Thermal management system and control method thereof, and vehicle

Abstract

A control method of a thermal management system (100). The system comprises a battery subsystem (80), wherein the battery subsystem (80) comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches (20) are used for performing heat exchange with a battery, and the plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel comprise pressure adjustment sub-branches (21) and heat exchange sub-branches. The control method comprises: acquiring a battery heating signal; and a thermal management system entering a pre-heating mode, wherein in the pre-heating mode, the total flow Q1 of pressure adjustment sub-branches is greater than the total flow Q2 of heat exchange sub-branches. In this way, an air intake pressure of the compressor being low and an air exhaust pressure thereof being low (a high pressure being low), exceeding the operation range of the compressor, caused by an excessive heat exchange of a heat exchange medium in a battery heat exchange module when the temperature of a battery is relatively low or the heat exchange area of a heat exchange of the battery is large or the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module is large is avoided. In addition, a vehicle which controls a thermal management system thereof by using the method is further involved.

Description

Thermal management system, control method thereof, and vehicle

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on Chinese patent applications with application numbers 2023108106003 and 2023111338843, with application dates of July 3, 2023 and August 31, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent applications. The entire contents of the Chinese patent applications are hereby incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a thermal management system, a control method thereof, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Vehicle battery heating typically utilizes gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor to exchange heat with the battery. During this heat exchange, the gaseous refrigerant cools and reduces its pressure, liquefying as it heats the battery. Related Technology When the battery temperature is low, the heat exchange area is large, or the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module is high, excessive heat exchange can occur within the module, leading to low compressor intake and exhaust pressures (high pressure and low exhaust pressure), exceeding the compressor's operating range and potentially damaging the compressor.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a control method for a thermal management system to reduce the probability of compressor damage.

[0007] The present application also proposes a thermal management system that applies the above control method to reduce the probability of compressor damage.

[0008] The present application also proposes a vehicle that applies the above control method to reduce the probability of compressor damage.

[0009] According to the control method of the thermal management system of an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem, the battery subsystem includes a plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches are used for heat exchange with the battery, the plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch and a heat exchange sub-branch, and the control method includes: obtaining a battery heating signal; the thermal management system enters a preheating mode, and in the preheating mode, the total flow Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch is greater than the total flow Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0010] According to the control method of the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch, the heat exchange medium at the outlet end is controlled to be maintained within a certain temperature state, thereby increasing the compressor outlet pressure and avoiding the compressor from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor.

[0011] In some embodiments, a ratio Q1 / Q2 of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch is greater than a third threshold.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the heat exchange branches includes a flow regulating valve, which controls the valve opening of at least one of the heat exchange branches to be greater than the valve opening of the heat exchange sub-branch.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch is in an operating state, and the heat exchange sub-branch is controlled to be in a non-operating state.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the temperature of the battery reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system enters a normal heating mode. In the normal heating mode, at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be turned on according to the real-time temperature of the battery to heat the battery.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the pre-heating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the normal heating mode.

[0016] In some embodiments, when a minimum value among temperature values ​​at a plurality of locations of the battery reaches the first set temperature, the temperature of the battery reaches the first temperature.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch includes a battery heat exchange module and a throttling element connected in series, and the opening of the throttling element is adjusted according to the superheat of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of heat exchange branches include a bottom heat exchange branch and a top heat exchange branch, the top heat exchange branch is located at the top of the battery and the bottom heat exchange branch is located at the bottom of the battery; in the preheating mode, the total flow Q1 of the bottom heat exchange branch is controlled to be greater than the total flow Q2 of the top heat exchange branch.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a coolant subsystem; the control method further includes: when a waste heat recovery instruction is obtained, the coolant subsystem and the battery subsystem perform heat exchange;

[0020] The thermal management system has a normal heating mode. In the normal heating mode, each heat exchange branch is controlled to heat the battery. When the water temperature of the coolant subsystem reaches a third set temperature, the thermal management system enters the normal heating mode.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system includes: a compressor having an air inlet and an exhaust port; a plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches performing heat exchange with a battery, the thermal management system having a battery heating mode, in which the first end of each of the heat exchange branches is connected to the exhaust port, the plurality of heat exchange branches arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch and a heat exchange sub-branch; a first heat exchanger, the first end of the first heat exchanger being connected to the second end of each of the heat exchange branches via a throttling element, the second end of the first heat exchanger being connected to the air inlet; and a control module, the control module being configured to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0022] According to the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange medium at the outlet is controlled to remain within a certain temperature state, thereby increasing the compressor outlet pressure and preventing the compressor from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor.

[0023] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application includes a thermal management system and a control module, wherein the control module is configured to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0024] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, by setting a control module to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system, the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium is reduced and the probability of damage to the compressor is reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control module includes a storage medium for storing executable instructions for executing the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0026] According to the storage medium of the embodiment of the present application, by executing the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system, the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium is reduced, and the probability of damage to the compressor is reduced.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG1 is a flow chart of a control method of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG2 is a structural diagram of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a structural diagram of a thermal management system in a battery heating mode according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant;

[0032] FIG4 is a flow chart of a control method of a thermal management system according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG5 is a structural diagram of a battery heat exchange module according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG6 is a structural diagram of a battery heat exchange module according to some other embodiments of the present application.

[0035] Reference numerals:

[0036] 100. Thermal management system;

[0037] 80. Battery subsystem; 15. Throttle element; 16. Flow control valve; 20. Heat exchange branch; 21. Pressure regulation sub-branch; 30. Outlet; 40. Inlet; 56. Battery heat exchange module; 60. Coolant subsystem;

[0038] 1. Compressor; 2. In-vehicle condenser; 3. Out-vehicle condenser; 4. First heat exchanger; 5. Upper battery cold plate; 6. Lower battery cold plate; 7. In-vehicle evaporator; 8. Gas-liquid separator; 10. Radiator; 11. Liquid storage tank; 12. Four-way water valve; 13. Powertrain; 14. Water pump; 151. First electronic expansion valve; 152. Second electronic expansion valve; 153. Third electronic expansion valve; 154. Fourth electronic expansion valve; 161. First large-caliber electronic expansion valve; 162. Second large-caliber electronic expansion valve Expansion valve; 171, first solenoid valve; 172, second solenoid valve; 173, third solenoid valve; 174, fourth solenoid valve; 181, first one-way valve; 182, second one-way valve; 184, fourth one-way valve; PT1, first integrated temperature and pressure sensor; PT2, second integrated temperature and pressure sensor; PT3, third integrated temperature and pressure sensor; PT4, fourth integrated temperature and pressure sensor; T2, second temperature sensor; T3, third temperature sensor; T4, fourth temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0040] The following describes a control method for a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application, with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG3 , the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80 , which includes at least one heat exchange branch 20 for heat exchange with the battery. Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 may include one heat exchange branch 20 , two heat exchange branches 20 , or three or more heat exchange branches 20 .

