 13. Note that the flowchart in Figure 13 is merely an example, and the control methods in this disclosure are not limited to those shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, the explanation of steps similar to those in the control flowchart of the first embodiment described above will be simplified or omitted.

[0123] In the next step S210 following step S100, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is less than 10°C. If the temperature of the battery 272 is less than 10°C (Yes in S210), the process proceeds to step S220. If the temperature of the battery 272 is 10°C or higher (No in S210), the process ends. Note that the threshold value in step S210 may be a value other than 10°C. Also, at this point, the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270 and the flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260 are assumed to be disconnected from each other.

[0124] In step S220, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the heat transfer medium detected by the heat transfer medium temperature sensor 266 is higher than the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273. If the temperature of the heat transfer medium is higher than the temperature of the battery 272 (Yes in S220), the process proceeds to step S230. If the temperature of the heat transfer medium is less than or equal to the temperature of the battery 272 (No in S220), the process proceeds to step S240.

[0125] In step S230, the ECU 510 determines whether or not the user of the electric vehicle 1a has requested that the heating be activated. If such a request is made (Yes in S230), the process proceeds to step S250. If such a request is not made (No in S230), the process proceeds to step S260.

[0126] In step S240, the ECU 510 controls the heating of the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 260a, similar to step S140 in the first embodiment (see Figure 6). Next, the process returns to step S220.

[0127] In step S250, the ECU 510 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. If the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S250), the process proceeds to step S260. If the ambient temperature is -10°C or lower (No in S250), the process proceeds to step S261. The threshold of -10°C mentioned above is set based on the fact that the heat transfer medium is cooled to approximately -10°C by expansion by the solenoid valve 246 (expansion valve). Furthermore, -10°C is an example of a "predetermined threshold" in this disclosure.

[0128] In step S260, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 follows the first communication pattern shown in Figure 11. At this time, if there is a heating request in step S230 (Yes in S230), the water pump 211 may be driven.

[0129] In step S261, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 follows the second communication pattern shown in Figure 12.

[0130] In step S270, the ECU 510 raises the temperature of the battery 272 by maintaining the state in which either the first or second communication pattern is formed. The detailed processing performed in step S270 will be described later.

[0131] In step S280, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is 10°C or higher. If the temperature of the battery 272 is 10°C or higher (Yes in S280), the process proceeds to step S290. If the temperature of the battery 272 is less than 10°C (No in S280), the process returns to step S270. Note that the threshold value in step S280 may be a value other than 10°C as long as it is equal to or higher than the threshold value in step S210.

[0132] In step S290, the ECU 510 changes the heat management circuit 200 from the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 11 (or the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 12) to another communication pattern (for example, a communication pattern suitable for the running of the electric vehicle 1a) by controlling the eight-way valve 280. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0133] <The processing in S270> As shown in FIG. 14, the processing in step S270 includes the processing in steps S271 to S273. In step S271, the ECU 510 sets (initializes) the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a relatively low value (for example, about 1 / 4 of the upper limit value) within the range of the flow rate that can be output by the water pump 261. Note that the processing in step S271 is executed only in the first flow.

[0134] In step S272, the ECU 510 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 266 and the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is greater than 10°C (heat medium temperature - battery 272 temperature > 10°C). If the difference is greater than 10°C (Yes in S272), the process proceeds to step S273. If the difference is 10°C or less (No in S272), the process proceeds to step S280 (see FIG. 13).

[0135] In step S273, the ECU 510 increases the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261. For example, the ECU 510 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 to the upper limit of the range of flow rates that the water pump 261 can output. Note that in step S273, if the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 is already set to the above upper limit, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 is not changed.

[0136] As shown in Figure 15, the process in step S270 includes the processes in steps S274 to S277. In step S274, the ECU 510 determines whether or not the user has requested that the heating be activated. If such a request is made (Yes in S274), the process proceeds to step S275. If such a request is not made (No in S274), the process proceeds to step S280 (see Figure 13).

[0137] In step S275, the ECU 510 drives the water pump 211. If the water pump 211 is already running, it continues to run.

[0138] In step S276, the ECU 510 determines whether the value detected by the ambient temperature sensor 700 has fallen below -10°C. If the ambient temperature is below -10°C (Yes in S276), the process proceeds to step S277. If the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C (No in S276), the process proceeds to step S280 (see Figure 13).

[0139] In step S277, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that a third closed circuit 31 (see Figure 12) is formed connecting the first closed circuit 11 and the flow path 210a. The third closed circuit 31 and the radiator 231 are disconnected and independent of each other. If the thermal management circuit 200 is already in the second communication pattern (i.e., has gone through S261), the ECU 510 maintains the thermal management circuit 200 in the second communication pattern.

[0140] Note that either the series of processes in steps S274 and S275, or the series of processes in steps S276 and S277, may be performed by themselves.

[0141] Other configurations and effects in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so no further explanation will be given.

[0142] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment in which an eight-way valve 280 is employed, two six-way valves are employed. Components identical to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0143] <Overall Structure> Figure 16 shows an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 3 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The thermal management system 3 differs from the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment (see Figure 9) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of a thermal management circuit 200 and an ECU 520 instead of an ECU 510.

[0144] The thermal management circuit 300 includes a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, a six-way valve 380, and a six-way valve 390. Each of the six-way valves 380 and 390 is an example of the “switching device” of this disclosure.

[0145] The chiller 220 is provided in the flow path 210b of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210b is provided to connect the chiller circuit 210 to the hexagonal valve 380 and the hexagonal valve 390, respectively. The flow path 210b is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0146] The radiator 231 is located in the flow path 230c. The flow path 230c is provided to connect the radiator 231 and the hexagonal valve 390. The flow path 230c is an example of the "third flow path" in this disclosure.

[0147] The water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265 are located in the flow path 260b of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260b is provided to connect the drive unit circuit 260 to the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390, respectively. The flow path 260b is an example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0148] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270b of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270b is provided to connect the battery circuit 270 and the six-way valve 380. The flow path 270b is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0149] The ECU 520 controls the thermal management circuit 300. The ECU 520 includes a processor 521, memory 522, storage 523, and interface 524.

[0150] <Configuration of the thermal management circuit> Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 300 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the hexagonal valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36. The hexagonal valve 390 also includes six ports P41 to P46.

