Temperature control device for mobile body and program
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2024/031581
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-11
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-20
Smart Images

Figure JP2024031581_20032025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Temperature control device and program for mobile objects CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-147154, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a technology capable of adjusting the temperature of each part of a moving body such as a vehicle.
[0003] Conventionally, there have been demands for BEVs (i.e., electric vehicles that run solely on batteries) to increase their driving range in winter and to shorten the time it takes to charge the battery. BEV is an abbreviation for Battery Electric Vehicle.
[0004] It is also known that, as a characteristic of batteries, when the temperature of the battery rises to a predetermined desired temperature, the driving range can be extended and the charging time can be shortened.
[0005] Therefore, in order to increase the driving range and shorten the charging time of the battery, a technique is known in which the temperature of the battery is raised to a predetermined temperature in winter or the like.
[0006] Incidentally, a technology has been disclosed that utilizes heat generated by a motor generator (i.e., MG) inside a vehicle as a method for heating components (i.e., equipment) whose performance changes depending on temperature, such as batteries (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0007] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0070924
[0008] However, as a result of detailed investigation by the inventors, the following problems were found in the conventional techniques.
[0009] In conventional technology, the heat generated in the inverter and MG can be utilized, but the heat is only transported to the same device.
[0010] In other words, there has been insufficient research into technology for utilizing the heat generated by heat-generating devices such as inverters and MGs to raise the temperature of various devices inside the vehicle (i.e., devices that should preferably be kept at a moderate temperature), and further improvements are needed.
[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a technology that can improve various performances of a mobile body by effectively utilizing heat generated by equipment that is capable of generating heat in the mobile body.
[0012] a) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a temperature control device for a moving body that controls the temperature of equipment inside the moving body.
[0013] The temperature control device for a moving body includes a circuit for a heat refrigerant and a control unit for controlling the operation of the circuit.
[0014] The circuit components include an inverter, a motor, piping that serves as a flow path for the thermal refrigerant, and a valve that is arranged in the piping and configured to be able to switch the flow path for the thermal refrigerant.
[0015] In addition to the pipe leading to the inverter and the pipe leading to the motor, one or more pipes are connected to the valve, and the valve is configured to be switchable so as to transport the heat refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the multiple pipes downstream of the valve.
[0016] The control unit includes a transport control unit that controls the valve so that, when at least one of the inverter and the motor satisfies the heat generation conditions capable of heating the thermal refrigerant, the thermal refrigerant is transported in the thermal refrigerant flow path from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the conditions to a destination located downstream of the one of the inverter and the motor.
[0017] With this configuration, the present disclosure can improve various performances of the mobile body by effectively utilizing heat generated by heat-generating devices in the mobile body.
[0018] In other words, when the inverter or motor satisfies the heat generation condition, the temperature of the heat refrigerant (i.e., heat medium) supplied to the inverter or motor can be increased. Therefore, by switching the destination of the heated heat refrigerant using a valve, the heat of the heat refrigerant can be effectively utilized to efficiently increase the temperature of the equipment to be heated.
[0019] b) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program for controlling a temperature control device for a mobile body that controls the temperature of equipment inside the mobile body.
[0020] The temperature control device for a mobile body includes, as components of the thermal refrigerant circuit, an inverter, a motor, piping that serves as a flow path for the thermal refrigerant, and a valve that is arranged in the piping and configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant.
[0021] In addition to the pipe leading to the inverter and the pipe leading to the motor, one or more pipes are connected to the valve, and the valve is configured to be switchable so as to transport the heat refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the multiple pipes downstream of the valve.
[0022] The computer is equipped with a program for functioning as a transport control unit that controls the valve so that, when at least one of the inverter and the motor satisfies the heat generation conditions capable of heating the thermal refrigerant, the thermal refrigerant is transported in the thermal refrigerant flow path from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the conditions to a destination located downstream of the one of the inverter and the motor.
[0023] With this configuration, the present disclosure can improve various performances of the mobile body by effectively utilizing heat generated by heat-generating devices in the mobile body.
[0024] In other words, when the inverter or motor satisfies the heat generation condition, the temperature of the heat refrigerant (i.e., heat medium) supplied to the inverter or motor can be increased. Therefore, by switching the destination of the heated heat refrigerant using a valve, the heat of the heat refrigerant can be effectively utilized to efficiently increase the temperature of the equipment to be heated.