[0041] It should also be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, the exhaust port of the compressor 1 can be connected to the heat exchange branch 20 to discharge the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium that has undergone heat exchange with the battery in the heat exchange branch 20 can be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the air inlet of the compressor 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the heat exchange medium of the heat exchange branch 20 can directly exchange heat with the battery. In other embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant circulation loop that exchanges heat with the heat exchange branch 20, and the coolant circulation loop exchanges heat with the battery.

[0043] It should be noted that the battery includes battery cells arranged in a shell, and the heat exchange branch can be in direct contact with the battery cells for heat exchange. The heat exchange branch 20 can also be in contact with the shell for heat exchange, thereby indirectly exchanging heat with the battery cells.

[0044] According to a control method of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG1 , the control method includes:

[0045] S20: A battery heating signal is obtained.

[0046] S30: The thermal management system 100 enters a preheating mode. In this preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is greater than or equal to a first threshold value T1. It should be noted that when the battery subsystem includes two or more heat exchange branches 20, in the preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of at least one of the multiple heat exchange branches 20 is controlled to be greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1.

[0047] When receiving an electrical signal, the thermal management system 100 enters the preheating mode, and the electrical signals that meet the above conditions (ie, control the thermal management system to enter the preheating mode) are all battery heating signals.

[0048] It should be noted that in the preheating mode, the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 can be in gas phase, or gas phase and liquid phase can coexist, as long as the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1.

[0049] Specifically, the present application limits the temperature of the heat exchange medium to a first threshold value T1, and can control the ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium to the liquid heat exchange medium to adjust the compressor intake or exhaust pressure to avoid damage to the compressor. For example, a higher first threshold value results in a higher ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium, while a lower first threshold value results in a lower ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium.

[0050] For example, when a battery heating instruction, a vehicle start instruction, a charging heating instruction, a discharging heating instruction, or a battery cell temperature is lower than a preset value is received, the thermal management system 100 enters a preheating mode. When the controller receives these instructions or information, the signal that triggers the thermal management system 100 to enter the preheating mode is a battery heating signal. The controller can be in the thermal management system 100, a domain controller, or a body controller, which is not limited here. The battery heating instruction, the vehicle start instruction, the charging heating instruction, and the discharging heating instruction can be triggered by the user on the mobile terminal. The vehicle's transceiver receives these instructions. When the battery cell temperature is lower than a preset value, the thermal management system 100 enters a preheating mode. The battery heating instruction, the vehicle start instruction, the charging heating instruction, and the discharging heating instruction can also be triggered by the user on the vehicle side. When the controller receives these instructions, when the battery cell temperature is lower than a preset value, the thermal management system 100 enters a preheating mode. The first threshold is a preset temperature value. It can be understood that the first threshold reflects the state of the heat exchange medium. The state of the heat exchange medium at the outlet 30 is controlled by controlling the first threshold. For example, the state of the heat exchange medium can include temperature and phase (gas phase or gas-liquid two-phase).

[0051] Specifically, different first thresholds are set corresponding to different heat exchange media to meet different requirements.

[0052] In related technologies, when the battery temperature is low, the battery heat exchange area is large, or the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module is large, the heat exchange volume between the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch and the battery is large, resulting in low exhaust pressure (high pressure and low pressure) at the compressor. On the one hand, this causes the inlet temperature of the battery heat exchange module that exchanges heat with the battery to be low, and the temperature difference between the module and the battery is small, resulting in a low heating temperature rise rate and a slow heating rate. On the other hand, it causes low inlet pressure (low pressure and low pressure) at the compressor, exceeding the operating range of the compressor and potentially damaging the compressor.

[0053] The present application can control the state of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 by setting the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is within the target state, thereby avoiding excessive pressure difference between the inlet end and the outlet end of the heat exchange branch 20, and further making the pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet of the compressor 1 smaller, which not only avoids the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also avoids the heating effect of the battery being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0054] According to the control method of the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 to be greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1, the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is controlled to be maintained within a certain temperature state, thereby increasing the outlet pressure of the compressor 1 and preventing the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1.

[0055] In some examples of the present application, the first threshold value can be set to the saturation temperature of the heat exchange medium at the corresponding pressure at the outlet end 30 minus 5°C. That is, the subcooling degree of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is less than 5°C to avoid excessive liquefaction. The subcooling degree is defined as the difference between the temperature of the condensed water at a certain pressure and the saturation temperature at the corresponding pressure.

[0056] In some examples of the present application, the first threshold value can be set to 20°C, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium passing through the outlet end 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is ≥20°C, which can ensure the ratio of the gaseous heat exchange medium to the liquid heat exchange medium to adjust the pressure of the compressor intake or exhaust to avoid damage to the compressor.

[0057] In some embodiments, the temperature difference ΔT between the heat exchange medium at the inlet 40 and the outlet 30 of at least one heat exchange branch 20 is less than or equal to T2, where T2 is a second threshold. By setting the temperature difference between the heat exchange medium at the inlet 40 and outlet 30 to be less than or equal to T2, the heat exchange of the heat exchange medium is controlled, thereby preventing excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium.

[0058] It should be noted that the second threshold is a preset value that can be calibrated based on actual conditions and can be a reference value, a calibration value, an experimental value, etc. It is understood that the second threshold reflects the state changes of the heat exchange medium at both the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30. By controlling the state changes of the heat exchange medium by controlling the second threshold, an excessive pressure difference between the two ends of the heat exchange branch can be further avoided.

[0059] Specifically, different second thresholds are set for different heat exchange media to meet different requirements. Alternatively, the second threshold can be set based on the battery temperature, the heat exchange area of ​​the battery heat exchange module, and the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, the second threshold is 30° C., thereby further avoiding excessive pressure difference across the heat exchange branch.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the battery temperature reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters a normal heating mode. In this mode, at least one heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to conduct to heat the battery based on the battery temperature, which may be a real-time temperature. By controlling the thermal management system 100 to enter the normal heating mode after the battery temperature reaches the first temperature, each heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to conduct to heat the battery, thereby fully heating the battery and fully utilizing the capabilities of the thermal management system 100.