[0151] 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 flow path 5. In addition, port P36 of the hexagonal valve 380 and port P46 of the hexagonal valve 390 are connected by a flow path 6.

[0152] The heat transfer medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the following path: six-way valve 380 (port P33) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - six-way valve 390 (port P43).

[0153] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through the hexagonal valve 390 (port P41) - water cooling condenser 251 - radiator 231 - hexagonal valve 390 (port P44).

[0154] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the following path: six-way valve 390 (port P42) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - six-way valve 380 (port P32).

[0155] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of hexagonal valve 380 (port P31) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - hexagonal valve 380 (port P34).

[0156] <Communication Pattern> Figures 18 and 19 are conceptual diagrams showing the outlines of the first and second communication patterns of the thermal management circuit 300 formed by controlling the hexagonal valves 380 and 390, respectively. The second communication pattern is an example of the "temperature rise circuit" of this disclosure.

[0157] In the first communication pattern shown in Figure 18, the hexagonal valve 380 forms paths connecting port P31 and port P32, paths connecting port P34 and port P35, and paths connecting port P33 and port P36.

[0158] In addition, in the first communication pattern, the hexagonal valve 390 forms a path connecting port P42 and port P45, and paths connecting port P44 and port P46, and port P41 and port P43.

[0159] Furthermore, in the first communication pattern, a path (channel 5) is formed that connects port P35 and port P45, and a path (channel 6) is formed that connects port P36 and port P46.

[0160] As a result, the flow path 260b, which is equipped with the PCU 263, etc., is connected to the flow path 270b, which is equipped with the hexagonal valve 380, the hexagonal valve 390, and the battery 272. Consequently, the heat transfer medium flows through the first closed circuit 12 of water pump 261-PCU 263-hexagonal valve 380-battery 272-hexagonal valve 380-hexagonal valve 390-water pump 261. Note that the first closed circuit 12 is an example of the "second connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0161] Furthermore, the flow path 210b, through which the chiller 220 is installed, the flow path 230c, through which the radiator 231 is installed, the six-way valve 380, and the six-way valve 390 are connected. As a result, the heat transfer medium flows through the second closed circuit 22 of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - radiator 231 - six-way valve 390 - six-way valve 380 - water pump 211. Note that the second closed circuit 22 is an example of the "third connecting flow path" of this disclosure.

[0162] In the second communication pattern shown in Figure 19, the six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting port P31 and port P32, and a path connecting port P33 and port P34. Additionally, the six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting port P42 and port P43.

[0163] As a result, the heat transfer medium flows through the third closed circuit 32 consisting of chiller 220 - six-way valve 390 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - six-way valve 380 - battery 272 - six-way valve 380 - water pump 211 - chiller 220. Note that the third closed circuit 32 is an example of the "first connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0164] <Control method for thermal management circuits> The control method for the thermal management system 3 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 20. Steps that are the same as those in the control flow in the second embodiment described above will not be explained again.

[0165] If the answer is No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S360. If the answer is No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S361.

[0166] In step S360, the ECU 520 controls the hexagonal valves 380 and 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 follows the first communication pattern shown in Figure 18. The process then proceeds to step S370.

[0167] In step S361, the ECU 520 controls the hexagonal valves 380 and 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 follows the second communication pattern shown in Figure 19. The process then proceeds to step S370.

[0168] The process in step S370 is the same as the process in step S270 in the second embodiment described above (see Figures 14 and 15), so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0169] Furthermore, the other configurations and effects in the third embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment described above.

[0170] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, unlike the second embodiment in which an eight-way valve 280 is used, a ten-way valve is used. The same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the second embodiment, and repeated explanations are not provided.

[0171] <Overall Structure> Figure 21 shows an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 4 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. The thermal management system 4 differs from the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment (see Figure 9) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of a thermal management circuit 200 and an ECU 530 instead of an ECU 510.

[0172] The thermal management circuit 400 includes a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and a ten-way valve 480. The ten-way valve 480 is an example of the “switching device” of this disclosure.

[0173] The chiller 220 is provided in the flow path 210c of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210c is provided to connect the chiller circuit 210 and the 16-way valve 480. The flow path 210c is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0174] The radiator 231 is located in the flow path 230d. The flow path 230d is configured to connect the radiator 231 to the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 230d also includes a bypass flow path 230e (see Figure 22). The bypass flow path 230e is configured to connect the portion between the radiator 231 and the water-cooled condenser 251 to the ten-way valve 480. Note that the flow path 230d is an example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure.

[0175] The water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265 are located in the flow path 260c of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260c is provided to connect the drive unit circuit 260 and the 16-way valve 480. Note that the flow path 260c is an example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0176] The battery 272 is located in the flow path 270c of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270c is configured to connect the battery circuit 270 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 270c also includes a bypass flow path 270d (see Figure 22). The bypass flow path 270d is configured to connect the portion between the ADAS 271 and the battery 272 to the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 270c is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0177] The ECU 530 controls the thermal management circuit 400. The ECU 530 includes a processor 531, memory 532, storage 533, and interface 534.

[0178] <Configuration of the thermal management circuit> Figure 22 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 400 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the 10-way valve 480 includes 10 ports P50 to P59.

[0179] The heat transfer medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of 16-way valve 480 (port P53) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - 16-way valve 480 (port P55).

[0180] The heat transfer medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through one or both of the following paths: the first path from the 16-way valve 480 (port P56) to the water-cooled condenser 251 to the radiator 231 to the 16-way valve 480 (port P57), and the second path from the 16-way valve 480 (port P59) to the bypass channel 230e to the 16-way valve 480 (port P57).

[0181] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the following path: 16-way valve 480 (port P58) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - 16-way valve 480 (port P52).

[0182] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through one or both of the following paths: the first path from the 16-way valve 480 (port P51) to ADAS 271 to the battery 272 to the 16-way valve 480 (port P54), and the second path from the 16-way valve 480 (port P51) to ADAS 271 to the bypass channel 270d to the 16-way valve 480 (port P50).

[0183] <Communication Pattern> Figures 23 and 24 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the outlines of the first and second communication patterns using the ten-way valve 480, respectively. The second communication pattern is an example of the "temperature-boosting circuit" described herein.

