Thermal management system for vehicle, and method

Abstract

A thermal management system for a vehicle, and a method. The thermal management system comprises: an air conditioning device (10), comprising an air conditioning main unit (101), a compressor (102) and a condenser (103) connected in sequence; and a heat exchange device (20), one end thereof being connected to a refrigerant input end of the compressor (102), and the other end thereof being connected between the condenser (103) and the air conditioning main unit (101). When the condenser (103) operates, a refrigeration loop is formed among the air conditioning main unit (101), the compressor (102) and the condenser (103); and when the condenser (103) does not operate, a waste heat recovery loop is formed among the air conditioning main unit (101), the compressor (102), the condenser (103) and the heat exchange device (20).

Description

Thermal management system and method for vehicle

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 7, 2023, with application number 202311151674.7, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to, but are not limited to, the field of automotive air-conditioning technology, and in particular relate to, but are not limited to, a thermal management system and method for a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Car air conditioning systems, also known as car air conditioners, are used to optimize the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow within the vehicle cabin, providing passengers with a comfortable ride and reducing travel fatigue. They also create favorable working conditions for the driver, playing a crucial role in ensuring safe driving. Car air conditioners generally include cooling, heating, and ventilation systems.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: an air-conditioning device, the air-conditioning device comprising an air-conditioning main unit, a compressor and a condenser connected in sequence; and a heat exchange device, one end of the heat exchange device being connected to the refrigerant input end of the compressor, and the other end of the heat exchange device being connected between the condenser and the air-conditioning main unit; wherein, when the condenser is in operation, the air-conditioning main unit, the compressor and the condenser form a refrigeration circuit; when the condenser is not in operation, a waste heat recovery circuit is formed between the air-conditioning main unit, the compressor, the condenser and the heat exchange device, and the refrigerant flows through the air-conditioning main unit to release heat, and then flows into the heat exchange device and returns to the compressor.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present application, a first solenoid valve is connected between the air-conditioning host and the compressor, a first electronic expansion valve and a second solenoid valve are connected in sequence between the air-conditioning host and the condenser, one end of a third electronic expansion valve is connected between the air-conditioning host and the first solenoid valve, and the other end of the third electronic expansion valve is connected to the condenser and the second solenoid valve.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange device includes: a heat exchange component, one end of which is connected to the refrigerant input end of the compressor; and a second electronic expansion valve, one end of the second electronic expansion valve is connected to the other end of the heat exchange component, and the other end of the second electronic expansion valve is connected between the first electronic expansion valve and the second solenoid valve, wherein when the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are closed, the third electronic expansion valve is cut off, the first electronic expansion valve is fully open and the second electronic expansion valve is cut off, a waste heat recovery circuit is formed, and the refrigerant absorbs heat through the heat exchange component.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the thermal management system also includes a control device, which is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the first electronic expansion valve, the second electronic expansion valve, the third electronic expansion valve, and the heat exchange device, respectively, and is configured to: control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve to open, control the second electronic expansion valve and the third electronic expansion valve to close, and control the first electronic expansion valve to cut off when forming the refrigeration circuit; and control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve to close, control the third electronic expansion valve to cut off, control the first electronic expansion valve to fully open, and control the second electronic expansion valve to cut off when forming the waste heat recovery circuit.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the control device includes: a cabin signal acquisition unit, configured to collect a loop control signal when the cabin of the vehicle is unmanned; a heat dissipation control unit, configured to control the condenser to stop dissipating heat when the loop control signal is collected; and a loop control unit, configured to control the mutual switching between the refrigeration circuit and the waste heat recovery circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the loop control unit includes: a temperature monitoring module, configured to collect a temperature control signal when the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature about to enter the air-conditioning main unit and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin does not reach a predetermined temperature difference; and a pressure control module, configured to control the cut-off pressure of the third electronic expansion valve on the refrigerant according to the temperature control signal until the temperature difference reaches a predetermined temperature difference.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the predetermined temperature difference ranges from 10° C. to 20° C.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the condenser includes a water-cooled condenser or an air-cooled condenser.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner main unit includes: an evaporation unit and a blower, wherein the blower is installed corresponding to the evaporation unit to control the blower to blow air to the evaporation unit when the waste heat recovery loop is formed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, when the waste heat recovery loop is formed, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning main unit is 10-20° C. higher than the temperature in the vehicle cabin, the blower blows air to dry the evaporation unit.