[0062] Among them, the thermal management system 100 entering the normal heating mode means that the battery temperature reaches the first temperature. After the preheating mode, the battery will heat up, and the battery's demand for heating will decrease, which will not cause the problem of low exhaust pressure and low intake pressure of the compressor 1.

[0063] The control method better adapts to the actual needs of the battery by controlling the conduction of at least one heat exchange branch 20 based on the real-time battery temperature. For example, if the battery temperature is low, multiple heat exchange branches 20 can be turned on to heat the battery simultaneously. Alternatively, if the battery temperature is high, fewer heat exchange branches 20 can be controlled to heat the battery, thereby saving heat.

[0064] Specifically, the first temperature may be a preset temperature value, or a value set in real time according to the ambient temperature or the temperature of the battery.

[0065] More specifically, different first temperatures can be set for different heat exchange media to meet specific requirements, as can different first temperatures for different battery types. For example, different materials for batteries: lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries have different first temperatures; different shapes: blade batteries, square batteries, and cylindrical batteries have different first temperatures; and different capacities: batteries with an 80km range and batteries with a 200km range have different first temperatures. The first temperature can be set based on the heat exchange medium, battery material, battery shape, and battery capacity.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat exchange branches 20 are used for heat exchange with the battery. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In the preheating mode, the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1. The remaining branches except the pressure regulating sub-branch can be opened or closed according to the heat exchange requirements of the battery. When the remaining branches are opened, by setting the value of the first threshold value T1, the battery heating requirements can be met and the compressor damage can be avoided. By setting a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 in parallel, it is possible to select and control one heat exchange branch 20 or multiple heat exchange branches 20 to heat the battery according to the actual heating requirements of the battery, and the battery can be heated flexibly to achieve the purpose of saving energy.

[0067] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, the temperature difference ΔT≦T2 between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled. By setting the temperature difference ΔT≦T2 between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, the state change of the heat exchange medium at the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to maintain the pressure at the inlet end 40 and to avoid excessive pressure difference at both ends of the heat exchange branch. According to the heat exchange requirements of the battery, the remaining branches except the pressure regulating sub-branch can be opened or closed. When the remaining branches are opened, by setting the value of T2, the battery heating requirements can be met while avoiding damage to the compressor.

[0068] It should be noted that compressor 1 usually discharges high-pressure refrigerant and inhales low-pressure refrigerant. Compressor 1 usually operates under conditions of high exhaust pressure and low inlet pressure. However, in related technologies, battery heat exchange requires a large amount of refrigerant, resulting in low compressor exhaust pressure, which prevents the compressor from operating normally and may damage the compressor. In this application, multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The temperature difference ΔT≦T2 between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is set to control the pressure of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and adjust the pressure of the compressor 1 exhaust port, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one heat exchange branch 20 is used to exchange heat with the first side of the battery, and at least one heat exchange branch 20 is used to exchange heat with the second side of the battery. In other words, multiple heat exchange branches 20 are used to heat different sides of the battery, thereby fully heating the battery and improving temperature uniformity.

[0070] For example, one of the heat exchange branches 20 is used to heat the upper side of the battery, and the other heat exchange branch 20 is used to heat the lower side of the battery; or, one of the heat exchange branches 20 is used to heat the left side of the battery, and the other heat exchange branch 20 is used to heat the right side of the battery; or, one of the heat exchange branches 20 is used to heat the front side of the battery, and the other heat exchange branch 20 is used to heat the rear side of the battery; of course, the first side and the second side are not limited to opposite sides, but can also be adjacent sides, for example, the first side is the upper side, the second side is the front side, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0071] In some embodiments, in normal heating mode, multiple heat exchange branches 20 are controlled to heat the battery, thereby increasing the heating speed.

[0072] In some embodiments, in preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the remaining heat exchange branches. Specifically, the multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 24 and a heat exchange sub-branch. In preheating mode, the total flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate of the heat exchange sub-branch, so that the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater. This can avoid low exhaust pressure of the compressor due to the large heat exchange between the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the battery, avoid compressor 1 exceeding its operating range and causing damage to compressor 1, and avoid the large heat exchange resulting in a low temperature of the heat exchange medium affecting the heating effect on the battery.

[0073] In some embodiments, in preheating mode, the ratio Q1 / Q2 of the total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is greater than a third threshold. By setting the ratio Q1 / Q2 of the total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20 to be greater than the third threshold, the heat exchange medium flowing out of the pressure regulating sub-branch and the heat exchange medium flowing out of the remaining branches will ultimately enter the air inlet of the compressor. By setting the value of the third threshold, the intake pressure entering the compressor air inlet can be adjusted, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor 1. When the battery temperature is low, the ratio Q1 / Q2 is greater than the third threshold value, and the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, since the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure at the exhaust port and the air inlet of the compressor 1 are lower than the normal operating value.

[0074] Specifically, Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, where there can be only one pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in one pressure regulating sub-branch 21; there can also be multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in multiple pressure regulating sub-branches 21.

[0075] Specifically, Q2 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange sub-branch 20, where there can be only one heat exchange sub-branch 20, and Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in one heat exchange sub-branch 20; there can also be multiple heat exchange sub-branch 20, and Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in multiple heat exchange sub-branches 20.

[0076] For example, there are two heat exchange branches 20, and the two heat exchange branches 20 are connected in parallel. One of the heat exchange branches 20 is constructed as a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In the preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is Q1, and the flow rate of the other heat exchange branch 20 is Q2, and Q1 / Q2 is greater than the third threshold.

[0077] Alternatively, there are three heat exchange branches 20, which are connected in parallel. One of the heat exchange branches 20 is constructed as a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. In the preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is Q1, and the total flow rate of the other two heat exchange branches 20 is Q2, and Q1 / Q2 is greater than the third threshold.

[0078] Alternatively, there are three heat exchange branches 20, which are connected in parallel, two of which are constructed as pressure regulating sub-branches 21. In the preheating mode, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the two pressure regulating sub-branches 21 is Q1, and the flow rate of the other heat exchange branch 20 is Q2, and Q1 / Q2 is greater than the third threshold.

[0079] Specifically, the third threshold is a pre-set value. It can be understood that the third threshold reflects the concentration degree of the heat exchange medium. The concentration degree of the heat exchange medium is controlled by changing the third threshold, and the amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 entering the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is adjusted so that the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient. When the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressures at the exhaust port and the air inlet of the compressor 1 are lower than the normal operating values.