[0184] In the first communication pattern (see Figure 23), a path connecting port P52 and port P51 is formed by the internal flow path 481 of the ten-way valve 480. In the first communication pattern, a path connecting port P54 and port P58 is formed by the internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480. In the first communication pattern, a path connecting port P57 and port P53 is formed by the internal flow path 483 of the ten-way valve 480. In the first communication pattern, a path connecting port P55 and port P56 is formed by the internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480.

[0185] As a result, the flow path 260c, where the PCU 263 and the like are located, and the flow path 270c, where the battery 272 is located, are connected via the 16-way valve 480. Consequently, the heat transfer medium flows through the first closed circuit 13 of water pump 261-PCU 263-16-way valve 480-battery 272-16-way valve 480-water pump 261. Note that the first closed circuit 13 is an example of the "second connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0186] Furthermore, the flow path 210c, through which the chiller 220 is provided, and the flow path 230d (radiator 231) of the radiator circuit 230 are connected via a 16-way valve 480. As a result, the heat transfer medium flows through a second closed circuit 23 consisting of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - 16-way valve 480 - water cooling condenser 251 - radiator 231 - 16-way valve 480 - water pump 211. Note that the second closed circuit 23 is an example of the "third connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0187] In the example shown in Figure 23, the first closed circuit 13 and the second closed circuit 23 are disconnected and independent of each other.

[0188] Figure 24(A) shows a second communication pattern after switching the flow paths of internal flow paths 481 to 484 from the state shown in Figure 23(A). In this case, the internal flow path 481 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P56 and port P57. The internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P52 and port P51. The internal flow path 483 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P55 and port P59. The internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P53 and port P54.

[0189] As a result, as shown in Figure 24(B), the heat transfer medium flows through the third closed circuit 33, which consists of water pump 261 - PCU 263 - 16-way valve 480 - battery 272 - 16-way valve 480 - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - 16-way valve 480 - bypass flow path 230e - 16-way valve 480 - water pump 261. Note that the third closed circuit 33 is an example of the "first connecting flow path" in this disclosure.

[0190] Therefore, by rotating the internal flow paths 481 to 484, it is possible to easily switch between the first communication pattern (see Figure 23) and the second communication pattern (see Figure 24).

[0191] <Control method for thermal management circuits> The control method for the thermal management system 4 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 25. Note that the flowchart in Figure 25 is merely an example, and the control methods in this disclosure are not limited to those shown in Figure 25. Furthermore, the explanation of steps similar to those in the control flowchart of the second embodiment described above will be simplified or omitted.

[0192] If the answer is No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S460. If the answer is No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S461.

[0193] In step S460, the ECU 530 controls the ten-way valve 480 so that the thermal management circuit 400 forms the first communication pattern shown in Figure 23. The process then proceeds to step S470.

[0194] In step S461, the ECU 530 controls the ten-way valve 480 so that the thermal management circuit 400 forms the second communication pattern shown in Figure 24. The process then proceeds to step S470.

[0195] The process in step S470 is the same as the process in step S270 in the second embodiment described above (see Figures 14 and 15), so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0196] Furthermore, the other configurations and effects in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment described above.

[0197] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which battery temperature rise control is performed when the electric vehicle 1a is driven (when the driving system is started), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The temperature rise control may also be started based on a predetermined time before the next scheduled start time (for example, 30 minutes before). In these cases, control may be performed so that no torque is generated in the motor of the electric vehicle (for example, control that allows only one phase of the three phases of current supplied to the motor to flow).

[0198] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, temperature rise control may be performed at the start of external charging (e.g., rapid charging) using charging power supplied from an external charging facility (not shown) of the electric vehicle. For example, in step S400, the process proceeds to step S110 in response to the ECU 500 detecting the plugging in of the charging plug. If the temperature of the battery 173 is determined to be 10°C or higher in step S180 or S110, the process proceeds to step S410. Note that 10°C is an example of a "predetermined temperature" in this disclosure. In step S410, the ECU 500 starts controlling the external charging (rapid charging). Although Figure 26 shows an example where plugging in triggers the battery temperature rise control, the battery temperature rise control may also be started before plugging in, for example, in response to a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the scheduled start of external charging (start of charging power supply). Also, although Figure 26 shows a representative example of applying the above control to the first embodiment, the above control may also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the above temperature rise control may be performed when starting normal charging (slow charging, which has a lower charging speed than fast charging).

[0199] The first to fourth embodiments described above show examples in which the thermal management system is installed in an electric vehicle, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management system may be installed in electrical equipment other than an electric vehicle (for example, a stationary energy storage device).

[0200] The first to fourth embodiments described above show examples in which the output of the water pump is increased over time, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the output of the water pump may be constant.

[0201] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the battery temperature is raised by the first connecting pattern when the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. When the ambient temperature is higher than -10°C, a circuit other than the first connecting pattern may be formed to raise the battery temperature.

[0202] The first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example of controlling the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit based on the presence or absence of a heating request and the outside air temperature, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The communication pattern of the thermal management circuit may be controlled based on only one of the presence or absence of a heating request and the outside air temperature. Alternatively, the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit may be controlled without considering either the presence or absence of a heating request or the outside air temperature.

[0203] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which a first communication pattern (heating circuit) is formed when the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the flow path where the PCU (drive unit) is provided is higher than the battery temperature. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Regardless of the relationship between the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the battery temperature, the first communication pattern may be formed based on, for example, only the battery temperature.

[0204] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the output of the water pump is increased to a predetermined value when the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the output of the water pump may be gradually increased in accordance with (proportionally) the increase in the difference. Alternatively, the output of the water pump may be increased to a predetermined value after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the start of temperature rise control in the state in which the first (second) communication pattern has been formed.

[0205] The first to fourth embodiments described above show examples in which battery temperature rise control is performed when the electric vehicle 1a starts driving (when the driving system is started), but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature rise control may be performed not when the electric vehicle 1a starts driving (when the driving system is started), but when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined threshold (10°C in the above embodiments). In this case, the ECU may acquire the detected battery temperature at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour).

[0206] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which a first communication pattern (heating circuit) is formed when the electric vehicle 1a starts to run (when the driving system starts up), and the battery is heated using the current flowing through it. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first communication pattern may be formed after the electric vehicle 1a has finished running (after current has stopped flowing through the battery), and the battery may be heated using a heat transfer medium heated by the heat generated by the PCU or the like. Alternatively, the battery may be heated by forming a second communication pattern while the electric vehicle 1a is running and flowing a current larger than usual through the battery.