[0016] The present application also provides a thermal management method for a vehicle, which is applied to the above-mentioned waste heat recovery thermal management system. The method includes:

[0017] collecting a waste heat recovery control signal when a refrigeration circuit of the vehicle is closed and a circuit control signal when the cabin of the vehicle is unmanned;

[0018] According to the waste heat recovery control signal and the loop control signal, the condenser in the thermal management system is controlled to shut down, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve in the thermal management system are controlled to close, the third electronic expansion valve is controlled to cut off, the first electronic expansion valve is controlled to fully open, and the second electronic expansion valve is controlled to cut off, so as to form a waste heat recovery loop;

[0019] Monitor the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled and determine whether the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled exceeds the preset requirements. If the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled exceeds the preset requirements, control the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit to pass through the second electronic expansion valve to cut off the flow, so that the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange device absorbs the heat of the cooling device of the equipment to be cooled, and then returns the refrigerant to the compressor. If the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled does not exceed the preset requirements, control the refrigerant to pass through the second electronic expansion valve to directly return to the compressor.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, determining whether the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled exceeds the preset requirements includes: determining whether the circulating water temperature of the equipment to be cooled reaches the preset temperature to control whether the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the circulating water, and determining whether the circulating water temperature after the circulating water is absorbed by the refrigerant meets the water inlet requirements of the equipment to be cooled.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, determining whether the circulating water temperature of the equipment to be cooled reaches a preset temperature so as to control whether the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the circulating water includes: in response to determining that the circulating water temperature of the equipment to be cooled reaches the preset temperature, controlling the refrigerant to absorb the heat of the circulating water; in response to determining that the circulating water temperature of the equipment to be cooled does not reach the preset temperature, controlling the refrigerant not to absorb the heat of the circulating water and directly returning to the compressor.

[0022] Determining whether the temperature of the circulating water after the refrigerant absorbs heat meets the water inlet requirement of the equipment to be cooled includes: in response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing heat exceeds the water inlet temperature of the equipment to be cooled, continuing to absorb heat from the circulating water of the equipment to be cooled by controlling the refrigerant; in response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing heat meets the water inlet temperature of the equipment to be cooled, controlling the refrigerant to stop absorbing heat from the circulating water of the equipment to be cooled and directly returning to the compressor.

[0023] As described above, the waste heat recovery heat management system for a vehicle of the present application has the following advantageous effects: a control device controls the circulation loop between the air conditioner main unit, the compressor, the condenser, and the heat exchange device, so that when the condenser is in operation, the refrigerant in the condenser releases heat and then enters the evaporation unit of the air conditioner main unit to absorb heat, thereby forming a refrigeration circuit to create a cooling environment in the cabin. When the condenser is not in operation, a waste heat recovery loop is formed through the air conditioner main unit, the compressor, the condenser, and the heat exchange device. When the refrigerant passes through the condenser, no heat exchange occurs in the condenser. When the refrigerant reaches the air conditioner main unit, the control device controls the cutoff pressure of the third electronic expansion valve so that the refrigerant temperature in the waste heat recovery loop is higher than a predetermined cabin temperature. As the refrigerant passes through the air conditioner main unit, the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit is dried, thereby removing condensate formed on the evaporator core in the air conditioner main unit when the cooling function is turned off. Moreover, when drying the condensed water on the evaporator core in the air conditioner main unit, the combined action of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner main unit and the blower inside the air conditioner main unit can simultaneously remove the moisture in the air duct and shell of the air conditioner box, achieving a good drying effect and preventing the generation of odor.

[0024] When the refrigerant reaches the heat exchange device after passing through the air conditioner main unit, it determines whether the waste heat of the device to be cooled (for example, including the battery / motor or other components in the vehicle's series water inlet) exceeds a preset temperature. If it is determined that the waste heat of the device to be cooled reaches or exceeds the preset temperature, the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery loop is controlled to recover the waste heat of the cooling device of the device to be cooled when passing through the heat exchange component of the heat exchange device. If it is determined that the waste heat of the device to be cooled does not exceed the preset temperature, the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery loop is controlled to pass through the heat exchange component without exchanging heat with the device to be cooled and directly return to the compressor. This effectively reduces the load on the compressor and saves energy during the entire drying process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG1 is a diagram showing the architecture of the thermal management system of the present application.