[0080] For example, the third threshold value is 2, that is, the flow on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 accounts for more than two-thirds of the total flow, further improving the concentration of the heat exchange medium, and concentrating most of the heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor 1 on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so that the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient. When the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 still meet the requirements of the normal operation of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure at the exhaust port and the air inlet of the compressor 1 are lower than the normal operating value.

[0081] The above can be simply understood as follows: in the related art, the upper limit of the total flow rate of the refrigerant supplied by the compressor is a fixed value, and more heat exchange branches have a greater demand for refrigerant. Each heat exchange branch is allocated less refrigerant, resulting in sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant in each heat exchange branch and the battery. When the battery temperature is low, the degree of liquefaction of the refrigerant in the battery heat exchange module 56 in each heat exchange branch is relatively high, thereby affecting the pressure at the compressor inlet and exhaust port, and further affecting the normal operation of the compressor. In this application, by setting Q1 / Q2 to be greater than the third threshold, the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, due to the sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for the normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure at the exhaust port and the air inlet of the compressor 1 are lower than the normal operating value.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16. The ratio of flow rate Q1 passing through flow control valve 16 in pressure regulation sub-branch 21 to flow rate Q2 passing through flow control valve 16 in heat exchange sub-branch 20 satisfies Q1 / Q2 greater than a third threshold. By providing flow control valve 16, rapid flow adjustment is facilitated.

[0083] It should be noted that the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 includes a flow regulating valve 16, and the heat exchanging sub-branch 20 also includes a flow regulating valve 16. By controlling the flow regulating valve 16, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the heat exchanging sub-branch 20 can be quickly switched. In other words, each heat exchanging branch 20 can also be a pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0084] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16 that controls the opening of valve 1 in the pressure regulation sub-branch 21 to be greater than the opening of valve 2 in the heat exchange sub-branch 20. In other words, the opening of the flow control valve 16 on the pressure regulation sub-branch 21 is greater than the opening of the flow control valve 16 on the heat exchange sub-branch 20, concentrating the heat exchange medium on the pressure regulation sub-branch 21.

[0085] In some embodiments, in preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is in operation, while the heat exchanging sub-branch 20 is controlled to be in a non-operating state. By controlling the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be in operation and the heat exchanging sub-branch 20 to be in a non-operating state, the heat exchange medium is further concentrated on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, thereby improving the concentration.

[0086] Specifically, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is in a working state, which means that heat exchange medium flows through the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 .

[0087] Specifically, the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is in a non-operating state, which means that there is no heat exchange medium on the heat exchange sub-branch 20, so the heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor 1 is collected in sufficient quantity and supplied to the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. This solution can reduce the selection requirements of the compressor 1, as long as the amount of heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor 1 can meet the needs of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21. When the heat exchange area of ​​the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is large, concentrating the heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor 1 on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 can still meet the needs of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0088] In some specific embodiments, each heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16. When a heat exchange sub-branch 20 is in an inoperative state, the flow control valve 16 on the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is opened to zero, thereby further concentrating the heat exchange medium. The inoperative state of a heat exchange sub-branch 20 means that no heat exchange medium is flowing through the heat exchange sub-branch 20.

[0089] In some embodiments, the battery reaches the first temperature when the minimum of the temperature values ​​at multiple battery locations reaches a first set temperature. That is, when the temperature at the lowest location on the battery exceeds the first set temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters a normal heating mode, using the temperature at the lowest location as a reference to further prevent uneven battery heating. The first set temperature can be set based on the battery's heat exchange capacity. For example, when the first temperature is reached, the battery's target temperature is 30°C. In this case, the normal heating mode controls multiple heat exchange branches based on the target battery temperature to heat the battery without causing the compressor inlet and exhaust pressures to drop below their normal operating values.

[0090] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 also includes a normal heating mode, and the heat exchange branch 20 includes a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the normal heating mode. By setting the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode to be greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the normal heating mode, the heat exchange medium is concentrated, so that the amount of heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor can meet the needs of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0091] For example, the first set temperature is 5° C., and the temperature of the lowest temperature part of the battery is greater than 5° C., and the thermal management system 100 enters the normal heating mode.

[0092] In some embodiments, heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56 and a throttling element 15 connected in series. The opening of throttling element 15 is adjusted based on the superheat of the heat exchange medium in heat exchange branch 20. By adjusting the opening of throttling element 15 based on the superheat, the heat exchange medium in battery heat exchange module 56 is regulated, thereby improving the adaptability of thermal management system 100.

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , a curved flow channel is provided on the battery heat exchange module 56 , and the heat exchange medium flows in the curved flow channel.

[0094] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the battery heat exchange module 56 is provided with a straight pipe flow channel, for example, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a harmonica tube heat exchanger.

[0095] In some specific embodiments, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a cold plate, which is attached to the battery to heat the battery.

[0096] The superheat is the difference between the actual temperature of a substance at a certain pressure and the saturation temperature. Only when the actual temperature is higher than the saturation temperature will liquid refrigerant not be sucked into the compressor 1, thereby preventing the compressor 1 from being damaged.

[0097] Specifically, the opening degree of the throttling element 15 needs to be adjusted according to PID (feedback-regulation strategy).

[0098] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, adjusting the opening of the throttling element 15 according to the superheat of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 includes: superheat △T4 < first set value △Ta, reducing the opening of the throttling element 15 and increasing the superheat; superheat △T4 > second set value △Tb, increasing the opening of the throttling element 15 and reducing the superheat; superheat △Ta≤△T4≤△Tb, maintaining the opening of the throttling element 15, and reducing the probability of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0099] For example, when ΔTa is 0°C, ΔTb is 5°C, and the superheat ΔT4 is between 0 and 5°C, the opening of the throttle element 15 is maintained.

[0100] Specifically, the thermal management system 100 further includes: a temperature and pressure sensor, which is arranged at the air inlet of the compressor 1 to obtain ΔT4, thereby further reducing the probability of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0101] In some embodiments, the throttling element 15 has an initial opening, which is a dynamically changing value and is related to the coolant temperature in the coolant subsystem 60 described below. The coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 is judged before opening the valve. The higher the coolant temperature, the larger the initial opening, and the lower the coolant temperature, the smaller the initial opening.

[0102] More specifically, before using ΔT4, the throttling element 15 operates at the initial opening for τ1 min, where τ1 is the set time.