[0025] FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle system of the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a circuit system of the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a vehicle control device, sensors, actuators, etc. of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram showing a calculation processing unit. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path of a heat refrigerant from an inverter to a motor, etc., and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path of a heat refrigerant from the motor to the inverter, etc. An explanatory diagram showing characteristics of heat generation in an inverter and a motor. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the destination of the heat refrigerant, and the purpose of heating. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 1, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the destination of the heat refrigerant, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 2, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the destination of the heat refrigerant, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 3, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 4, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 5, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 6, and FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 7, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. Fig. 14A is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit system in Operation Example 8, Fig. 14B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. Fig. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit system in Operation Example 9, and Fig. 15B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1.FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 10, and FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 11, and FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 12, and FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 13, and FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 20A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 14, and FIG. 20B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 15, and FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 22A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 16, and FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 23A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 17, and FIG. 23B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 18, and FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. FIG. 25A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 19, and FIG. 25B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. Fig. 26A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 20, and Fig. 26B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. Fig. 27A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 21, and Fig. 27B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. Fig. 28A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operation Example 22, and Fig. 28B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1.FIG. 29A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operational Example 23, and FIG. 29B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operational Example 1. FIG. 30A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operational Example 24, and FIG. 30B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operational Example 1. FIG. 31A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operational Example 25, and FIG. 31B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operational Example 1. FIG. 32A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operational Example 26, and FIG. 32B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operational Example 1. FIG. 33A is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit system in Operational Example 27, and FIG. 33B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the heat refrigerant path, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operational Example 1. 34A is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit system in Operation Example 28, and FIG. 34B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source, the path of the heat refrigerant, the transport destination, and the purpose of heating in Operation Example 1. ...C is a flowchart showing the main processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 34D is an explanatory diagram showing the valve opening of each valve in the first embodiment. FIG. 34E is a flowchart showing Processing Example 3 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34F is a flowchart showing Processing Example 4 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34G is a flowchart showing Processing Example 5 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34H is a flowchart showing Processing Example 6 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34H is a flowchart showing Processing Example 7 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34H is a flowchart showing Processing Example 8 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34H is a flowchart showing Processing Example 9 in the first embodiment. FIG. 34H is a flowchart showing Processing Example 10 in the first embodiment. FIG. 47A is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the heating priority mode, and FIG. 47B is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the battery priority mode. FIG. 48A is a graph showing experimental results in the heating priority mode, etc., and FIG. 48B is a graph showing experimental results in the battery priority mode, etc.
[0026] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027] [1. First Embodiment] In this first embodiment, a temperature control device for a vehicle that can adjust the temperature of various devices mounted on an electrically powered vehicle will be described. Note that the following description will be given using a vehicle that runs solely on electricity (i.e., a BEV) as an example of an electrically powered vehicle.
[0028] 1, in the first embodiment, a vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle system 3. The vehicle system 3 is a system having the functions of a temperature control device for a mobile body, and includes a refrigerant circuit 5 having the functions of a heat pump (i.e., HP), a temperature control circuit 7 capable of adjusting the temperatures of various devices installed in the vehicle 1, a vehicle control device 9 that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7 and the operation of other devices in the vehicle 1, a well-known navigation device 11, etc.
[0029] The refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7 constitute a circuit system 13. The circuit system 13 is provided with a flow path through which a thermal refrigerant, which is a heat medium, flows. The temperature control circuit 7 may be considered as a circuit having the function of a temperature control device for a mobile body.
[0030] Each component will be described below.
[0031] 2, the refrigerant circuit 5 is a known circuit through which a thermal refrigerant flows, and includes an accumulator 21, a compressor 23, a water-cooled condenser (i.e., a water-cooled con- denser) 25, a chiller 27, etc. In the refrigerant circuit 5, the thermal refrigerant flows in a gaseous or liquid state, as is well known.
