Vehicle air-conditioning system

Abstract

This vehicle air-conditioning system comprises: a cooling liquid module having a cooling liquid flow path for circulating a cooling liquid that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a condenser and an evaporator; and an air-conditioning unit for performing cooling and heating of the vehicle interior. The cooling liquid module is integrated with the air-conditioning unit.

Description

Vehicle air conditioning system

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vehicle air conditioning systems have been used to cool and heat the interior of a vehicle. A technology relating to such a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, the source of which is shown below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a refrigeration cycle device. This refrigeration cycle device is applied to a vehicle air conditioner. The vehicle air conditioner is configured to be switchable between a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, an interior evaporator cools blown air and supplies cool air to the passenger compartment. In the heating mode, heat is exchanged between a refrigerant that has been brought to a high-temperature, high-pressure state by a compressor and the heat-exchanged coolant via a heater core, heating the blown air and supplying warm air to the passenger compartment.

[0004] JP 2019-60580 A

[0005] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, components such as an interior evaporator and a heater core are arranged throughout the vehicle, including the cabin and motor room. This narrows the cabin space and makes the refrigerant and coolant flowing through the flow paths more susceptible to heat dissipation, resulting in poor power consumption. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 needs to be improved in order to improve power consumption while maintaining sufficient space in the vehicle cabin.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a vehicle air conditioning system that can improve power efficiency while ensuring sufficient cabin space.

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention is that it comprises a coolant module having a coolant flow path for circulating a coolant that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a condenser and an evaporator, and an air conditioning unit that heats and cools the vehicle cabin, and the coolant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit.

[0008] With this characteristic configuration, since the coolant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit, the routing of the flow path for circulating the coolant from the condenser to the air conditioning unit and the flow path for circulating the coolant from the evaporator to the air conditioning unit can be simplified and shortened compared to when the coolant module is not integrated with the air conditioning unit. Therefore, heat dissipation of the coolant flowing through the flow path can be suppressed, thereby improving power consumption. In addition, the vehicle air conditioning system can be made smaller, thereby expanding the cabin space (interior space).

[0009] 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system; 2 is a plan view showing the layout of a vehicle air conditioning system; 3 is a side view showing the layout of a vehicle air conditioning system; 4 is a diagram showing the flow of coolant in a first state; 5 is a diagram showing the flow of coolant in a second state; and 6 is a diagram showing the state of a switching valve.

[0010] The vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention is configured to be able to cool and heat the vehicle cabin. A vehicle air conditioning system A according to this embodiment will be described below. However, the vehicle air conditioning system A is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of a vehicle air conditioning system A. The vehicle air conditioning system A is mounted on a vehicle and, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a refrigerant module B, a coolant module C, and an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit D (an example of an "air conditioning unit"). The refrigerant module B is provided with a refrigerant flow path B1 and configured as a refrigerant manifold. The coolant module C is provided with a coolant flow path C1 and configured as a coolant manifold. Here, the manifold is a flow path housing formed by laminating and sealing a plate member on a housing main body in which the coolant flow path C1 and the refrigerant flow path B1 are engraved. The flow path housing is formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, including aluminum.

[0012] A refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) flows through the refrigerant flow path B1, and a coolant such as an antifreeze or long-life coolant primarily composed of ethylene glycol or the like, or a coolant composed of insulating oil such as paraffin, flows through the coolant flow path C1. Figures 2A and 2B show the arrangement of the refrigerant module B, the coolant module C, and the HVAC unit D in the vehicle air conditioning system A. Figure 2A is a plan view, and Figure 2B is a side view. In Figures 2A and 2B, the front side of the vehicle in the direction of travel when the vehicle air conditioning system A is installed on the vehicle is indicated as F, and the rear side is indicated as R. The coolant module C has ports PO1 and PO2 for introducing and discharging the coolant.