[0103] In some embodiments, the multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a bottom heat exchange branch 20 and a top heat exchange branch 20, with the top heat exchange branch 20 located at the top of the battery and the bottom heat exchange branch 20 located at the bottom of the battery. In preheating mode, the temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the bottom heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be less than a second threshold. By setting the temperature difference ΔT between the inlet end 40 and the outlet end 30 of the bottom heat exchange branch 20 to be less than the second threshold, the heating effect of the preheating mode is amplified by the battery's own gravity.

[0104] Specifically, the bottom heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery. The battery's own gravity makes the bottom heat exchange branch 20 fit closely to the battery. The preheating mode uses the bottom heat exchange branch 20 to heat the battery to improve the heating effect.

[0105] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant subsystem 60 , and the control method further includes:

[0106] S40: When a waste heat recovery instruction is received, the coolant subsystem 60 performs heat exchange with the battery subsystem 80 to recover waste heat from the coolant subsystem 60 and improve energy utilization.

[0107] Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 includes an in-vehicle evaporator 7 , which is disposed between the commutation branch and the compressor 1 .

[0108] Specifically, the coolant subsystem 60 includes a water pump 14, a powertrain 13, and a radiator 10. The water pump 14 drives the coolant through the powertrain 13 and dissipates heat from the powertrain 13. When heat from the powertrain 13 needs to be dissipated to the external environment, the coolant is controlled to flow through the powertrain 13 and radiator 10, and the radiator 10 exchanges heat with the external environment to achieve heat dissipation.

[0109] More specifically, the thermal management system 100 includes: a first heat exchanger 4, the first heat exchanger 4 includes a first refrigerant flow channel and a first coolant flow channel that exchange heat with each other, the first refrigerant flow channel is part of the battery subsystem 80, and the first coolant flow channel is part of the coolant subsystem 60, so that the waste heat of the coolant subsystem 60 can be recovered through the first refrigerant flow channel and the first coolant flow channel that exchange heat with each other.

[0110] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 has a normal heating mode. In the normal heating mode, each heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to heat the battery. When the water temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 reaches a third set temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters the normal heating mode.

[0111] Specifically, the third set temperature is greater than 0° C. to fully recover waste heat.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the battery is charging and the temperature of the battery cells is less than TA, the battery management system (BMS) sends a battery heating signal.

[0113] Specifically, TA is a preset value.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the battery is discharging and the battery temperature is less than TB, the BMS sends a battery heating command, where TB is a dynamically changing value related to the remaining capacity (SOC). The larger the SOC, the smaller the TB value, and the smaller the SOC, the larger the TB value.

[0115] As shown in FIG2 , the thermal management system 100 according to the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] The thermal management system 100 includes: a compressor 1, an in-vehicle condenser 2, an out-vehicle condenser 3, a first heat exchanger 4, a battery upper cold plate 5, a battery lower cold plate 6, an in-vehicle evaporator 7, a gas-liquid separator 8, a radiator 10, a liquid storage tank 11, a four-way water valve 12, a powertrain 13, a water pump 14, a first electronic expansion valve 151, a second electronic expansion valve 152, a third electronic expansion valve 153, a fourth electronic expansion valve 154, a first large-caliber electronic expansion valve 161, a second large-caliber electronic expansion valve 162, a first solenoid valve 171, a second solenoid valve 172, a third solenoid valve 173, a fourth solenoid valve 174, a first check valve 181, a second check valve 182, a fourth check valve 184, a first integrated temperature and pressure sensor PT1, a second integrated temperature and pressure sensor PT2, a third integrated temperature and pressure sensor PT3, a fourth integrated temperature and pressure sensor PT4, a second temperature sensor T2, a third temperature sensor T3, and a fourth temperature sensor T4.

[0117] Among them, the battery upper cold plate 5 and the battery lower cold plate 6 are the aforementioned battery heat exchange module 56, the first electronic expansion valve 151 and the second electronic expansion valve 152 are the aforementioned throttling elements 15, the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161 and the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 are the aforementioned flow control valves 16, and the fourth integrated temperature and pressure sensor PT4 is the aforementioned temperature and pressure sensor.

[0118] When the thermal management system enters the preheating mode, the second solenoid valve 172, the third solenoid valve 173, the first electronic expansion valve 151, the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161, the second electronic expansion valve 152, and the fourth electronic expansion valve 154 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 171, the fourth solenoid valve 174, the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162, and the third electronic expansion valve 153 are opened.

[0119] Heat exchange medium flow path in preheating mode: compressor 1 → first solenoid valve 171 → second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 → battery lower cold plate 6 → third electronic expansion valve 153 → first one-way valve 181 → first heat exchanger 4 → fourth solenoid valve 174 → gas-liquid separator 8 → compressor 1.

[0120] When the thermal management system enters the normal heating mode, the second solenoid valve 172, the third solenoid valve 173, the first electronic expansion valve 151, and the fourth electronic expansion valve 154 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 171, the fourth solenoid valve 174, the second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162, the third electronic expansion valve 153, the first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161, and the second electronic expansion valve 152 are opened.

[0121] Heat exchange medium flow path in normal heating mode: compressor 1 → first solenoid valve 171 → [(second large-diameter electronic expansion valve 162 → battery lower cold plate 6 → third electronic expansion valve 153) or (first large-diameter electronic expansion valve 161 → battery upper cold plate 5 → second electronic expansion valve 152)] → first one-way valve 181 → first heat exchanger 4 → fourth solenoid valve 174 → gas-liquid separator 8 → compressor 1.

[0122] The control method in this application ① closes the second electronic expansion valve 152 during the battery heating phase, thereby increasing the outlet pressure of the compressor 11 and the temperature and pressure of the cold plate 6 under the battery, thereby preventing the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1; the control method can increase the outlet pressure of the compressor 1, increase the power consumption of the compressor 1, increase the outlet temperature of the compressor 1, increase the heating inlet temperature of the cold plate 6 under the battery, increase the heat exchange temperature difference between the cold plate and the battery cell, and increase the heating rate of the battery cell. ② In the normal heating mode after the battery heating is completed, the second electronic expansion valve 152 and the first large-caliber electronic expansion valve 161 are opened, and the upper and lower cold plates of the battery plate are opened at the same time to heat the battery, thereby maintaining the temperature consistency inside the battery cell, keeping the battery cell in a good state, extending the service life of the battery cell, and reducing battery failures.

[0123] The thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a compressor 1 , a heat exchange branch 21 , a first heat exchanger 4 and a control module.

[0124] The compressor 1 has an air intake port and an air discharge port.

[0125] There is at least one heat exchange branch 21 , and the heat exchange branch 21 performs heat exchange with the battery. The thermal management system 100 has a battery heating mode. In the battery heating mode, the first end of the heat exchange branch 21 is connected to the exhaust port.