[0032] The accumulator 21 is a device that separates gas and liquid and accumulates the gas (i.e., gaseous thermal refrigerant, etc.), and the compressor 23 is a device that compresses the thermal refrigerant. The water-cooled condenser 25 is a device that is arranged at both boundaries between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7 and heats the thermal refrigerant of the temperature control circuit 7 (i.e., a thermal refrigerant with a lower temperature than the thermal refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 5) with the thermal refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 5. The chiller 27 is a device that is arranged at both boundaries between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7 and cools the thermal refrigerant of the temperature control circuit 7 (i.e., a thermal refrigerant with a higher temperature than the thermal refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 5) with the thermal refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 5. In other words, in the present disclosure, the heat exchanger that cools the thermal refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7 (i.e., the part that exchanges heat between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7) is referred to as the chiller.
[0033] 2, the piping H through which the thermal refrigerant flows (i.e., the thermal refrigerant flow path) is shown by a solid line, and the arrows of the solid lines indicate the direction in which the thermal refrigerant flows. In the following other drawings, the arrows of each flow path also indicate the direction in which the thermal refrigerant flows.
[0034] Furthermore, a compressor 23 is disposed downstream of the accumulator 21, and the flow path downstream of the compressor 23 branches off and is connected to the accumulator 21 and a water-cooled condenser 25. A chiller 27 is disposed downstream of the water-cooled condenser 25, and the accumulator 21 is disposed downstream of the chiller 27.
[0035] In addition, a well-known electronically controlled valve (i.e., EXV) 31, which is an opening / closing valve, is arranged in the pipe H1 that runs from the branch point downstream of the compressor 23 to the accumulator 21, and a similar electronically controlled valve 33 is arranged in the pipe H2 that runs from the water-cooled condenser 25 to the chiller 27.
[0036] 2, the temperature control circuit 7 is a circuit through which a thermal refrigerant (e.g., water) flows in a liquid state. The components of the temperature control circuit 7 include a battery 41, an inverter 43, a motor generator 45, a heater core 47, a radiator 49, the water-cooled condenser 25, the chiller 27, multiple flow path switching valves V, and multiple pumps P. Note that, although an ECU 53 that adjusts the DC-DC voltage is provided here, this may be omitted. The components are connected by piping H through which the thermal refrigerant flows.
[0037] The battery 41 is a rechargeable battery (i.e., a secondary battery) used to drive the vehicle 1, and can be charged by a charger (not shown) or the like external to the vehicle 1. The battery 41 can also store electricity generated by the motor generator 45.
[0038] The inverter 43 is a well-known device that converts direct current into alternating current.
[0039] The motor generator (MG) 45 is a well-known device that functions as both a motor and a generator. Hereinafter, the motor generator 45 may be simply referred to as a motor or, in the drawings, as an MG.
[0040] The heater core 47 is a well-known device that is heated by heat from the heat refrigerant flowing through the temperature control circuit 7 and heat transferred from the refrigerant circuit 5 and is used to heat the interior of the vehicle 1 .
[0041] The radiator 49 is a well-known device used for heat exchange with outside air.
[0042] The pumps (e.g., water pumps) P (e.g., P1 to P4) are well-known devices that cause the heat refrigerant in the pipes H to flow in a certain direction. The pumps P are driven as needed, but may not be driven in some cases.
[0043] The flow path switching valve V is an eight-way switching valve that can switch the flow path in eight directions in response to a control signal from the vehicle control device 9. Note that in Figure 2 and other figures, the flow path switching valve V includes a first valve V1, a second valve V2, and a third valve V3.
[0044] The flow path switching valve V has openings at eight locations, and has internal flow paths therein that are connected to the openings. Pipes H can be connected to each of the openings. It is not necessary for the pipes H to be connected to all of the eight openings.
[0045] In Figure 7 and other figures described below, the internal flow paths are schematically indicated by arrows on the surface and inside of the flow path switching valve V, and the corners on the surface of the flow path switching valve V (for example, the connection parts of the arrows) schematically indicate openings.
[0046] Therefore, as will be described in detail later, if the flow path switching valve V is rotatable around a central axis (for example, a central axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2), the connection state between each opening and each pipe H is changed each time the flow path switching valve V is rotated a predetermined angle, and the flow path of the thermal refrigerant is switched.
[0047] <Vehicle Control Device> As shown in FIG. 3A, the vehicle control device 9 includes a calculation processing unit 61 for performing calculations for various controls and the like.