[0013] 1, 2A, and 2B, a refrigerant flow path B1 circulates a refrigerant through a water-cooled condenser (an example of a "condenser") 12 and a chiller (an example of an "evaporator") 14. The refrigerant module B is configured to allow a refrigerant to flow between an accumulator 10, a compressor 11, the water-cooled condenser 12, an expansion valve 13, and the chiller 14 via the refrigerant flow path B1.

[0014] The accumulator 10 stores a liquid refrigerant and separates the stored refrigerant into gas and liquid. The gas refrigerant separated by the accumulator 10 flows through a first refrigerant passage 21 and is sent to the compressor 11.

[0015] The compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant from the accumulator 10. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature compressed gas. The compressor 11 sends this high-temperature compressed gas to the water-cooled condenser 12 via the second refrigerant path 22. Therefore, the compressor 11 pressure-feeds the refrigerant from the accumulator 10 to the water-cooled condenser 12.

[0016] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 11 flows through the water-cooled condenser 12. The water-cooled condenser 12 is configured so that the coolant flows in through a first coolant flow path 31 and flows out through a second coolant flow path 32. The first coolant flow path 31 and the second coolant flow path 32 are configured separately from the second coolant path 22. The refrigerant from the second coolant path 22 is condensed and liquefied as heat is absorbed by the coolant. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the third coolant path 23. Like the second coolant path 22, the third coolant path 23 is also configured separately from the first coolant flow path 31 and the second coolant flow path 32.

[0017] In the expansion valve 13, the refrigerant (liquefied refrigerant) flowing through the third refrigerant passage 23 is expanded and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure mist. The mist-like refrigerant is sent to the fourth refrigerant passage 24.

[0018] The refrigerant flows through the chiller 14 via the fourth refrigerant passage 24. As described above, the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve 13 and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure atomized refrigerant flows through the fourth refrigerant passage 24, and this refrigerant is sent to the chiller 14. The chiller 14 is configured such that the coolant that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 52 flows into it from the third coolant passage 33, and the coolant flows out from the fourth coolant passage 34. The third coolant passage 33 and the fourth coolant passage 34 are configured separately from the fourth refrigerant passage 24. In the chiller 14, the atomized refrigerant absorbs heat from the coolant and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant flows to the accumulator 10 via the fifth refrigerant passage 25.

[0019] The coolant flow path C1 carries the coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14. The coolant module C is configured so that the coolant can flow through the coolant flow path C1 among the water-cooled condenser 12, the chiller 14, the switching valve 42, the radiator 43, and the heat exchanger 52 by the first pump P1 and the second pump P2.

[0020] As described above, the water-cooled condenser 12 is configured so that the coolant flows in through the first coolant flow path 31 and flows out through the second coolant flow path 32. The first coolant flow path 31 is provided with a first pump P1, and the coolant is delivered by this first pump P1.

[0021] The switching valve 42 is disposed in the coolant flow path C1 and is configured to allow the coolant to flow from the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14. The coolant is sent to the switching valve 42 from the water-cooled condenser 12 via the second coolant flow path 32, and the coolant is sent from the chiller 14 via the fourth coolant flow path 34. A second pump P2 is provided in the fourth coolant flow path 34, and the coolant is sent from the chiller 14 to the switching valve 42 by this second pump P2.

[0022] The switching valve 42 is configured to be able to send the coolant to the fifth coolant flow path 35 and the sixth coolant flow path 36. The coolant sent from the switching valve 42 to the fifth coolant flow path 35 flows through the heat exchanger 52. The coolant sent to the heat exchanger 52 is configured to be able to be sent to the water-cooled condenser 12 via the first coolant flow path 31, and is also configured to be able to be sent to the chiller 14 via the third coolant flow path 33.

[0023] The coolant sent from the switching valve 42 to the sixth coolant flow path 36 flows to the radiator 43. In the radiator 43, heat exchange with outside air occurs, and the coolant is cooled. After heat exchange, the coolant is sent to the first coolant flow path 31 via the seventh coolant flow path 37.