[0207] In the second embodiment described above, a second communication pattern using the eight-way valve 280 (see Figure 12) is shown, but the battery temperature may be raised by a circuit other than the circuit shown in Figure 12. For example, a thermal management circuit as shown in Figure 27 may be formed. In the communication pattern shown in Figure 27, the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P23 and port P24. In the same communication pattern, the internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P25 and port P26. In the same communication pattern, the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P21 and port P22. In the same communication pattern, the internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P27 and port P28. This forms a closed circuit 34 consisting of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - port P25 - port P26 - water cooling condenser 251 - port P27 - port P28 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P22 - port P21 - battery 272 - port P24 - port P23 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 34 is an example of the “first connection flow path” of this disclosure.

[0208] In the third embodiment described above, a second communication pattern using the hexagonal valve 380 (see Figure 19) was shown, but the battery temperature may be raised by a circuit other than the one shown in Figure 19. For example, a thermal management circuit as shown in Figures 28 to 30 may be formed.

[0209] In the communication pattern shown in Figure 28, the six-way valve 380 forms paths connecting port P31 and port P32, paths connecting port P33 and port P34, and paths connecting port P35 and port P36. Additionally, the six-way valve 390 forms paths connecting port P42 and port P45, and paths connecting port P43 and port P46. Furthermore, a path (pathway 5) connecting port P35 and port P45, and a path (pathway 6) connecting port P36 and port P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 35 consisting of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - port P43 - port P46 - port P36 - port P35 - port P45 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 35 is an example of the "first connection flow path" of this disclosure.

[0210] In the communication pattern shown in Figure 29, the hexagonal valve 380 forms a path connecting port P31 and port P32, a path connecting port P34 and port P35, and a path connecting port P36 and port P33. Additionally, the hexagonal valve 390 forms a path connecting port P42 and port P43, and a path connecting port P45 and port P46. Furthermore, a path (pathway 5) connecting port P35 and port P45, and a path (pathway 6) connecting port P36 and port P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 36 ​​consisting of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - port P43 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P35 - port P45 - port P46 - port P36 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 36 ​​is an example of the “first connection flow path” of this disclosure.

[0211] In the communication pattern shown in Figure 30, the six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting port P31 and port P36, a path connecting port P33 and port P34, and a path connecting port P32 and port P35. Additionally, the six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting port P42 and port P43, and a path connecting port P45 and port P46. Furthermore, a path (pathway 5) connecting port P35 and port P45, and a path (pathway 6) connecting port P36 and port P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 37 consisting of water pump 211 - chiller 220 - port P43 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P35 - port P45 - port P46 - port P36 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 37 is an example of the “first connection flow path” of this disclosure.

[0212] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which a high-temperature circuit 110 is provided in the thermal management circuit 100, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management circuit 100 does not need to be provided with a high-temperature circuit 110 (see Figure 31). Also, in the second to fourth embodiments described above, a high-temperature circuit (see Figures 32 to 34) may be provided as in the first embodiment.

[0213] Furthermore, the configurations (processes) of the above embodiments and each of the above modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0214] The details of the battery temperature control will be explained with reference to Figure 35. Battery 173 is connected to converter 810 via SMR (System Main Relay) 800. Converter 810 is connected to inverter 820. Inverter 820 is connected to motor 830. A discharge circuit 840 including a switch and a resistor is also connected to battery 173. A smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between battery 173 and converter 810. A discharge circuit 860, consisting of a switch and a resistor, is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 850. Although Figure 35 shows the configuration of the first embodiment as a representative example, the second to fourth embodiments may be configured similarly.

[0215] The temperature rise control of battery 173 may include, for example, a control that electrically disconnects SMR 800 and switches on discharge circuit 840. This causes current to flow through the closed circuit formed by battery 173 and discharge circuit 840. Alternatively, the temperature rise control of battery 173 may include a control that switches off discharge circuit 840 and switches on SMR 800 and discharge circuit 860. This causes current to flow through the closed circuit formed by battery 173, SMR 800 and discharge circuit 860. Furthermore, the temperature rise control of battery 173 may include a control that, with SMR 800 turned on and the switches of discharge circuit 840 and discharge circuit 860 turned off, supplies a current adjusted so that no torque is generated in motor 830.

[0216] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit 1000 in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 36. In the fifth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same descriptions of structure, operation, and effects as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0217] <Overall Structure> The thermal management system in the fifth embodiment (not shown) differs from the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 1000 instead of a thermal management circuit 100.

[0218] The thermal management circuit 1000 includes a first thermal management system 1100 which includes a working fluid (such as water or a fluid with a lower boiling point than water) and a second thermal management system 1200 which includes a heat transfer fluid (such as water).

[0219] The first thermal management system 1100 includes a compressor 1101, an expansion valve 1102, a heat exchanger 1103, an in-vehicle evaporator 1104, a gas-liquid separator 1105, an electronic expansion valve 1106, an in-vehicle condenser 1107, a heater 1108, an expansion on / off valve 1109, a power storage device 1110, a first circulation channel 1150, a power storage device bypass channel 1151, a heat exchanger bypass channel 1152, and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 1153.

[0220] The compressor 1101 compresses the working medium. The expansion valve 1102 expands the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101. The expansion valve 1102 is configured to expand the working medium in both directions.

[0221] The heat exchanger 1103 exchanges heat between the working fluid that has flowed out from the expansion valve 1102 and the heat fluid in the second heat management system 1200.

[0222] The in-vehicle evaporator 1104 exchanges heat between the working fluid that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 1103 and the air inside the vehicle.

[0223] The gas-liquid separator 1105 separates the working medium that flows into the gas-phase working medium and the working medium in the liquid-phase.

[0224] The first circulation channel 1150 is a channel through which the working fluid circulates. The first circulation channel 1150 connects the compressor 1101, the expansion valve 1102, and the heat exchanger 1103 in that order. The in-vehicle evaporator 1104 is located in the first circulation channel 1150 downstream of the heat exchanger 1103. The gas-liquid separator 1105 is located in the first circulation channel 1150 between the in-vehicle evaporator 1104 and the compressor 1101.