[0048] The arithmetic processing unit 61 is mainly composed of a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "mc") having a CPU 63 and semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "memory 65"). Various functions of the arithmetic processing unit 61 are realized by the CPU 63 executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. In this example, the memory 65 corresponds to the non-transient physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is performed.
[0049] The number of microcomputers constituting the arithmetic processing unit 61 may be one or more. Furthermore, the method of realizing the various functions of the arithmetic processing unit 61 is not limited to software, and some or all of the elements may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware. For example, when the above functions are realized by electronic circuits that are hardware, the electronic circuits may be realized by digital circuits including a large number of logic circuits, analog circuits, or a combination of these.
[0050] Various detection devices (e.g., sensors) are connected to the vehicle control device 9 to detect the status of the vehicle 1, etc., and detection signals indicating each status obtained from each detection device are output to the vehicle control device 9.
[0051] The detection devices include an opening sensor S1 that detects the opening degree of the first valve V1, an opening sensor S3 that detects the opening degree of the second valve V2, and an opening sensor S3 that detects the opening degree of the third valve V3.
[0052] Here, the opening degree is a value corresponding to the angle (i.e., the valve angle) indicating how many degrees it has rotated from a reference position, and as will be described later, once this valve angle is determined, it is determined which opening of each valve V is connected to which pipe H.
[0053] Further, the detection equipment includes flow rate sensors 71 that detect the flow rate of the thermal refrigerant flowing through each pump P, a temperature sensor 73 that detects the temperature of the battery 41, a temperature sensor 75 that detects the temperature of the inverter 43, a temperature sensor 77 that detects the temperature of the motor 45, a temperature sensor 79 that detects the temperature of the radiator 49, a temperature sensor 81 that detects the temperature of the heater core 47, a temperature sensor 83 that detects the temperature of the chiller 27, a temperature sensor 85 that detects the temperature of the surrounding environment (e.g., outside air temperature), and a temperature sensor 87 that detects the temperature inside the vehicle.
[0054] In addition, various actuators are connected to the vehicle control device 9 to perform various operations of the vehicle 1, etc., and control signals are output from the vehicle control device 9 to the actuators to operate the actuators.
[0055] The actuators include the first valve V1, the second valve V2, and the third valve V3.
[0056] Further, examples of actuators include the pumps P, the battery 41, the inverter 43, the motor 45, the EXVs 31 and 33, the compressor 23, and the like.
[0057] The arithmetic processing unit 61 functionally includes a transport control unit 61A and a heat generation control unit 61B, as shown in FIG. 3B, for example.
[0058] The transport control unit 61A is configured to control the first valve V1 so that when at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 satisfies the heat generation conditions capable of heating the thermal refrigerant (i.e., the thermal refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7) (e.g., when temperature rise control is performed), the thermal refrigerant is transported in the thermal refrigerant flow path from at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 that satisfies the conditions to a destination located downstream thereof (i.e., downstream of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 that satisfies the conditions).
[0059] The heat generation control unit 61B is configured to perform temperature increase control, which satisfies the above-mentioned conditions, by causing current to flow through at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to generate heat, for example.
[0060] Therefore, when the calculation processing unit 61 performs temperature rise control on at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45, it can control the first valve V1 so as to transport the thermal refrigerant to a destination located downstream of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 on which the temperature rise control was performed.
[0061] In addition, conditions for heat generation (i.e., conditions under which the thermal refrigerant can be heated by the inverter 43 or the motor 45) include conditions under which at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is controlled to be heated, as well as conditions under which at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.
[0062] [1-3. Characteristic Configuration] Here, the characteristic configuration of the first embodiment will be described.
[0063] A pipe H for a heat refrigerant is provided near the inverter 43, the motor 45, and the battery 41. Therefore, the heat generated by the inverter 43, the motor 45, and the battery 41 is transferred to a target structure (e.g., a component such as the battery 41) such as a target for temperature increase (i.e., a target whose temperature is to be increased) by the heat refrigerant flowing through the pipe H. Conversely, the heat refrigerant flowing through the pipe H can heat each component such as the inverter 43, the motor 45, and the battery 41.
[0064] In the following, without mentioning this piping H, it may be simply stated as "heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 and the motor 45" or "heat refrigerant that is transported to the inverter 43 and the motor 45", etc.