[0024] The switching valve 42 is configured to switch the flow state of the coolant in the coolant flow path C1 between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the coolant is circulated through the water-cooled condenser 12. The flow state of the coolant in this first state is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, in the first state, the coolant is circulated by the first pump P1 through the water-cooled condenser 12, the second coolant flow path 32, the switching valve 42, the fifth coolant flow path 35, the heat exchanger 52, and the first coolant flow path 31.

[0025] At this time, the coolant may be sent from the switching valve 42 to the sixth coolant flow path 36 , and then circulated so as to return to the first coolant flow path 31 via the radiator 43 and the seventh coolant flow path 37 .

[0026] The second state is a state in which the coolant is circulated through the chiller 14. The flow of the coolant in this second state is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, in the second state, the coolant is circulated by the second pump P2 through the chiller 14, the fourth coolant flow path 34, the switching valve 42, the fifth coolant flow path 35, the heat exchanger 52, and the third coolant flow path 33.

[0027] The switching valve 42 is switched between a first state and a second state by a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle air conditioning system A or a higher-level system of the vehicle air conditioning system A.

[0028] 1 , the HVAC unit D includes a blower 51, a heat exchanger 52, a desiccant 53, and a heater (electric heater) 54. The blower 51 draws in outside air and sends the drawn outside air to the heat exchanger 52.

[0029] The heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat between air and coolant to cool or heat the vehicle cabin. The air is outside air drawn in by the blower 51. The coolant is introduced into the heat exchanger 52 via the fifth coolant flow path 35 as described above. The coolant is then sent to one or both of the first coolant flow path 31 and the third coolant flow path 33 depending on the state of the switching valve 42 (details will be described later). Therefore, in the heat exchanger 52, heat exchange occurs between the outside air sent from the blower 51 and the coolant supplied via the fifth coolant flow path 35, and the air after the heat exchange is introduced into the vehicle cabin. Specifically, when the outside air is cooled in the heat exchanger 52, cool air is introduced into the vehicle cabin. When the outside air is heated in the heat exchanger 52, warm air is introduced into the vehicle cabin. This allows the vehicle cabin to be cooled or heated.

[0030] The desiccant 53 adsorbs moisture contained in the moisture-containing air to generate heated, dry air. The desiccant 53 functions as an adsorption section that adsorbs moisture and can be made using an adsorbent such as zeolite, silica gel, or activated carbon. The desiccant 53 is provided between the blower 51 and the heat exchanger 52. Therefore, the outside air sent from the blower 51 passes through the desiccant 53 and is discharged to the heat exchanger 52.

[0031] The electric heater 54 evaporates the moisture adsorbed in the desiccant 53 to generate cooled and humidified air. The electric heater 54 functions as a heating unit that evaporates the moisture adsorbed in the desiccant 53. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric heater 54 is attached to the desiccant 53, for example (integrated with the desiccant 53). In this case, the desiccant 53 is heated by the electric heater 54, thereby evaporating the moisture adsorbed in the desiccant 53. Of course, the electric heater 54 may not be attached to the desiccant 53, but may be located upstream of the desiccant 53 (between the blower 51 and the desiccant 53) and spaced apart from the desiccant 53 (or may be provided separately from the desiccant 53). In this case, the air from the blower 51 is heated by the electric heater 54, and the heated air is supplied to the desiccant 53, thereby evaporating the moisture adsorbed in the desiccant 53. The air supplied to the desiccant 53 is humidified by the moisture evaporated from the desiccant 53, generating cooled and humidified air. The heating unit that evaporates the moisture adsorbed in the desiccant 53 may be an air heating device other than the electric heater 54.

[0032] When moisture-containing air is supplied from the blower 51 to the desiccant 53 without moisture being adsorbed on the desiccant 53, the desiccant 53 adsorbs the moisture in the moisture-containing air to reduce the humidity of the moisture-containing air. As a result, the moisture-containing air supplied to the desiccant 53 is dehumidified by the desiccant 53 and becomes dry air, which is then discharged to the heat exchanger 52.