[0225] The energy storage device (battery) 1110 is connected to the first circulation channel 1150 so as to exchange heat with the working fluid flowing through the portion of the first circulation channel 1150 between the compressor 1101 and the expansion valve 1102. In other words, the energy storage device 1110 is in thermal contact with the portion of the first circulation channel 1150 between the compressor 1101 and the expansion valve 1102.

[0226] The electronic expansion valve 1106 expands the working fluid. The electronic expansion valve 1106 is located in the first circulation channel 1150 between the heat exchanger 1103 and the in-vehicle evaporator 1104.

[0227] The energy storage device bypass channel 1151 is provided to bypass the energy storage device 1110.

[0228] The in-vehicle condenser (chiller) 1107 is installed in the energy storage device bypass flow path 1151. The in-vehicle condenser 1107 exchanges heat between the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101 and the air inside the vehicle.

[0229] The heater 1108 heats the air supplied to the vehicle. The expansion valve 1109 has both the function of an expansion valve and a valve. The expansion valve 1109 is located in the downstream portion of the energy storage device bypass flow path 1151 from the vehicle condenser 1107. The expansion valve 1109 expands the working medium that has flowed out from the vehicle condenser 1107.

[0230] The heat exchanger bypass channel 1152 is connected to the first circulation channel 1150 so as to bypass the heat exchanger 1103.

[0231] A first check valve 1161 is provided in the first circulation channel 1150, in a portion that is parallel to the heat exchanger bypass channel 1152 and upstream of the heat exchanger 1103. As indicated by the arrow in Figure 36, the first check valve 1161 allows the working fluid to flow only toward the heat exchanger 1103.

[0232] A second check valve 1162 is provided in the heat exchanger bypass channel 1152. The second check valve 1162 only allows the working fluid that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 1103 to flow towards the energy storage device 1110 via the heat exchanger bypass channel 1152.

[0233] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 1153 is connected to the first circulation channel 1150 to bypass the in-vehicle evaporator 1104.

[0234] A third check valve 1163 is provided in the first circulation channel 1150, in a portion parallel to the in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 1153 and downstream of the in-vehicle evaporator 1104. The third check valve 1163 allows the working medium to flow only toward the gas-liquid separator 1105.

[0235] A first on-off valve 1171 is provided in the first circulation channel 1150, in a portion that is in parallel with the energy storage device bypass channel 1151 and upstream of the energy storage device 1110. A second on-off valve 1172 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 1153.

[0236] In the fifth embodiment, a first connecting passage 1154 is connected to the first circulation passage 1150. The first connecting passage 1154 connects the portion of the first circulation passage 1150 between the first on-off valve 1171 and the energy storage device 1110, and the portion of the first circulation passage 1150 between the third check valve 1163 and the gas-liquid separator 1105. The first connecting passage 1154 is provided with a third on-off valve 1173.

[0237] The second thermal management system 1200 includes a pump 1201, a radiator 1202, a fan 1203, a drive unit 1210, a second circulation passage 1250, and a radiator bypass passage 1251.

[0238] Pump 1201 pressurizes the liquid phase heat transfer medium that flows out of heat exchanger 1103. Radiator 1202 cools the heat transfer medium discharged from pump 1201.

[0239] Fan 1203 is positioned opposite radiator 1202. Fan 1203 supplies cool air to radiator 1202, thereby promoting heat dissipation in radiator 1202.

[0240] The second circulation channel 1250 is a channel through which the heat transfer medium circulates. The second circulation channel 1250 connects the heat exchanger 1103, the pump 1201, and the radiator 1202 in that order. The heat exchanger 1103 is connected to both the first circulation channel 1150 and the second circulation channel 1250.

[0241] The drive unit 1210 supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive unit 1210 includes high-voltage operating devices such as a motor, motor controller, and charging / power distribution triple-in-one unit. These devices generate a large amount of heat during operation. The drive unit 1210 is connected to the second circulation channel 1250 to exchange heat with the heat transfer medium flowing in the section of the second circulation channel 1250 between the radiator 1202 and the heat exchanger 1103. In other words, the drive unit 1210 is in thermal contact with the section of the second circulation channel 1250 between the radiator 1202 and the heat exchanger 1103.

[0242] The radiator bypass passage 1251 is connected to the second circulation passage 1250 to bypass the radiator 1202.

[0243] A three-way valve 1271 is provided at the connection between the second circulation channel 1250 and the upstream end of the radiator bypass channel 1251. The three-way valve 1271 can switch between a state in which the heat transfer medium flows through the second circulation channel 1250 and a state in which the heat transfer medium flows through the radiator bypass channel 1251. The three-way valve 1271 may also be configured to switch between a state in which the heat transfer medium flows through at least one of the second circulation channel 1250 and the radiator bypass channel 1251.

[0244] The first thermal management system 1100 and the second thermal management system 1200 include a switching device that can switch the flow path of the working fluid and the flow path of the heat fluid. In the fifth embodiment, the first on-off valve 1171, the second on-off valve 1172, the third on-off valve 1173, the expansion on-off valve 1109, and the three-way valve 1271 constitute the switching device. The switching device can switch the thermal management circuit 1000 to a heating mode in which the energy storage device 1110 is heated, a cooling mode in which the energy storage device 1110 is cooled, an in-vehicle cooling mode, an in-vehicle heating mode, or a mode that combines these. Figure 36 shows a mode that combines the heating mode in which the energy storage device 1110 is heated and the in-vehicle heating mode.

[0245] The ECU 500 controls the switching device to enter the mode shown in Figure 36 when the energy storage device 1110 is heated. In this mode, the first on-off valve 1171, the second on-off valve 1172, and the expansion valve 1109 are open, and the third on-off valve 1173 is closed. As a result, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 36, the working fluid discharged from the compressor 1101 heats the energy storage device 1110 by exchanging heat with it. The working fluid that has passed through the energy storage device 1110 then expands in the expansion valve 1102, becoming a low-temperature liquid. The working fluid discharged from the compressor 1101 also exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle in the in-vehicle condenser 1107. The working fluid that has passed through the in-vehicle condenser 1107 then expands in the expansion valve 1109, becoming a low-temperature liquid. The working fluid expanded in each of the expansion valves 1102 and 1109 exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the second heat management system 1200 in the heat exchanger 1103. Specifically, the working fluid receives heat from the heat transfer medium in the heat exchanger 1103. The working fluid that flows out of the heat exchanger 1103 flows into the gas-liquid separator 1105 through the in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 1153, and then flows back into the compressor 1101.