[0065] <Configuration of Temperature Control Circuit> As shown in FIG. 4A , in the configuration of the temperature control circuit 7 in the first embodiment, a first valve V1 is provided between a pipe H connecting the outlet side of the inverter 43 for the heat refrigerant and the inlet side of the motor 45 for the heat refrigerant.
[0066] The first valve V1 is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that, for example, the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the temperature-controlled inverter 43 is transported directly through piping H or indirectly through another valve V to at least one of the destinations of the battery 41, chiller 27, heater core 47, radiator 49, and motor 45.
[0067] In addition to FIG. 4A, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the configuration of the temperature control circuit 7, a first valve V1 may be provided between the pipe H connecting the outlet side of the heat refrigerant of the motor 45 and the inlet side of the heat refrigerant of the inverter 43.
[0068] In this case, the first valve V1 is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the temperature-controlled motor 45 is transported directly through the pipe H or indirectly via another valve V to at least one of the destinations of the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, and the radiator 49. As will be described later, the thermal refrigerant may be transported to the motor 45 itself or the like through a closed circuit.
[0069] <Heat Generation Operation> Next, the heat generation operation in the inverter 43 and the motor 45 will be described.
[0070] Here, heat generation refers to an operation for generating heat, separate from the normal operation of the inverter 43 and the motor 45, that is, an operation for passing a current through the inverter 43 itself or the motor 45 itself for the purpose of generating heat. In the first embodiment, the vehicle control device 9 performs temperature increase control for generating heat by passing a current for the purpose of generating heat.
[0071] Specifically, the inverter 43 can generate heat by temperature control such as switching control that causes current to flow through a lossy diode, while the motor 45 can generate heat by temperature control that causes current to flow through one of the three phases, resulting in inefficient operation.
[0072] 5, in the case of heat generation, the power consumption per unit time of the inverter 43 is, for example, 4.2 kW, and the power consumption per unit time of the motor 45 is, for example, 6 kW. In other words, the power consumption per unit time of the motor 45 is greater than that of the inverter 43. Therefore, the amount of heat generated per unit time of the motor 45 is greater than that of the inverter 43.
[0073] Furthermore, when the same amount of power is supplied, the temperature of the inverter 43 rises more quickly than that of the motor 45. That is, the inverter 43 has a higher response than the motor 45. Furthermore, the motor 45 has a larger heat capacity than the inverter 43, and therefore has a higher heat storage capacity.
[0074] Therefore, the inverter 43 and the motor 45 are used appropriately according to the above-mentioned characteristics, as will be described later.
[0075] Specifically, heat generation by the inverter 43 is performed, for example, during the period from the start to the completion of warming up of equipment such as the battery 41, a predetermined period from the start of charging the battery 41, a predetermined period for defrosting while warming up various equipment (e.g., during heating), and a predetermined period from the start of warming up the motor 45.
[0076] In addition, heat generation by the motor 45 is performed, for example, during the latter half of the warm-up of devices such as the battery 41 until completion, the entire period when the battery 41 is being charged, and a specified period of defrosting after warming up various devices.
[0077] Here, warming up means warming up devices such as the battery 41 and the motor 45 to a predetermined temperature suitable for operation.
[0078] <Heat Transfer Paths After Heat Creation> As shown in the upper part of Fig. 6 (i.e., the top three columns), heat generated by heat creation by the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45 (i.e., by temperature increase control) is transferred to a target object to be heated via each path. For example, the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 or the motor 45 is transported to a target destination via each path. The area indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 6 is a characteristic configuration of the first embodiment.
[0079] For example, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. The heat of the hot refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. The hot refrigerant is transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41. The hot refrigerant is transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49. The hot refrigerant is transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of warming up the motor 45.
[0080] On the other hand, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 is transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. The heat of the hot refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. The hot refrigerant is transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41. The hot refrigerant is transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49. The hot refrigerant is also transported to the motor 45 itself for the purpose of warming up the motor 45 itself.
[0081] Furthermore, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. Also, the heat of the hot refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle. Also, the hot refrigerant is transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41. Also, the hot refrigerant is transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0082] The object to be heated can also be heated by the control in the lower part of FIG. 6 (i.e., the bottom three columns), so a brief explanation will be given here.