[0033] On the other hand, when air heated by the electric heater 54 or high-temperature air from the blower 51 is supplied to the desiccant 53 while moisture is adsorbed on the desiccant 53, the desiccant 53 desorbs the adsorbed moisture. The desorbed moisture humidifies the high-temperature air. As a result, the high-temperature air supplied to the desiccant 53 becomes moist air humidified by the desiccant 53 and is discharged to the heat exchanger 52.

[0034] The heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat between the heated dry air or cooled humidified air and the coolant to generate air for cooling or heating the vehicle cabin. Thus, the heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat between the dry air and the coolant introduced through the fifth coolant flow path 35 to generate air for cooling the vehicle cabin. The heat exchanger 52 also exchanges heat between the humid air and the coolant introduced through the fifth coolant flow path 35 to generate air for heating the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 52 can also exchange heat between the dry air and the coolant introduced through the fifth coolant flow path 35 to generate air for heating the vehicle cabin. In this case, dehumidified heated air can be supplied to the vehicle cabin when the defroster function is activated, for example, in winter. By introducing such air for cooling or heating the vehicle cabin into the vehicle cabin, the humidity inside the vehicle cabin can be adjusted.

[0035] As described above, the switching valve 42 is configured to allow the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 and the coolant from the chiller 14 to flow through. When the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 is compared with the coolant from the chiller 14, the temperature of the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 is relatively higher than the temperature of the coolant from the chiller 14. Therefore, when heating the vehicle interior, the switching valve 42 is set to a first state in which the coolant is circulated through the water-cooled condenser 12, and when cooling the vehicle interior, the switching valve 42 is set to a second state in which the coolant is circulated through the chiller 14.

[0036] In this embodiment, the switching valve 42 is configured to change its opening degree so as to simultaneously achieve the first state and the second state. Therefore, the switching valve 42 can mix the relatively high-temperature coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 and the relatively low-temperature coolant from the chiller 14 and deliver the mixture to the fifth coolant flow path 35. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the set temperature of the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin is high, the ratio of the coolant from the chiller 14 to the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 can be reduced. When the set temperature of the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin is low, the ratio of the coolant from the chiller 14 to the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 can be increased. In this way, by changing the opening degree of the switching valve 42 in accordance with the set temperature of the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and controlling the flow rates of the coolant from the second coolant flow path 32 and the fourth coolant flow path 34, the temperature of the coolant delivered to the fifth coolant flow path 35 can be adjusted, and the temperature in the vehicle cabin can be adjusted to the set temperature of the air conditioning.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the refrigerant module B and the coolant module C are integrated with the HVAC unit D. Here, "integration" refers to a state in which the refrigerant module B and the coolant module C are fixed to the HVAC unit D with bolts or the like. Note that "integration" also includes forming the HVAC unit D, the refrigerant module B, and the coolant module C from the same material into a single case. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A , when the HVAC unit D is mounted on a vehicle, the refrigerant module B is located on the front side of the HVAC unit D in the direction of travel of the vehicle. By integrating the refrigerant module B and the coolant module C with the HVAC unit D in this manner, the routing of the flow paths through which the coolant flows between the refrigerant module B and the HVAC unit D and the coolant module C can be simplified and shortened compared to when the refrigerant module B and the coolant module C are not integrated with the HVAC unit D. This allows for a more compact vehicle air conditioning system A, thereby improving power efficiency. 2A and 2B, the water-cooled condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, and the chiller 14 can be disposed in the front of the vehicle, so that as the vehicle travels, wind can be blown onto the water-cooled condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, and the chiller 14. This makes it possible to prevent condensation on the water-cooled condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, and the chiller 14.