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the working principle of the present application when forming a refrigeration circuit.

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the working principle of the waste heat recovery circuit formed in the present application.

[0028] FIG4 is a flow chart of the thermal management method of the present application.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] 10-air conditioning device, 101-air conditioning main unit, 1011-evaporation unit, 1012-blower, 102-compressor, 103-condenser, 20-heat exchange device, 201-heat exchange component, 30-control device, SOV1-first solenoid valve, SOV2-second solenoid valve, EXV1-first electronic expansion valve, EXV2-second electronic expansion valve, EXV3-third electronic expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following describes the embodiments of the present application through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the content disclosed in this specification. The present application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present application. It should be noted that, in the case of no conflict, the features in the following examples and embodiments can be combined with each other. It should also be understood that the terms used in the examples of the present application are for describing specific embodiments, not for limiting the scope of protection of the present application. The test methods for which specific conditions are not specified in the following examples are generally based on conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturers.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for people familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the restrictive conditions for the implementation of this application. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship or adjustment of the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application without affecting the efficacy and purpose that can be achieved by this application. At the same time, the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle" and "one" quoted in this specification are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the implementation of this application. Changes or adjustments in their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of the implementation of this application without substantially changing the technical content.

[0033] Currently, when the air temperature drops below the dew point in cooling mode, condensation forms in the air, depositing on the evaporator surface inside the AC unit or dripping onto the AC unit itself. This creates a long-term humid environment inside the unit, which can easily cause mold and a sour odor. When the refrigerant temperature is around 0°C, microorganisms in the air freeze on the evaporator surface, limiting the compressor speed. If the system shuts down due to user intervention or other factors, the microorganisms thaw and are blown out with the air, creating a sour odor that can cause user discomfort.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the present application provides a waste heat recovery thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: an air-conditioning device 10, the air-conditioning device 10 including an air-conditioning main unit (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, HVAC) 101, a compressor 102 and a condenser 103 connected in sequence; and a heat exchange device 20, one end of the heat exchange device 20 being connected to the refrigerant input end of the compressor 102, and the other end of the heat exchange device 20 being connected between the condenser 103 and the air-conditioning main unit 101; wherein, when the condenser 103 is working, the air-conditioning main unit 101, the compressor 102, and the condenser 103 form a refrigeration circuit; when the condenser 103 is not working, a waste heat recovery circuit is formed among the air-conditioning main unit 101, the compressor 102, the condenser 103 and the heat exchange device 20, and the refrigerant flows through the air-conditioning main unit 101 to release heat, and then flows into the heat exchange device 20 and returns to the compressor 102.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present application, during the cooling process of the air conditioner, a refrigeration circuit is formed between the air conditioner main unit 101, the compressor 102, and the condenser 103. When the condenser 103 is operating, the vehicle cabin is cooled. The air conditioner main unit 101 includes an evaporator. During this phase, the evaporator is used for cooling and performs an evaporation function. When the air conditioner main unit 101 stops cooling, condensed water forms on the surface of the evaporator in the air conditioner main unit 101. By controlling the condenser 103 to stop operating, the refrigerant is not processed while passing through the condenser 103. Furthermore, a waste heat recovery circuit is formed between the compressor 102, the condenser 103, the air conditioner main unit 101, and the heat exchange device 20. As the refrigerant passes through the air conditioner main unit 101, heat is released, and the evaporator surface is heated by the refrigerant, thereby drying the condensed water on the evaporator surface of the air conditioner main unit 101. Furthermore, during this process, the evaporator in the air conditioner main unit 101 functions as a condenser when the condenser 103 is not operating. At the same time, by determining whether the equipment to be cooled (for example, including batteries / motors or components in the remaining series water inlet circuits of the vehicle) needs to dissipate heat, the refrigerant passing through the heat exchange device 20 is controlled to absorb the heat of the equipment to be cooled, so as to achieve cooling treatment of the equipment to be cooled.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a first solenoid valve SOV1 is connected between the air-conditioning host 101 and the compressor 102, and a first electronic expansion valve EXV1 and a second solenoid valve SOV2 are connected in sequence between the air-conditioning host 101 and the condenser 103. The thermal management system also includes a third electronic expansion valve EXV3, one end of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is connected to the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the air-conditioning host 101, and the other end of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is connected to the condenser 103 and the second solenoid valve SOV2.