[0126] The first end of the first heat exchanger 4 is connected to the second end of the heat exchange branch through the throttling element 15 , and the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet.

[0127] The control module is configured to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0128] Among them, the thermal management system has a battery heating mode, and the battery heating mode includes a preheating heating mode and a normal heating mode.

[0129] According to the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned control method is executed, thereby avoiding an excessively large pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch, and thus making the pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet of the compressor smaller. This not only avoids the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also avoids the heating effect of the battery being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0130] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present application includes a thermal management system 100 and a control module, and the control module is configured to execute the control method of the thermal management system described above.

[0131] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, a control module is set to execute the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 in at least one heat exchange branch 20 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1, and the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is controlled to remain in a certain state, thereby reducing the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0132] In some embodiments, the control module includes a storage medium for storing executable instructions, wherein the instructions are used to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0133] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, a storage medium is used to store the control method of the thermal management system, so that the control module can execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 in at least one heat exchange branch 20 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1, and the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 is controlled to remain in a certain state, thereby reducing the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0134] In some examples, the control module includes a storage device including the storage medium described above.

[0135] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, the storage device uses the above-mentioned storage medium, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium at the outlet end 30 in at least one heat exchange branch 20 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value T1, and the heat exchange medium at the outlet end is controlled to remain in a certain state, thereby reducing the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium and reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0136] According to a control method for a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80, which includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel. The heat exchange branches 20 are used for heat exchange with the battery. The plurality of heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. As shown in FIG4 , the control method includes:

[0137] S50: A battery heating signal is obtained.

[0138] S60 : The thermal management system 100 enters a preheating mode. In the preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20 .

[0139] By setting the total flow rate Q1 of the heat exchange medium of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is larger, so that the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity, thereby avoiding the low exhaust pressure of the compressor due to the large heat exchange between the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 and the battery, avoiding the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, and avoiding the large heat exchange causing the temperature of the heat exchange medium to be low and affecting the heating effect on the battery.

[0140] When the battery temperature is low, the total flow Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is greater than the total flow Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20, and the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, since the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient, when the battery heat exchange module and the battery are fully exchanged with heat, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure of the compressor exhaust and air inlet are lower than the normal operating value.

[0141] According to the control method of the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the total flow Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be greater than the total flow Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20, the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, since the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch is sufficient, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure of the compressor exhaust and air inlet are lower than the normal operating values, and reducing the probability of compressor damage.

[0142] In some embodiments, a ratio Q1 / Q2 of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is greater than a third threshold.

[0143] Specifically, Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, where there can be only one pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in one pressure regulating sub-branch 21; there can also be multiple pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in multiple pressure regulating sub-branches 21.

[0144] Specifically, Q2 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange sub-branch 20, where there can be only one heat exchange sub-branch 20, and Q1 is the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in one heat exchange sub-branch 20; there can also be multiple heat exchange sub-branch 20, and Q1 is the total flow rate of the heat exchange medium in multiple heat exchange sub-branches 20.

[0145] Specifically, the third threshold is a pre-set value. It can be understood that the third threshold reflects the concentration degree of the heat exchange medium. The concentration degree of the heat exchange medium is controlled by changing the third threshold, and the amount of heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 entering the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is adjusted so that the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient. When the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements of the normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure of the compressor exhaust and inlet is lower than the normal operating value.

[0146] For example, the third threshold value is 2, that is, the flow on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 accounts for more than two-thirds of the total flow, further improving the concentration of the heat exchange medium, and concentrating most of the heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor 1 on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so that the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient. When the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements of normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure of the compressor exhaust and air inlet is lower than the normal operating value.

[0147] The above can be simply understood as follows: in the related art, the upper limit of the total flow rate of the refrigerant supplied by the compressor is a fixed value, and the demand for refrigerant in more heat exchange branches is greater, and each heat exchange branch is allocated less refrigerant, resulting in sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant in each heat exchange branch and the battery. When the battery temperature is low, the degree of liquefaction of the refrigerant in the battery heat exchange module 56 in each heat exchange branch is relatively large, thereby affecting the pressure at the compressor inlet and exhaust ports, and thus the normal operation of the compressor. In this application, by setting Q1 / Q2 to be greater than the third threshold, the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, due to the sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for the normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure at the compressor exhaust and inlet is lower than the normal operating value.

[0148] In some embodiments, at least one heat exchange branch 20 includes a flow control valve 16, which controls the valve opening of the at least one heat exchange branch 20 to be greater than the valve opening of the heat exchange sub-branch 20. In other words, the flow control valve 16 on at least one heat exchange branch 20 has a greater opening than the flow control valve 16 on the heat exchange sub-branch 20, thereby concentrating the heat exchange medium on the at least one heat exchange branch 20.

[0149] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is in an operating state, and the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is controlled to be in a non-operating state. By controlling the heat exchange sub-branch 20 to be in a non-operating state, the heat exchange medium is further concentrated on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, thereby improving the concentration, so that the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, due to the sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure at the compressor exhaust port and air inlet is lower than the normal operating value.

[0150] Specifically, the heat exchange sub-branch 20 is in a non-working state, and no heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange sub-branch 20, thereby concentrating the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, so that the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, since the amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is sufficient, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressures of the compressor exhaust and air inlet are lower than the normal operating values.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the temperature of the battery reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters a normal heating mode. In the normal heating mode, at least one heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be turned on according to the real-time temperature of the battery to heat the battery. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the normal heating mode. In other words, there is more heat exchange medium on the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in the preheating mode, and the heat exchange medium is concentrated so that the heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 1 can enter the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 in sufficient quantity. In this way, even if the battery temperature is low, due to the sufficient amount of heat exchange medium in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21, when the battery heat exchange module 56 fully exchanges heat with the battery, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the outlet of the pressure regulating sub-branch still meet the requirements for normal operation of the compressor, thereby avoiding the situation where the pressure of the compressor exhaust port and the air inlet is lower than the normal operating value.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the minimum value among the temperature values ​​at multiple locations of the battery reaches a first set temperature, the temperature of the battery reaches the first temperature. That is, when the temperature of the lowest temperature part of the battery is greater than the first set temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters the normal heating mode. The temperature of the lowest temperature part of the battery is used as the standard to further avoid the occurrence of uneven heating of the battery. The first set temperature can be set according to the heat exchange capacity of the battery. For example, when the first temperature is reached, the target temperature of the battery is 30°C. At this time, according to the normal heating mode, according to the target temperature of the battery, multiple heat exchange branches are controlled to heat the battery without causing the pressure of the compressor inlet and exhaust port to be lower than their normal operating values.