[0246] Furthermore, in the mode shown in Figure 36, the three-way valve 1271 causes the heat transfer medium to pass through the radiator bypass passage 1251. As a result, the heat received by the heat transfer medium from the drive unit 1210 is transferred to the working medium in the heat exchanger 1103 and is not released in the radiator 1202.

[0247] As described above, when the energy storage device 1110 is heated, the switching device connects the first circulation channel 1150 and the energy storage device bypass channel 1151, and disconnects the radiator 1202 from the second circulation channel 1250. Note that the state in which the first circulation channel 1150 and the energy storage device bypass channel 1151 are connected means that the working fluid is flowing through both the energy storage device bypass channel 1151 (in-vehicle condenser 1107) and the first circulation channel 1150 (energy storage device 1110).

[0248] It is preferable that the ECU 500 drives the compressor 1101 when the heat reception conditions are met for the working fluid to receive heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger 1103. In other words, it is preferable that the compressor 1101 operates when the heat reception conditions are met for the working fluid to receive heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger 1103.

[0249] For example, the heat reception condition may be set such that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103. The temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 1181 provided at the inlet of the heat exchanger 1103 in the first circulation channel 1150. The temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 1182 provided at the inlet of the heat exchanger 1103 in the second circulation channel 1250.

[0250] Specifically, as shown in Figure 37, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1182 is equal to or greater than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1181 (step S500). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1182 is equal to or greater than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1181 (Yes in S500), the compressor 1101 is started to drive (step S510). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1182 is less than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1181 (No in S500), the process in step S500 is repeated.

[0251] Alternatively, the heat reception condition may be set to a predetermined time elapsed after at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive unit 1210 has started. In other words, the compressor 1101 may be started with a delay after at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive unit 1210 has started. In this case, the predetermined time may be set to the time when the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is approximately the same as the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103.

[0252] Specifically, as shown in Figure 38, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive unit 1210 started (step S600). If a predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive unit 1210 started (Yes in S600), the compressor 1101 is started to drive (step S610). If a predetermined time has not elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive unit 1210 started (No in S600), the process in step S600 is repeated.

[0253] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, during the self-heating of the energy storage device 1110, the first circulation channel 1150 and the energy storage device bypass channel 1151 are connected, and the radiator 1202 is disconnected from the second circulation channel 1250. As a result, the heat contained in the working fluid discharged from the compressor 1101 is effectively supplied to the energy storage device 1110, and the heat generated in the drive unit 1210 is effectively supplied to the energy storage device 1110 via the heat transfer fluid, the heat exchanger 1103, and the working fluid. Thus, it is possible to achieve both effective utilization of the heat generated from the drive unit 1210 and improved efficiency of the self-heating of the energy storage device 1110.

[0254] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, the thermal management circuit 2000 in the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 39. In the sixth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same structure, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0255] <Overall Structure> The thermal management system in the sixth embodiment (not shown) differs from the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 2000 instead of a thermal management circuit 100.

[0256] The thermal management circuit 2000 includes a heat transfer medium circuit 2100 containing a heat transfer medium (such as water) and a refrigeration circuit 2200 containing a working medium (such as water or a medium with a lower boiling point than water). The refrigeration circuit 2200 will be explained first below.

[0257] The refrigeration circuit 2200 includes a compressor 2201, a condenser 2202, a first expansion valve 2203, an in-vehicle evaporator 2204, a second expansion valve 2205, a chiller 2206, a circulation passage 2250, and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass passage 2251.

[0258] The compressor 2201 compresses the working medium. The condenser 2202 condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. The first expansion valve 2203 expands the working medium flowing out from the condenser 2202. The in-vehicle evaporator 2204 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out from the first expansion valve 2203 and the air inside the vehicle (the interior of the vehicle).

[0259] The circulation passage 2250 is a passage through which the working medium circulates. The circulation passage 2250 connects the compressor 2201, the condenser 2202, the first expansion valve 2203, and the in-vehicle evaporator 2204 in this order.

[0260] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass passage 2251 is connected to the circulation passage 2250 so as to bypass the in-vehicle evaporator 2204. The second expansion valve 2205 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass passage 2251.

[0261] The refrigeration circuit 2200 further includes a manifold 2207, a receiver dryer 2208, and an internal heat exchanger 2209.

[0262] The manifold 2207 is provided in the circulation passage 2250. The receiver dryer 2208 is connected to the manifold 2207. The internal heat exchanger 2209 is connected to a part on the upstream side of the first expansion valve 2203 in the circulation passage 2250 and a part on the downstream side of the in-vehicle evaporator 2204 in the circulation passage 2250.

[0263] Next, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2100 will be described. The heat transfer fluid circuit 2100 includes a first circuit 2110, a second circuit 2120, a third flow path 2131, a radiator 2132, a reservoir tank 2133, a fourth flow path 2141, a chiller 2206, a fifth flow path 2151, and a switching device 2170. The switching device 2170 has ports P61 to P65.

[0264] The first circuit 2110 includes a first flow path 2111, a power storage device (battery) 2112, a first pump 2113, and a fourth flow path 2141.

[0265] The first flow path 2111 is a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. The energy storage device 2112 is connected to the first flow path 2111 so as to exchange heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the first flow path 2111. In other words, the energy storage device 2112 is in thermal contact with the first flow path 2111. The first pump 2113 is installed in the first flow path 2111.

[0266] The second circuit 2120 includes a second flow path 2121, a second pump 2122, a drive unit, and a fourth flow path 2141.

[0267] In the circuit mode shown in Figure 39, the heat transfer fluid discharged from the switching device 2170 (port P64, described later) flows through the fourth channel 2141 and then branches into the first channel 2111 and the second channel 2121 at the branching section 2115. That is, the first channel 2111 and the second channel 2121 are connected to the switching device 2170 in parallel with each other.

[0268] The second flow path 2121 is a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. The second pump 2122 is installed in the second flow path 2121.