[0037] Please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. When a refrigeration circuit is formed, the condenser 103 is in operation to perform heat dissipation processing. The first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 are both opened, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is closed, and the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is cut off, so as to form a refrigeration circuit through the compressor 102, the condenser 103, the second solenoid valve SOV2, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1, the air conditioning main unit 101 and the first solenoid valve SOV1, and blow cold air into the vehicle cabin through the air conditioning main unit 101.

[0038] Please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. When the waste heat recovery loop is formed, the condenser 103 stops working. When the refrigerant passes through the compressor 102, it passes directly through the condenser 103 without heat exchange, and is intercepted by the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 to enter the air conditioner main unit 101. Then, it passes through the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 in the fully open state to enter the heat exchange device 20 and then returns to the compressor 102. When the heat exchange device 20 releases heat to the refrigerant, if there is a situation where the device to be cooled needs to dissipate heat, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the device to be cooled through the heat exchange device 20, thereby realizing a waste heat recovery cycle. If the device to be cooled does not need to dissipate heat, the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the device to be cooled at the heat exchange device 20 and directly returns to the compressor 102.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the heat exchange device 20 includes: a heat exchange component (Chiller) 201 and a second electronic expansion valve EXV2, wherein one end of the heat exchange component 201 is connected to the refrigerant input end of the compressor 102, one end of the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is connected to the other end of the heat exchange component 201, and the other end of the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is connected between the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2, so as to form a waste heat recovery loop when the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 are closed, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is cut off, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is fully opened and the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is cut off, so that the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange component 201 absorbs heat released by the cooling device in the equipment to be cooled on the vehicle.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present application, during the heat exchange process, the heat exchange device 20 intercepts the flow through the second electronic expansion valve EXV2, and then passes through the heat exchange component 201 to absorb heat from the cooling device. The heat-absorbed refrigerant is then transported to the compressor 102 for circulation. For example, after a vehicle has just traveled at a high speed or a certain speed, the water temperature in the battery water circuit is above 35°C. By opening the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 to intercept the flow, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange component 201 recovers the waste heat from the battery water circuit, thereby cooling the battery. In addition, the heat recovered by the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange component 201 can be used to dry the condensed water on the evaporator of the air conditioner main unit 101 by dissipating heat.

[0041] The heat exchange device 20 also includes: a cooling device (not shown), which includes a water circulation unit that releases heat to the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange component 201. When the vehicle's equipment to be cooled (such as a battery) needs to dissipate heat, the cooling device corresponding to each device to be cooled (such as a battery cooling device) is cooled. The water circulation unit of the cooling device absorbs the heat dissipated by the vehicle's equipment to be cooled, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling the equipment to be cooled. The heat absorbed by the water circulation unit further reaches the heat exchange component 201, and the heat of the water circulation unit is absorbed by the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange component 201. Among them, when cooling the battery of a car, the cooling device can be a battery cooling device.

[0042] The condenser 103 includes a water-cooled condenser or an air-cooled condenser.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present application, when heat is dissipated from the condenser 103, it can be done by air cooling or water cooling. For example, when the condenser 103 is an air-cooled condenser, the condensing fan is turned on; when the evaporator of the air conditioner main unit 101 stops the cooling function, the condensing fan is not turned on. For example, a vehicle with an active grille shutter (AGS) can close the front air intake, and the condenser 103 does not dissipate heat. When the condenser 103 is a water-cooled condenser, the condensing water pump is turned on or off to control the heat dissipation of the condenser 103. Of course, it is not limited to using both air cooling and water cooling to cool the condenser 103 to dissipate heat from the condenser 103.