[0153] For example, the first set temperature is 5° C., and the temperature of the lowest temperature part of the battery is greater than 5° C., and the thermal management system 100 enters the normal heating mode.

[0154] In some embodiments, heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56 and a throttling element 15 connected in series. The opening of throttling element 15 is adjusted based on the superheat of the heat exchange medium in heat exchange branch 20. By adjusting the opening of throttling element 15 based on the superheat, the heat exchange medium in battery heat exchange module 56 is regulated, thereby improving the adaptability of thermal management system 100.

[0155] Specifically, the battery heat exchange module 56 is a cold plate, which is attached to the battery to heat the battery.

[0156] The superheat is the difference between the actual temperature of a substance at a certain pressure and the saturation temperature. Only when the actual temperature is higher than the saturation temperature will liquid refrigerant not be sucked into the compressor 1, thereby preventing the compressor 1 from being damaged.

[0157] In some embodiments, in the preheating mode, adjusting the opening of the throttling element 15 according to the superheat of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch 20 includes:

[0158] When the superheat △T4 is less than the first set value △Ta, the opening of the throttling element 15 is reduced to increase the superheat; when the superheat △T4 is greater than the second set value △Tb, the opening of the throttling element 15 is increased to reduce the superheat; when the superheat △Ta≤△T4≤△Tb, the opening of the throttling element 15 is maintained, thereby reducing the probability of the liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0159] For example, when ΔTa is 0°C, ΔTb is 5°C, and the superheat ΔT4 is between 0 and 5°C, the opening of the throttle element 15 is maintained.

[0160] Specifically, the thermal management system 100 further includes: a temperature and pressure sensor, which is arranged at the air inlet of the compressor 1 to obtain ΔT4, thereby further reducing the probability of liquid heat exchange medium entering the compressor 1.

[0161] In some embodiments, the throttling element 15 has an initial opening, which is a dynamically changing value and is related to the coolant temperature in the coolant subsystem 60 described below. The coolant temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 is judged before opening the valve. The higher the coolant temperature, the larger the initial opening, and the lower the coolant temperature, the smaller the initial opening.

[0162] More specifically, before using ΔT4, the throttling element 15 operates at the initial opening for τ1 min, where τ1 is the set time.

[0163] In some embodiments, the multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a bottom heat exchange branch 20 and a top heat exchange branch 20, with the top heat exchange branch 20 located at the top of the battery and the bottom heat exchange branch 20 located at the bottom of the battery. In the preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the bottom heat exchange branch 20 is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the top heat exchange branch 20. By making the total flow rate Q1 of the bottom heat exchange branch 20 greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the top heat exchange branch 20, the heating effect in the preheating mode is amplified by the battery's own gravity.

[0164] Specifically, the bottom heat exchange branch 20 is located at the bottom of the battery. The battery's own gravity makes the bottom heat exchange branch 20 fit closely to the battery. The preheating mode uses the bottom heat exchange branch 20 to heat the battery to improve the heating effect.

[0165] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a coolant subsystem 60 ; and the control method further includes:

[0166] S70: When a waste heat recovery instruction is received, the coolant subsystem 60 performs heat exchange with the battery subsystem 80 to recover waste heat from the coolant subsystem 60 and improve energy utilization.

[0167] Specifically, the battery subsystem 80 includes an in-vehicle evaporator 7 , which is disposed between the commutation branch and the compressor 1 .

[0168] Specifically, the coolant subsystem 60 includes a water pump 14 , a powertrain 13 , and a radiator 10 . The water pump 14 drives the coolant to flow through the powertrain 13 and the radiator 10 .

[0169] More specifically, the thermal management system 100 includes a first heat exchanger 4 , which is disposed between the battery subsystem 80 and the coolant subsystem 60 to perform heat exchange.

[0170] The first heat exchanger may be a plate heat exchanger or a tube heat exchanger.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the water temperature of the coolant subsystem 60 reaches a third set temperature, the thermal management system 100 enters a normal heating mode.

[0172] Specifically, the third set temperature is greater than 0° C. to fully recover waste heat.

[0173] In some embodiments, when the battery is charging and the temperature of the battery cells is less than TA, the battery management system (BMS) sends a battery heating signal.

[0174] Specifically, TA is a preset value.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the battery is discharging and the battery temperature is less than TB, the BMS sends a battery heating command, where TB is a dynamically changing value related to the remaining capacity (SOC). The larger the SOC, the smaller the TB value, and the smaller the SOC, the larger the TB value.

[0176] The thermal management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a compressor 1 , a heat exchange branch 20 , a first heat exchanger 56 , and a control module.

[0177] The compressor 1 has an air intake port and an air discharge port.

[0178] Multiple heat exchange branches 20 are arranged in parallel, and the heat exchange branches 20 perform heat exchange with the battery. The thermal management system has a battery heating mode. In the battery heating mode, the first end of each heat exchange branch is connected to the air inlet. The multiple heat exchange branches 20 arranged in parallel include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21.

[0179] The first end of the first heat exchanger 4 is connected to the second end of each heat exchange branch through a throttling element 15, and the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet.

[0180] The control module is configured to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system.

[0181] The thermal management system 100 has a battery heating mode, which includes a preheating mode and a normal heating mode.

[0182] According to the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by applying the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, it is possible to avoid excessive pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch, thereby making the pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet of the compressor smaller. This not only avoids the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also avoids the heating effect of the battery being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0183] According to a control method for a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, which includes at least one heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange branch 20 is used for heat exchange with the battery. The control method includes:

[0184] S21: A battery heating signal is obtained.

[0185] S22: The thermal management system enters a preheating mode. In the preheating mode, the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch is greater than its flow rate in the normal heating mode. The thermal management mode includes the preheating mode and the normal heating mode.

[0186] According to the control method of the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by increasing the flow rate of at least one heat exchange branch, it is possible to avoid excessive pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch, thereby making the pressure difference between the air inlet and outlet of the compressor smaller. This not only avoids the compressor 1 from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also avoids the heating effect of the battery being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0187] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, which includes multiple parallel heat exchange branches 20. By providing multiple parallel heat exchange branches, the flow rate of at least one of the heat exchange branches is increased, thereby reducing the probability of compressor damage.