[0269] The drive unit supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive unit is connected to the second flow path 2121 so as to exchange heat with the heat transfer medium flowing through the second flow path 2121. In other words, the drive unit is in thermal contact with the second flow path 2121. The drive unit is connected to the downstream portion of the second flow path 2121 of the second pump 2122. In the sixth embodiment, the drive unit includes a front inverter 2123, a front electric motor 2124, a DC-DC converter 2125, a rear inverter 2126, and a rear electric motor 2127. An ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2128 is connected to the second flow path 2121.

[0270] The third flow path 2131 is a flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows. The radiator 2132 and the reservoir tank 2133 are located in the third flow path 2131.

[0271] The fourth channel 2141 is a channel through which the heat transfer fluid flows. The chiller 2206 is connected to the fourth channel 2141 and the in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 2251. The chiller 2206 causes the heat transfer fluid flowing through the fourth channel 2141 to exchange heat with the working fluid flowing through the in-vehicle evaporator bypass channel 2251.

[0272] The switching device 2170 is capable of switching the connection state of each flow path 2111, 2121, 2131, 2141, and 2151. In the sixth embodiment, the switching device 2170 is composed of a five-way valve.

[0273] As shown in Figure 39, one end of the first channel 2111 is connected to port P62 of the switching device 2170. The heat transfer medium that has flowed through the first channel 2111 flows into the switching device 2170 from port P62. The other end of the first channel 2111 is connected to the branching section 2115.

[0274] One end of the second channel 2121 is connected to port P61 of the switching device 2170. The heat transfer fluid that has flowed through the second channel 2121 flows into the switching device 2170 from port P61. The other end of the second channel 2121 is connected to the branching section 2115.

[0275] One end of the third channel 2131 is connected to port P65 of the switching device 2170. The heat transfer fluid that flows out from port P65 flows through the third channel 2131. The other end of the third channel 2131 is connected to the portion of the second channel 2121 between the second pump 2122 and the branching section 2115.

[0276] One end of the fourth channel 2141 is connected to port P64 of the switching device 2170. The heat transfer fluid flowing out from port P64 flows through the fourth channel 2141. The other end of the fourth channel 2141 is connected to the branching section 2115.

[0277] One end of the fifth channel 2151 is connected to port P63 of the switching device 2170. The heat transfer fluid that flows out from port P63 flows through the fifth channel 2151. The other end of the fourth channel 2141 is connected to the area between the branching section 2115 and the first pump 2113.

[0278] The switching device 2170 can switch the thermal management circuit 2200 to a heating mode in which the energy storage device 2112 is heated, a cooling mode in which the energy storage device 2112 is cooled, an in-vehicle cooling mode, an in-vehicle heating mode, or a mode that combines these. Figure 39 shows a mode that combines the heating mode in which the energy storage device 2110 is heated and the in-vehicle heating mode.

[0279] The ECU 500 controls the switching device 2170 to enter the mode shown in Figure 39 when the temperature of the energy storage device 2112 rises. In this mode, ports P61, P62, and P64 are open, and ports P63 and P65 are closed. The first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122 are driven.

[0280] Therefore, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 39, the heat medium flowing out from the port P64 of the switching device 2170 into the fourth flow path 2141 branches at the branch portion 2115 and then heads toward the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122. The heat medium pressurized by the first pump 2113 warms the power storage device 2112 by exchanging heat with the power storage device 2112 and then flows into the port P62 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium pressurized by the second pump 2122 absorbs heat from the drive device by exchanging heat with the drive device and then flows into the port P61 of the switching device 2170. On the other hand, in the above mode, since the ports P63 and P65 are closed, no heat medium flows through the third flow path 2131 and the fifth flow path 2151.

[0281] As described above, when the temperature of the power storage device 2112 rises, the switching device 2170 forms a first circuit 2110 in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path 2111, the fourth flow path 2141, and the switching device 2170, and a second circuit 2120 in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path 2121, the fourth flow path 2141, and the switching device 2170, and disconnects the third flow path 2131 from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120.

[0282] The ECU 500 preferably drives the second pump 2122 when the heat reception condition under which the power storage device 2112 receives heat from the heat medium is satisfied. That is, the second pump 2122 preferably operates when the heat reception condition under which the power storage device 2112 receives heat from the heat medium is satisfied.

[0283] For example, the heat reception condition may be set such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the downstream portion of the drive device in the second flow path 2121 is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device 2112. The temperature of the power storage device 2112 is detected by, for example, a temperature sensor 2181 provided in the power storage device 2112. The temperature of the heat medium flowing through the downstream portion of the drive device in the second flow path 2121 is detected by, for example, a temperature sensor 2182 provided at the inlet of the switching device 2170 (port P61) in the first flow path 2121.

[0284] Specifically, as shown in Figure 40, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2182 is equal to or greater than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2181 (step S700). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2182 is equal to or greater than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2181 (Yes in S700), the second pump 2122 is started to drive (step S710). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2182 is less than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 2181 (No in S700), the process in step S700 is repeated.

[0285] Alternatively, the heat reception condition may be set to a predetermined time elapsed since the energy storage device 2112 began to heat up (since the drive unit was activated). In other words, the second pump 2122 may be driven with a delay from the heating of the energy storage device 2112 (when the drive unit was activated). In this case, the predetermined time may be set to the time until the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing from the second flow path 2121 to port P61 of the switching device 2170 becomes approximately the temperature of the energy storage device 2112.

[0286] Specifically, as shown in Figure 41, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the energy storage device 2112 started to heat up (since the drive unit started operating) (step S800). If the predetermined time has elapsed since the energy storage device 2112 started to heat up (since the drive unit started operating) (Yes in S800), the second pump 2122 is started to operate (step S810). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the energy storage device 2112 started to heat up (since the drive unit started operating) (No in S800), the process in step S800 is repeated.

[0287] As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120 are formed during the self-heating of the energy storage device 2112, and the third flow path 2131 is disconnected from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120. As a result, the heat received by the heat transfer medium from the drive unit in the second flow path 2121 is effectively supplied to the energy storage device 2112. Thus, it is possible to achieve both effective utilization of the heat generated from the drive unit and improved efficiency of the self-heating of the energy storage device 2112.