[0044] The air conditioner main unit 101 includes: an evaporation unit (Fuel Evaporator, F-EVAP) 1011 and a blower (Blower)

[0045] 1012, wherein the blower 1012 is installed corresponding to the evaporation unit 1011, so that when the waste heat recovery loop is formed, the blower 1012 is controlled by the control device 30 to blow air to the evaporation unit 1011.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present application, both the evaporation unit 1011 and the blower 1012 have two modes of operation. When forming a refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant in the evaporation unit 1011 absorbs heat. During this process, the blower 1012 blows air toward the evaporation unit 1011, blowing cool air into the cabin to cool the cabin. When the evaporation unit 1011 is turned off and condensed water is present, the blower 1012 blows air toward the evaporation unit 1011, and in conjunction with the heat released by the refrigerant, this fully dries the condensed water formed on the tube wall of the evaporation unit 1011.

[0047] When the waste heat recovery loop is formed, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning main unit 101 is 10-20° C. higher than the temperature in the vehicle cabin, the blower 1012 blows air to dry the evaporation unit 1011 .

[0048] In one embodiment of the present application, when the air-conditioning main unit 101 serves as a condenser and the refrigerant passes through the condenser 103 corresponding to the heat dissipation component, the heat dissipation component is in a stopped state. Therefore, there is no heat exchange in the condenser 103 corresponding to the heat dissipation component. The refrigerant is then intercepted by the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 to control the refrigerant pressure entering the evaporator of the air-conditioning main unit 101, so that the saturation temperature corresponding to the evaporator at this pressure is 10-20°C higher than the cabin temperature. This forms a temperature difference between the refrigerant at the air-conditioning main unit 101 and the vehicle cabin, thereby achieving the heat release condition of the refrigerant at the air-conditioning main unit 101, and then drying the condensed water on the inner wall of the air-conditioning main unit 101.

[0049] The thermal management system of the present application also includes a control device 30, which is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve SOV1, the second solenoid valve SOV2, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1, the second electronic expansion valve EXV2, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3, and the heat exchange device 20, respectively, to control the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 to open, control the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 and the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 to close, and control the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 to cut off when forming a refrigeration circuit, and to control the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 to close, control the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 to cut off, control the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 to fully open, and control the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 to cut off when forming a waste heat recovery circuit.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present application, the control device 30 is used to control the first solenoid valve SOV1, the second solenoid valve SOV2, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1, the second electronic expansion valve EXV2, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3, and the heat exchange device 20. Thus, when a refrigeration circuit is required, the condenser 103 is controlled to operate while the first and second solenoid valves SOV1 and SOV2 are opened, the second and third electronic expansion valves EXV2 and EXV3 are closed, and the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is shut off, thereby forming a refrigeration circuit. After turning off the refrigeration function, the condenser 103 is controlled to shut down, and under the premise that the condenser 103 does not exchange any refrigerant, the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 are controlled to be closed, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is cut off, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is fully opened and the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is cut off to form a waste heat recovery circuit, and it is determined whether the vehicle's equipment to be cooled needs to be heat-dissipated, so as to determine whether the cooling device of the vehicle's equipment to be cooled needs to absorb heat when the refrigerant passes through the heat exchange component 201 by controlling the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 to cut off.

[0051] The control device 30 includes: a cabin signal acquisition unit, a heat dissipation control unit, and a loop control unit; wherein the cabin signal acquisition unit is configured to collect loop control signals when the vehicle cabin is unmanned; the heat dissipation control unit is configured to control the condenser 103 to stop heat dissipation when the loop control signal is collected; and the loop control unit is configured to control the mutual switching between the refrigeration circuit and the waste heat recovery circuit.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present application, when controlling the switching between the refrigeration circuit and the waste heat recovery circuit, the control device 30 uses the cabin signal acquisition unit to collect circuit control signals when the cabin is unoccupied after the vehicle shuts down the refrigeration circuit. For example, the gravity sensor detects whether a seat in the cabin has a corresponding weight. The heat dissipation control unit, upon receiving the circuit control signal, causes the condenser 103 to stop exchanging heat with the refrigerant. The circuit control unit also switches the refrigeration circuit to the waste heat recovery circuit. The circuit control unit then determines whether heat dissipation is required from the device to be cooled, thereby determining whether the refrigerant absorbs waste heat from the device to be cooled as it passes through the heat exchange component 201.