[0188] According to the thermal management system of an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system 100 includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches 20, the heat exchange branches 20 are used for heat exchange with the battery, each heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56, and the plurality of heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21, and the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is smaller than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the remaining branches.

[0189] It should also be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, the exhaust port of the compressor 1 can be connected to the heat exchange branch 20 to discharge the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium that has undergone heat exchange with the battery in the heat exchange branch 20 can be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the air inlet of the compressor 1.

[0190] According to the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be smaller than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the other branches, the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is increased, thereby avoiding excessive pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch, and further making the pressure difference between the air inlet and outlet of the compressor smaller, not only can the compressor 1 be avoided from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also the heating effect of the battery can be avoided from being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0191] In some embodiments, multiple heat exchange branches are arranged in parallel.

[0192] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is arranged on one side of the battery, and the heat exchange sub-branch is arranged on the other side of the battery, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of the battery.

[0193] According to the control method of the thermal management system of an embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system includes a battery subsystem 80, the battery subsystem 80 includes multiple heat exchange branches 20, the heat exchange branches 20 are used for heat exchange with the battery, each heat exchange branch 20 includes a battery heat exchange module 56, and the multiple heat exchange branches 20 include a pressure regulating sub-branch 21. The flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is smaller than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange modules 56 in the remaining branches.

[0194] It should also be noted that the thermal management system 100 includes a compressor 1, the exhaust port of the compressor 1 can be connected to the heat exchange branch 20 to discharge the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the heat exchange branch 20, and the heat exchange medium that has undergone heat exchange with the battery in the heat exchange branch 20 can be discharged from the outlet end 30 to the air inlet of the compressor 1.

[0195] Control methods include:

[0196] S31: A battery heating signal is obtained.

[0197] S32: The thermal management system enters a preheating mode. In the preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 exchanges heat with the battery.

[0198] According to the control method of the thermal management system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 to be smaller than the flow resistance of the battery heat exchange module 56 in the other branches, the flow of the pressure regulating sub-branch 21 is increased, and the above-mentioned control method is executed, thereby avoiding excessive pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange branch, and thus making the pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet of the compressor smaller, not only can the compressor 1 be avoided from exceeding the operating range and causing damage to the compressor 1, but also the heating effect of the battery can be avoided from being affected by the low temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the compressor.

[0199] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present application includes a thermal management system 100 and a control module, and the control module is configured to execute the control method of the thermal management system described above.

[0200] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, by setting a control module to execute the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system, the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium is reduced and the probability of damage to the compressor is reduced.

[0201] According to the storage medium of the embodiment of the present application, the storage medium is configured to execute the control method of the thermal management system described above.

[0202] According to the storage medium of the embodiment of the present application, by executing the above-mentioned control method of the thermal management system, the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium is reduced, and the probability of damage to the compressor is reduced.

[0203] A storage device according to an embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned storage medium.

[0204] According to the storage device of the embodiment of the present application, by applying the above-mentioned storage medium, the probability of excessive liquefaction of the heat exchange medium is reduced, and the probability of damage to the compressor is reduced.

[0205] Other operations of the control method of the thermal management system according to the embodiment of the present application are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0206] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0207] In addition, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features, and are used to distinguish and describe features, without any distinction in order or importance.

[0208] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “plurality” means two or more.

[0209] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0210] Throughout this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment" and "example" indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0211] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a thermal management system, wherein: The thermal management system (100) comprises a battery subsystem (80), the battery subsystem (80) comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches (20) being used for heat exchange with the battery, the plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel comprising a pressure regulating sub-branch (21) and a heat exchange sub-branch, and the control method comprises: The battery heating signal is obtained; The thermal management system enters a preheating mode, in which the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch is greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch.

2. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: A ratio Q1 / Q2 of the total flow rate Q1 of the pressure regulating sub-branch to the total flow rate Q2 of the heat exchange sub-branch is greater than a third threshold value.

3. The control method of a thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the heat exchange branches (20) comprises a flow regulating valve (16), The valve opening of at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be greater than the valve opening of the heat exchange sub-branch.

4. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: In the preheating mode, the pressure regulating sub-branch is in an operating state, and the heat exchanging sub-branch is controlled to be in a non-operating state.

5. The control method of a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: When the temperature of the battery reaches a first temperature, the thermal management system enters a normal heating mode. In the normal heating mode, at least one of the heat exchange branches is controlled to be turned on according to the real-time temperature of the battery to heat the battery.

6. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the pre-heating mode is greater than the flow rate of the pressure regulating sub-branch in the normal heating mode.

7. The control method of a thermal management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: When the minimum value among the temperature values ​​at the plurality of positions of the battery reaches the first set temperature, the temperature of the battery reaches the first temperature.

8. The control method of a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The heat exchange branch (20) comprises a battery heat exchange module (56) and a throttling element (15) connected in series. The opening of the throttling element is adjusted according to the superheat of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange branch.

9. The control method of a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The plurality of heat exchange branches (20) include a bottom heat exchange branch and a top heat exchange branch, wherein the top heat exchange branch is located at the top of the battery and the bottom heat exchange branch is located at the bottom of the battery; In the preheating mode, the total flow rate Q1 of the bottom heat exchange branch is controlled to be greater than the total flow rate Q2 of the top heat exchange branch.

10. The control method of a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal management system (100) further includes a cooling liquid subsystem (60); The control method further comprises: When a waste heat recovery instruction is obtained, the coolant subsystem exchanges heat with the battery subsystem; the thermal management system has a normal heating mode, in which each of the heat exchange branches is controlled to heat the battery, and when the water temperature of the coolant subsystem reaches a third set temperature, the thermal management system enters the normal heating mode.

11. A thermal management system (100), wherein: include: A compressor (1), the compressor (1) having an air inlet and an air outlet; a plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel, the heat exchange branches (20) performing heat exchange with the battery, the thermal management system (100) having a battery heating mode, in which the first end of each of the heat exchange branches (20) is in communication with the exhaust port, the plurality of heat exchange branches (20) arranged in parallel comprising a pressure regulating sub-branch (21) and a heat exchange sub-branch; a first heat exchanger (4), wherein a first end of the first heat exchanger (4) is connected to a second end of each of the heat exchange branches (20) via a throttling element (15), and a second end of the first heat exchanger (4) is connected to the air inlet; and A control module, wherein the control module is configured to execute the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle, wherein: The invention comprises a thermal management system and a control module, wherein the control module is configured to execute the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein: The control module includes a storage medium, wherein the storage medium is used to store executable instructions, and the instructions are used to execute the control method of the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-10.

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