[0038] 2B, when the HVAC unit D is mounted on a vehicle, the coolant module C is provided on the left side of the vehicle in the HVAC unit D. This makes it possible to easily secure coolant introduction and discharge routes in the coolant module C by providing ports PO1 and PO2, as shown in FIG. 2B. Furthermore, by arranging the first pump P1, the second pump P2, and the switching valve 42 on the side of the HVAC unit D, it becomes possible to improve maintainability.

[0039] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle air conditioning system A will be described.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant module B is described as being integrated with the HVAC unit D. However, the refrigerant module B may not be integrated with the HVAC unit D, and may be provided separately (independently) from the HVAC unit D.

[0041] In the above embodiment, when the HVAC unit D is mounted on a vehicle, the refrigerant module B is provided on the front side of the HVAC unit D in the direction of travel of the vehicle. However, the refrigerant module B may be provided on the rear side of the HVAC unit D in the direction of travel of the vehicle, or the refrigerant module B may be provided on the left or right side of the HVAC unit D.

[0042] In the above embodiment, when the HVAC unit D is mounted on the vehicle, the coolant module C is described as being provided on the left side of the vehicle in the HVAC unit D. However, the coolant module C may be provided on the right side of the vehicle in the HVAC unit D, or on the front or rear side in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0043] 1, the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 are shown as being provided separately from the HVAC unit D. However, the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 may be provided in the HVAC unit D. In this case, the routing of the flow path for circulating the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 to the HVAC unit D and the flow path for circulating the coolant from the chiller 14 to the HVAC unit D can be made easier and shorter.

[0044] [Outline of the above embodiment] The above-described vehicle air conditioning system A will now be outlined.

[0045] (1) The vehicle air conditioning system A includes a coolant module C having a coolant flow path C1 through which a coolant that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a water-cooled condenser 12 (condenser) and a chiller 14 (evaporator) flows, and an HVAC unit D (air conditioning unit) that heats and cools the vehicle cabin, and the coolant module C is integrated with the HVAC unit D (air conditioning unit).

[0046] According to this configuration, since the coolant module C is integrated with the HVAC unit D, the routing of the flow path for circulating the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 to the HVAC unit D and the flow path for circulating the coolant from the chiller 14 to the HVAC unit D can be simplified and shortened compared to when the coolant module C is not integrated with the HVAC unit D. This makes it possible to suppress heat dissipation from the coolant flowing through the flow path, thereby improving power efficiency. Furthermore, since the vehicle air conditioning system A can be made smaller, it is possible to expand the cabin space.

[0047] (2) The vehicle air conditioning system A described in (1) further includes a refrigerant module B having a refrigerant flow path B1 that circulates refrigerant between the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14, and it is preferable that the refrigerant module B is integrated with the HVAC unit D.

[0048] According to this configuration, since the refrigerant module B is integrated with the HVAC unit D, the routing of the flow paths through which the coolant flows between the refrigerant module B and the HVAC unit D and the coolant module C can be simplified and shortened compared to when the refrigerant module B is not integrated with the HVAC unit D. This allows the vehicle air conditioning system A to be further miniaturized, thereby improving power consumption.

[0049] (3) The vehicle air conditioning system A comprises a refrigerant module B having a refrigerant flow path B1 that circulates refrigerant between the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14, and an HVAC unit D that heats and cools the vehicle cabin, and the refrigerant module B is integrated with the HVAC unit D.

[0050] According to this configuration, since the refrigerant module B is integrated with the HVAC unit D, the routing of the flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the refrigerant module B and the HVAC unit D can be simplified and shortened compared to when the refrigerant module B is not integrated with the HVAC unit D. This allows the vehicle air conditioning system A to be further miniaturized, thereby improving power consumption.

[0051] (4) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in (2) or (3), when the HVAC unit D is mounted on the vehicle, it is preferable that the refrigerant module B is provided on the front side of the HVAC unit D in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0052] According to this configuration, for example, the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 can be provided in the refrigerant module B, and the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 can be disposed in the front of the vehicle, so that as the vehicle travels, the airflow can be blown onto the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensation on the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14.