[0053] The loop control unit includes: a temperature monitoring module and a pressure control module; wherein, the temperature monitoring module collects a temperature control signal indicating that the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature about to enter the air-conditioning main unit 101 and the temperature in the cabin does not reach a predetermined temperature difference; the pressure control module controls the cut-off pressure of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 on the refrigerant according to the temperature control signal until the temperature difference reaches the predetermined temperature difference.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present application, after switching the refrigeration circuit to the waste heat recovery circuit, the circuit control unit monitors the temperature of the refrigerant entering the air-conditioning main unit 101 and the temperature in the cabin at the same time, thereby obtaining the temperature difference between the two. When the temperature difference does not reach the predetermined temperature difference, the corresponding temperature control signal is collected to control the cut-off pressure of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 through the pressure control module to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning main unit 101 so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning main unit 101 and the temperature in the vehicle cabin reaches the predetermined temperature difference.

[0055] The predetermined temperature difference range is 10-20°C. In other words, the cutoff pressure of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 needs to be controlled so that when the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner main unit 101 and the vehicle cabin temperature is adjusted to 10-20°C, the refrigerant can release heat to the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit 101, thereby drying the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit 101.

[0056] As shown in FIG4 , the present application also provides a thermal management method, including steps S1 to S3 .

[0057] S1: Collecting a waste heat recovery control signal when the vehicle's refrigeration circuit is closed and a circuit control signal when the vehicle cabin is unoccupied. The waste heat recovery control signal may be generated by the control device 30 of the thermal management system.

[0058] S2: According to the waste heat recovery control signal and the loop control signal, the condenser 103 is controlled to shut down, the first solenoid valve SOV1 and the second solenoid valve SOV2 are controlled to close, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is controlled to cut off, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is controlled to fully open, and the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is controlled to cut off, so as to form a waste heat recovery loop.

[0059] S3: Monitor the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled, and determine whether the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled exceeds the preset requirements. If so, control the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit to be cut off through the second electronic expansion valve EXV2, so that the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange device 20 absorbs the heat of the cooling device of the equipment to be cooled, and then returns the refrigerant to the compressor 102. If not, control the refrigerant to be cut off through the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 and then return directly to the compressor 102.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, when performing waste heat recovery and stopping cooling in the vehicle cabin, a waste heat recovery control signal is collected when the air conditioner stops cooling, as well as a circuit control signal when the vehicle cabin is unoccupied. This circuit control signal when unoccupied can be obtained by collecting the sensing signal from the gravity sensor of the cabin seat. The waste heat recovery control signal and the circuit control signal are used to control the condenser 103 to shut down, preventing any heat exchange between the refrigerant and the condenser 103. Furthermore, the first and second solenoid valves SOV1 and SOV2 are closed, the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is shut off, the first electronic expansion valve EXV1 is fully opened, and the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 is shut off, thereby forming a waste heat recovery circuit. During this process, the evaporation unit of the air conditioner main unit 101 switches from evaporation to condensation, releasing heat to the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit 101, thereby drying the condensed water on the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit 101. And after the refrigerant releases heat through the air-conditioning main unit 101, by controlling the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 to cut off the flow, when it is determined that the temperature of the device to be cooled (for example, including batteries / motors or other components in the series water inlet of the vehicle) is higher than the preset requirement (for example, when the vehicle has just traveled at a high speed or a certain speed, the battery water temperature is higher than 35°C or a certain value), the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 will be cut off to control the refrigerant to absorb heat from the cooling device of the device to be cooled when passing through the heat exchange component 201, so as to achieve the cooling treatment of the device to be cooled, and after the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling device of the device to be cooled, it will continue to return to the compressor 102. When it is monitored that the temperature of the device to be cooled does not exceed the preset requirement, the second electronic expansion valve EXV2 will be cut off to control the refrigerant to pass through the heat exchange component 201 without absorbing heat from the cooling device of the device to be cooled and directly return to the compressor 102.

[0061] In step S3, determining whether the temperature data of the device to be cooled exceeds the preset requirements includes: determining whether the temperature of the circulating water in the device to be cooled has reached the preset temperature, so as to control whether the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit absorbs the heat of the circulating water; and determining whether the temperature of the circulating water after the refrigerant absorbs the heat meets the water inlet requirements of the device to be cooled. When it is determined that the circulating water temperature has reached the preset temperature, it is necessary to control the refrigerant to absorb the heat in the circulating water of the device to be cooled, and it is also necessary to determine whether the temperature of the circulating water after the refrigerant absorbs the heat meets the water inlet requirements of the device to be cooled (for example, the water inlet temperature that needs to continue cooling). If it is determined that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing the heat does not meet the water inlet temperature of the device to be cooled, it is necessary to continue to control the refrigerant to absorb the heat in the circulating water of the device to be cooled; if it is determined that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing the heat meets the water inlet temperature of the device to be cooled, the refrigerant is controlled to stop absorbing the heat from the circulating water of the device to be cooled.