[0083] For example, the heat of the outside air is transferred to the heater core 47, the battery 41, and the motor 45 via the radiator 49, the chiller 27, the water-cooled condenser 25, etc., for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, warming up the battery 41, and warming up the motor 45, respectively.
[0084] The heat from the outside air and the heat generated by the inverter 43 is transferred to the heater core 47 and the battery 41 via the chiller 27, the water-cooled condenser 25, etc., for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle and warming up the battery 41, respectively.
[0085] Heat generated by the battery 41 (for example, heat generated by a ripple current) is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 to heat the interior of the vehicle. The refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the battery 41 is supplied to the motor 45 to warm it up.
[0086] [1-4. Operation] Next, a specific example of operation in the first embodiment (that is, the example of operation shown in FIG. 6) will be described in detail.
[0087] <Operation Example 1> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 7B, a case will be described in which the refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0088] 7A, each valve V has an opening (i.e., an angle determined by rotation) set so that the thermal refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Note that outside each valve V, the thermal refrigerant flows through piping H indicated by solid lines, dashed lines, etc., and inside each valve V, the thermal refrigerant flows through internal flow paths indicated by solid lines, dashed lines, etc.
[0089] 7A, the solid lines and other lines indicating the internal flow paths intersect, but in reality, the internal flow paths indicated by the lines are arranged so that they do not merge along the way. The same applies to the following figures.
[0090] First, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed line, and then receives heat from the refrigerant circuit 5 in the water-cooled condenser 25. The hot refrigerant is then transported to the heater core 47 and heats the heater core 47. The air inside the vehicle is then heated by the heater core 47.
[0091] The heated refrigerant then flows from the heater core 47 through the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, and returns to the inverter 43.
[0092] The components such as the valve V are connected by pipes H, and the heat refrigerant in the pipes H moves as it is pumped out by a pump P.
[0093] In this operation example 1, heat is not generated by the motor 45. As shown by the solid line, the thermal refrigerant flows from the motor 45 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, and then returns to the motor 45.
[0094] The refrigerant that has been heat exchanged (i.e., cooled) in the chiller 27 returns to the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed line.
[0095] Each of the pumps P1 to P4 is operating to circulate the heat refrigerant, and in the following description, each of the pumps P1 to P4 is assumed to be operating unless it is indicated that the pumps are stopped.
[0096] <Operation Example 2> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 8B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the inverter 43, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 8A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line.
[0098] In this operation example 2, heat is not generated by the motor 45. As shown by the solid line, the thermal refrigerant flows from the motor 45 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, and then returns to the motor 45.
[0099] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, and the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27 rises. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 downstream of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0100] As indicated by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit. Here, a closed circuit means that components such as the radiator 49 arranged in the closed circuit are not connected to other components (e.g., objects to be heated) (i.e., a closed flow path in which heat is not transferred by the thermal refrigerant). A pump P may be arranged in the closed circuit, and the pump P of the closed circuit may be stopped.
[0101] <Operation Example 3> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 9B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0102] 9A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. The refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 heats the battery 41.
[0103] In this operation example 3, heat is not generated by the motor 45, but the heat refrigerant returns from the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1 to the motor 45, as shown by the two-dot chain line.
[0104] The refrigerant heated in the water-cooled condenser 25 returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line.
[0105] Furthermore, the heat refrigerant cooled by the chiller 27 returns to the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as indicated by the dashed line.
[0106] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit.
[0107] <Operation Example 4> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 10B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0108] 10A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. The radiator 49 is heated by the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, thereby performing defrosting.
[0109] In this operation example 4, heat is not generated by the motor 45. As shown by the solid line, the thermal refrigerant flows from the motor 45 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, and then returns to the motor 45.
[0110] As indicated by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the chiller 27 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit, and the pump P4 is stopped.
[0111] <Operation Example 5> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 11B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of warming up the motor 45.
[0112] 11A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the motor 45 via the first valve V1 as indicated by the dashed line, and heats the motor 45. The refrigerant then returns from the motor 45 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53.
[0113] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant flows from the battery 41 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, and returns to the battery 41, as shown by the solid line.
[0114] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0115] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0116] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit.