[0053] (5) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in (1) or (2), when the HVAC unit D is mounted on the vehicle, it is preferable that the coolant module C is provided on the surface of the HVAC unit D that is perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0054] This configuration makes it easy to ensure the introduction and delivery routes of the coolant in the coolant module C. Furthermore, for example, a pump or the like for circulating the coolant can be disposed on the side of the HVAC unit D, which improves maintainability.

[0055] (6) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in (1) or (2), the HVAC unit D preferably has a heat exchanger 52 .

[0056] With this configuration, the routing of the flow path that circulates the cooling liquid from the water-cooled condenser 12 to the heat exchanger 52, and the flow path that circulates the cooling liquid from the chiller 14 to the heat exchanger 52 can be made easier and shorter.

[0057] (7) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in any one of (1) to (3), the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 are preferably provided in the HVAC unit D.

[0058] With this configuration, the routing of the flow path that circulates the coolant from the water-cooled condenser 12 to the HVAC unit D, and the flow path that circulates the coolant from the chiller 14 to the HVAC unit D can be made even easier and shorter.

[0059] (8) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in (1) or (2), it is preferable that the coolant module C is fixed to the HVAC unit D with bolts and integrated, or is housed in the same case as the HVAC unit D and integrated.

[0060] According to this configuration, the coolant module C and the HVAC unit D are integrated, which makes it possible to easily assemble the module C and the HVAC unit D into the vehicle.

[0061] (9) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in (3), it is preferable that the refrigerant module B is fixed to the HVAC unit D with bolts and integrated, or is housed in the same case as the HVAC unit D and integrated.

[0062] According to this configuration, the routing of the flow path that circulates the refrigerant from the water-cooled condenser 12 to the HVAC unit D and the flow path that circulates the refrigerant from the chiller 14 to the HVAC unit D can be made even easier and shorter.

[0063] (10) In the vehicle air conditioning system A described in any one of (1) to (3), when the HVAC unit D is mounted on the vehicle, it is preferable that the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14 are provided on the front side of the HVAC unit D in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0064] According to this configuration, as the vehicle travels, it is possible to blow airflow onto the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensation on the water-cooled condenser 12 and the chiller 14.

[0065] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0066] 12: Water-cooled condenser (condenser), 14: Chiller (evaporator), 52: Heat exchanger, A: Vehicle air conditioning system, B: Refrigerant module, B1: Refrigerant flow path, C: Coolant module, C1: Coolant flow path, D: HVAC unit (air conditioning unit)

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a coolant module having a coolant flow path for circulating a coolant that exchanges heat with a refrigerant in a condenser and an evaporator; and an air conditioning unit for heating and cooling the vehicle cabin, wherein the coolant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerant module having a refrigerant flow path for circulating a refrigerant between the condenser and the evaporator, the refrigerant module being integrated with the air conditioning unit.

3. A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a refrigerant module having a refrigerant flow path that circulates refrigerant between a condenser and an evaporator; and an air conditioning unit that cools and heats the vehicle cabin, wherein the refrigerant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit.

4. A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when the air conditioning unit is mounted on a vehicle, the refrigerant module is provided on the front side of the air conditioning unit in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

5. A vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the air conditioning unit is mounted on a vehicle, the coolant module is provided on a surface of the air conditioning unit that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

6. A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises a heat exchanger.

7. A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the condenser and the evaporator are provided in the air conditioning unit.

8. A vehicle air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the coolant module is integrally fixed to the air conditioning unit by bolts, or is housed in the same case as the air conditioning unit and integrally formed therewith.

9. A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the refrigerant module is integrated with the air conditioning unit by being fixed with bolts, or is housed in the same case as the air conditioning unit and integrated with the unit.

10. A vehicle air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the air conditioning unit is mounted on a vehicle, a water-cooled condenser as the condenser and a chiller as the evaporator are provided on the front side of the air conditioning unit in the direction of travel of the vehicle.