[0288] 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]

[0289] 1, 2, 3, 4 Thermal Management System, 1a Electric Vehicle (Electrical Equipment), 10, 11, 12, 13 First Closed Circuit (Second Connection Flow Channel), 20, 21, 22, 23 Second Closed Circuit (Third Connection Flow Channel), 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 Third Closed Circuit (First Connection Flow Channel), 114 Heater Core (Air Conditioning Circuit), 122 Low Temperature Radiator (Radiator), 130a, 230a, 230c, 230d Flow Channel (Third Flow Channel), 130b, 260a, 260b, 260c Flow Channel (Second Flow Channel), 131, 261 Water Pump (Pump), 133, 263 PCU (Drive Unit), 134, 264 Oil Cooler (Drive Unit), 137, 266 Heat Transfer Medium Temperature Sensor (Second Temperature Sensor), 160, 220 Chiller (Chiller device), 170a, 210a, 210b, 210c Flow path (4th flow path), 170b, 270a, 270b, 270c Flow path (1st flow path), 173, 272 Battery (Energy storage device), 175, 273 Battery temperature sensor (1st temperature sensor), 180, 190 Five-way valve (Switching device), 231 Radiator, 240 Refrigeration cycle (Air conditioning circuit), 280 Eight-way valve (Switching device), 380, 390 Six-way valve (Switching device), 480 Ten-way valve (Switching device), 1101 Compressor, 1102 Expansion valve, 1103 Heat exchanger, 1109 Expansion on / off valve (Switching device), 1110 Energy storage device, 1150 1st circulation flow path, 1151 Energy storage device bypass flow path, 1170 In-vehicle condenser (Condenser), 1171 1st valve (switching device), 1172 2nd valve (switching device), 1173 3rd valve (switching device), 1201 Pump, 1202 Radiator, 1210 Drive unit, 1250 2nd circulation channel, 1251 Radiator bypass channel, 1271 Three-way valve (switching device), 2110 1st circuit, 2111 1st channel, 2112 Energy storage device, 2113 1st pump, 2120 2nd circuit, 2121 2nd channel, 2122 2nd pump, 2123 Front inverter (drive unit), 2124 Front electric motor (drive unit), 2125 DCDC converter (drive unit), 2126 Rear inverter (drive unit), 2127 Rear electric motor (drive unit), 2128 ADAS-ECU (drive unit), 2131 3rd channel, 2132 Radiator, 2141 4th channel, 2170 Switching device, 2206 chiller.

Claims

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 in the first flow path, A drive device that performs heat exchange with the heat transfer medium in the second flow path and generates driving force, A radiator provided in the third flow path, A chiller device provided in the fourth flow path, The system includes a switching device capable of switching the connection state between the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel, If a first connecting channel is formed by connecting the first channel, the second channel, and the fourth channel, and the radiator is separated from the first connecting channel and operates independently, then the first channel circuit is defined as the heating circuit. A thermal management system in which the switching device forms the heating circuit when the temperature of the energy storage device rises.

2. The aforementioned electrical equipment is an electric vehicle, The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is heated when the running system of the electric vehicle is started.

3. The aforementioned energy storage device is configured to be capable of external charging, which is carried out by charging power supplied from an external charging facility for the electrical equipment. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein when the external charging is initiated, the temperature of the energy storage device is raised so that the temperature of the energy storage device is above a predetermined temperature.

4. The second flow path is further provided with a pump for circulating the heat transfer medium, The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output of the pump is increased over time during the aforementioned temperature rise.

5. A first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the energy storage device, The system further includes a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the second flow path, The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the temperature rise occurs, the switching device forms the temperature rise circuit if the value detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than the value detected by the first temperature sensor.

6. The aforementioned electrical equipment is an electric vehicle, The chiller device is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts the room temperature of the electric vehicle. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when there is a heating request using the air conditioning circuit and the outside air temperature is below a predetermined threshold, the switching device forms the heating circuit.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein when the energy storage device is being heated while the second connecting channel, to which the first channel and the second channel are connected, and the third connecting channel, to which the third channel and the fourth channel are connected, are disconnected from each other and independent, the switching device forms the heating circuit when the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined threshold.

8. A thermal management system installed in electrical equipment, A compressor that compresses the working medium, An expansion valve for expanding the working medium discharged from the compressor, A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the working medium and the heat medium that has flowed out from the expansion valve, A first circulation path through which the working medium circulates, wherein the compressor, the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger are connected in this order, A power storage device connected to the first circulation path so as to exchange heat with the working medium flowing in the portion of the first circulation path between the compressor and the expansion valve, A bypass channel for the energy storage device is provided to bypass the aforementioned energy storage device, A condenser is provided in the bypass channel of the energy storage device and condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor, A pump for pressurizing the heat transfer medium that has flowed out of the heat exchanger, A radiator for cooling the heat transfer medium discharged from the pump, A second circulation channel through which the heat transfer medium circulates, the second circulation channel connecting the heat exchanger, the pump, and the radiator in that order, A drive device is connected to the second circulation path so as to exchange heat with the heat transfer medium flowing in the portion of the second circulation path between the radiator and the heat exchanger, and which supplies driving force to the electrical equipment, A radiator bypass channel connected to the second circulation channel so as to bypass the radiator, The system includes a switching device capable of switching the flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows, The switching device connects the first circulation path and the energy storage device bypass path when the energy storage device heats up, and disconnects the radiator from the second circulation path. The compressor is a thermal management system that operates when the conditions for heat reception are met in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger.

9. The heat management system according to claim 8, wherein the heat receiving condition is set to a predetermined time elapsed since at least one of the pump and the drive device was activated.

10. The heat management system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the heat receiving condition is set such that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger.

11. 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 first channel and the second channel are connected to the switching device in parallel with each other. The switching device is a thermal management system that, when the energy storage device heats up, forms a first circuit through which the heat transfer medium circulates through the first channel, the fourth channel, and the switching device, and a second circuit through which the heat transfer medium circulates through the second channel, the fourth channel, and the switching device, and disconnects the third channel from the first and second circuits.

12. The first pump provided in the first flow path, The system further comprises a second pump provided in the second flow path, The thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein the second pump operates when the conditions for receiving heat are met for the energy storage device to receive heat from the heat transfer medium.

13. The heat management system according to claim 12, wherein the heat receiving condition is set to a predetermined time having elapsed since the drive device was activated.

14. The heat reception condition is set such that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the downstream portion of the second flow path of the drive device is equal to or greater than the temperature of the energy storage device, according to claim 12 or 13.

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