[0117] <Operation Example 6> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 12B, a case will be described in which the heat refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0118] 12A , the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line. The refrigerant heated by the motor 45 and the water-cooled condenser 25 heats the air inside the vehicle in the heater core 47.
[0119] In this operation example 6, heat is not generated in the inverter 43, but the heat refrigerant returns to the inverter 43 from the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the solid line.
[0120] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 29 to the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0121] The pumps P1 and P3 arranged in the pipe H indicated by the thin broken line are stopped.
[0122] <Operation Example 7> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 13B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 13A, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed line.
[0124] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1, as shown by the dotted line.
[0125] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the motor 45, which increases the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27. This also increases the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25, so that the heater core 47 to which this heat refrigerant with increased temperature is supplied can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0126] In this operation example 7, heat is not generated in the inverter 43, but the thermal refrigerant returns to the inverter 43 from the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the solid line.
[0127] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit.
[0128] <Operation Example 8> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 14B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0129] 14A, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line. The battery 41 is heated by the refrigerant heated by the motor 45.
[0130] In this operation example 8, heat is not generated in the inverter 43, but the thermal refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the solid line.
[0131] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant cooled in the chiller 27 returns to the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed line.
[0132] <Operation Example 9> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 15B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0133] 15A, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line. The radiator 49 is heated by the refrigerant heated by the motor 45, thereby performing defrosting.
[0134] In this operation example 9, heat is not generated in the inverter 43, but the thermal refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the solid line.
[0135] In this case, the pumps P1 and P4 of the pipe H indicated by the thin broken line are stopped.
[0136] <Operation Example 10> As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 16B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat in the motor 45.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 16A, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line, and heat is stored in the motor 45.
[0138] In this operation example 10, heat is not generated in the inverter 43, but the heat refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the solid line.
[0139] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the second valve V2, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0140] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0141] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit.
[0142] <Operation Example 11> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 17B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0143] 17A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This heats the heater core 47, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle increases.
[0144] Separately from the above flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, and first valve V1, as shown by the solid line, thereby warming up the battery 41.
[0145] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the broken line.
[0146] <Operation Example 12> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 18B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0147] 18A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This heats the heater core 47, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle increases.
[0148] Separately from the above-mentioned flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows defrosting in the radiator 49.
[0149] The pump P4 disposed in the pipe H indicated by the thin broken line is not driven.
[0150] <Operation Example 13> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 19B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the inverter 43 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle cabin, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the motor 45 and transported to the motor 45 itself for the purpose of storing heat in the motor 45.
[0151] 19A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This heats the heater core 47, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle increases.
[0152] In addition to the above-mentioned flow path, the heat refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows heat storage in the motor 45.
[0153] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the broken line.
[0154] <Operation Example 14> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 20B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the inverter 43, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the motor 45, and the thermal refrigerant is transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 20A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the dashed line.
[0156] Separately from the above circuit, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows the battery 41 to warm up.
[0157] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, and the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27 rises. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0158] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed circuit.
[0159] <Operation Example 15> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 21B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45, and the thermal refrigerant is transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 21A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the dashed line.
[0161] Separately from the above circuit, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows the radiator 49 to be defrosted.
[0162] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, and the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27 rises. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0163] <Operation Example 16> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 22B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the inverter 43, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generation from the motor 45, and the thermal refrigerant is transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat in the motor 45.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 22A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as shown by the dashed line.
[0165] In addition to the above circuit, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows heat to be stored in the motor 45.
[0166] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, and the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27 rises. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0167] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the battery 41 from the battery 41 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the two-dot chain line.
[0168] As shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the first valve V1 to the first valve V1 via the water-cooled condenser 25 and the heater core 47 is a closed circuit. Also, the flow path connecting the third valve V3 and the radiator 49 is a closed circuit.
[0169] <Operation Example 17> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 23B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0170] 23A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This allows the battery 41 to be warmed up.
[0171] In addition to the above flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line.
[0172] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0173] As shown by thin dashed lines, the flow path connecting the first valve V1 and the third valve V3 and the flow path connecting the third valve V3 and the second valve V2 are closed circuits. The pump P1 is stopped.
[0174] <Operation Example 18> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 24B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0175] 24A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This allows the battery 41 to be warmed up.