[0062] In summary, the present application uses the control device 30 to control the circulation loop between the air-conditioning main unit 101, the compressor 102, the condenser 103 and the heat exchange device 20, so that when the condenser 103 is in the working state, the refrigerant in the condenser 103 releases heat, and the refrigerant then enters the evaporation unit of the air-conditioning main unit 101 to achieve heat absorption of the refrigerant, thereby forming a refrigeration circuit to create a cooling environment in the cabin. When the condenser 103 is not working, a waste heat recovery loop is formed through the air conditioner main unit 101, the compressor 102, the condenser 103 and the heat exchange device 20. When the refrigerant passes through the condenser 103, no heat exchange occurs in the condenser 103. When the refrigerant reaches the air conditioner main unit 101, the cut-off pressure of the third electronic expansion valve EXV3 is controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery loop is higher than the predetermined value of the cabin temperature. As a result, when the refrigerant passes through the air conditioner main unit 101, the inner wall of the air conditioner main unit 101 is dried, so as to remove the condensed water formed on the evaporator core in the air conditioner main unit 101 when the cooling function is turned off. Moreover, when drying the condensed water on the evaporator core in the air conditioner main unit 101, the combined action of the refrigerant flowing through the air conditioner main unit 101 and the blower 1012 in the air conditioner main unit 101 can simultaneously remove the moisture in the air duct and the shell of the air conditioner box, achieving a good drying effect and preventing the generation of odor.

[0063] When the refrigerant reaches the heat exchange device 20 after passing through the air conditioner main unit 101, it determines whether the waste heat of the device to be cooled (such as the battery / motor or other components in the vehicle's other series water inlet) exceeds a preset temperature. If it is determined that the waste heat of the device to be cooled reaches or exceeds the preset temperature, the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit is controlled to recover the waste heat of the cooling device of the device to be cooled when passing through the heat exchange component 201 of the heat exchange device 20. If it is determined that the waste heat of the device to be cooled does not exceed the preset temperature, the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit is controlled to return directly to the compressor 102 after passing through the heat exchange component 201 without exchanging heat with the device to be cooled. This effectively reduces the load on the compressor 102 and saves energy consumption during the entire drying process.

[0064] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concepts disclosed in this application shall be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: An air conditioning device (10), comprising an air conditioning host (101), a compressor (102) and a condenser (103) connected in sequence; as well as A heat exchange device (20), one end of which is connected to a refrigerant input end of the compressor (102), and the other end of which is connected between the condenser (103) and the air conditioner main unit (101); Wherein, when the condenser (103) is in operation, the air conditioner main unit (101), the compressor (102) and the condenser (103) form a refrigeration circuit; When the condenser (103) is not working, the air-conditioning main unit (101), the compressor (102), the condenser (103) and the heat exchange device (20) form a waste heat recovery loop, and the refrigerant flows through the air-conditioning main unit (101) to release heat, then flows into the heat exchange device (20) and returns to the compressor (102).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: A first solenoid valve (SOV1) is connected between the air conditioner main unit (101) and the compressor (102). A first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) and a second solenoid valve (SOV2) are sequentially connected between the air conditioning main unit (101) and the condenser (103). One end of a third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) is connected between the air conditioning main unit and the first solenoid valve (SOV1), and the other end of the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) is connected to the condenser (103) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2).

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The heat exchange device (20) comprises: a heat exchange component (201), one end of the heat exchange component (201) being connected to a refrigerant input end of the compressor (102); and a second electronic expansion valve (EXV2), one end of the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) being connected to the other end of the heat exchange component (201), and the other end of the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) being connected between the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2), When the first solenoid valve (SOV1) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2) are closed, the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) is cut off, the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) is fully opened, and the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) is cut off, the waste heat recovery circuit is formed, and the refrigerant absorbs heat through the heat exchange component (201).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, further comprising a control device (30), wherein the control device (30) is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve (SOV1), the second solenoid valve (SOV2), the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1), the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2), the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3), and the heat exchange device, respectively, and is configured as follows: When forming the refrigeration circuit, the first solenoid valve (SOV1) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2) are controlled to be opened, the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) and the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) are controlled to be closed, and the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) is controlled to be cut off; and When the waste heat recovery loop is formed, the first solenoid valve (SOV1) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2) are controlled to be closed, the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) is controlled to be cut off, the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) is controlled to be fully opened, and the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) is controlled to be cut off.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein: The control device (30) comprises: A cockpit signal collection unit, configured to collect loop control signals when the vehicle cockpit is unmanned; a heat dissipation control unit, configured to control the condenser (103) to stop dissipating heat when the loop control signal is collected; and The circuit control unit is configured to control the mutual switching between the refrigeration circuit and the waste heat recovery circuit.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The loop control unit comprises: A temperature monitoring module is configured to collect a temperature control signal indicating that the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature about to enter the air conditioning main unit (101) and the temperature in the vehicle cabin does not reach a predetermined temperature difference; and The pressure control module is configured to control the cut-off pressure of the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) on the refrigerant according to the temperature control signal until the temperature difference reaches the predetermined temperature difference.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The predetermined temperature difference ranges from 10 to 20°C.

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The condenser (103) comprises a water-cooled condenser or an air-cooled condenser.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The air conditioner main unit (101) comprises an evaporation unit (1011) and a blower. The blower (1012) is installed corresponding to the evaporation unit (1011) so that when the waste heat recovery loop is formed, the blower (1012) is controlled to blow air to the evaporation unit (1011).

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: When the waste heat recovery loop is formed, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning main unit (101) is 10-20° C. higher than the temperature in the cabin of the vehicle, the blower (1012) blows air to dry the evaporation unit (1011).

11. A thermal management method for a vehicle, applied to the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: (S1) collecting a waste heat recovery control signal when a refrigeration circuit of the vehicle is closed and a circuit control signal when the cabin of the vehicle is unmanned; (S2) according to the waste heat recovery control signal and the loop control signal, controlling the condenser (103) in the thermal management system to shut down, controlling the first solenoid valve (SOV1) and the second solenoid valve (SOV2) in the thermal management system to close, controlling the third electronic expansion valve (EXV3) to cut off, controlling the first electronic expansion valve (EXV1) to fully open and controlling the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2) to cut off, so as to form a waste heat recovery loop; (S3) monitoring the temperature data of the device to be cooled, and determining whether the temperature data of the device to be cooled exceeds a preset requirement, If the temperature data of the device to be cooled exceeds the preset requirement, the refrigerant in the waste heat recovery circuit is controlled to be cut off through the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2), so that the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange device (20) absorbs the heat of the cooling device of the device to be cooled, and then the refrigerant returns to the compressor (102). If the temperature data of the equipment to be cooled does not exceed the preset requirement, the refrigerant is controlled to directly return to the compressor (102) after being cut off by the second electronic expansion valve (EXV2).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Determining whether the temperature data of the device to be cooled exceeds the preset requirement includes: Determine whether the circulating water temperature of the equipment to be cooled reaches a preset temperature to control whether the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the circulating water. It is determined whether the temperature of the circulating water after the refrigerant absorbs heat from the circulating water meets the water inlet requirement of the equipment to be cooled.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Determining whether the temperature of the circulating water of the equipment to be cooled reaches a preset temperature to control whether the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the circulating water includes: In response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water of the equipment to be cooled reaches the preset temperature, controlling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the circulating water; In response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water of the equipment to be cooled has not reached the preset temperature, the refrigerant is controlled not to absorb heat from the circulating water and directly returns to the compressor (102).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: Determining whether the temperature of the circulating water after the circulating water absorbs heat from the refrigerant meets the water inlet requirement of the equipment to be cooled includes: In response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing heat exceeds the water inlet temperature of the device to be cooled, continue to absorb the heat in the circulating water of the device to be cooled by controlling the refrigerant; In response to determining that the temperature of the circulating water after absorbing heat meets the water inlet temperature of the device to be cooled, the refrigerant is controlled to stop absorbing heat from the circulating water of the device to be cooled and directly returns to the compressor (102).

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