[0176] In addition to the above flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line.
[0177] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0178] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the motor 45, which increases the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0179] As indicated by the thin broken line, the flow path connecting the third valve V3 and the radiator 49 is a closed circuit.
[0180] <Operation Example 19> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 25B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0181] 25A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This allows the battery 41 to be warmed up.
[0182] Separately from the above-mentioned flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows defrosting in the radiator 49.
[0183] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0184] As shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the third valve V3 via the chiller 27 and the pump P4 back to the third valve V3 is a closed circuit. The pump P4 is stopped.
[0185] <Operation Example 20> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 26B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat in the motor 45.
[0186] 26A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is transported to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, as indicated by the dashed line, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.
[0187] In addition to the above-mentioned flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows heat to be stored in the motor 45.
[0188] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0189] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0190] <Operation Example 21> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 27B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0191] 27A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This allows the radiator 49 to be defrosted.
[0192] Separately from the above-mentioned flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. As a result, the heater core 47 heats the vehicle interior.
[0193] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, and the third valve V3 to the chiller 27, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0194] <Operation Example 22> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 28B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0195] 28A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This allows the radiator 40 to be defrosted.
[0196] In addition to the above flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line.
[0197] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0198] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the motor 45, which increases the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0199] <Operation Example 23> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 29B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0200] 29A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This allows the radiator 49 to be defrosted.
[0201] Separately from the above flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows the battery 41 to warm up.
[0202] As shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the third valve V3 via the chiller 27 and the pump P4 back to the third valve V3 is a closed circuit. The pump P4 is stopped.
[0203] <Operation Example 24> As shown in the two dashed-line frames in Figure 30B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the inverter 43 and transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49, and the thermal refrigerant is heated by heat generated by the motor 45 and transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat in the motor 45.
[0204] 30A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53, as indicated by the dashed line. This allows the radiator 49 to be defrosted.
[0205] In addition to the above-mentioned flow path, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the solid line. This allows heat to be stored in the motor 45.
[0206] In addition, apart from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0207] <Operation Example 25> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 31B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and the thermal refrigerant is transported to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0208] 31A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1 as indicated by the dashed line, and the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This heats the heater core 47, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0209] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant flows from the battery 41 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, and returns to the battery 41, as shown by the solid line.
[0210] <Operation Example 26> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 32B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and the heat of the thermal refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the chiller 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0211] 32A , the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1 as indicated by the dashed line, and the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the chiller 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This heats the chiller 27.
[0212] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0213] With the above-described configuration, the temperature of the chiller 27 rises due to the heat refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the chiller 27 rises. As a result, the temperature of the heat refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the heater core 47 can heat the air inside the vehicle.
[0214] In addition to the above flow path, the heat refrigerant flows from the battery 41 through the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1, and returns to the battery 41, as shown by the solid line.
[0215] <Operation Example 27> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 33B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and then transported to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.
[0216] 33A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1 as indicated by the dashed line, and the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.
[0217] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0218] In addition to the above flow path, the thermal refrigerant returns from the chiller 27 via the pump P4, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, and the third valve V3, as shown by the dashed dotted line.
[0219] <Operation Example 28> As shown in the dashed frame in Figure 34B, a case will be described in which the thermal refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and the thermal refrigerant is transported to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.
[0220] 34A, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1 as indicated by the dashed line, and the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. In this way, the radiator 49 is defrosted.
[0221] In addition, separate from the above flow path, the heat refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1, as shown by the dashed double-dashed line.
[0222] As shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the chiller 27, via the pump P4 and the third valve V3, to the chiller 27 forms a closed circuit. The pump P4 is stopped.
[0223] [1-5. Control Processing] Next, each control processing performed by the arithmetic processing unit 61 will be described.
[0224] [1-5-1. Main Processing] This processing is a processing for controlling the temperature of the object to be heated to a target temperature. This processing is performed at predetermined time intervals.
[0225] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 35, first, in step (hereinafter, S), the state of the vehicle 1 is read based on the detection signals from the various sensors.
[0226] In the next step S110, it is determined whether or not there is a temperature increase request for the temperature increase target. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S120, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0227] For example, in winter, when the ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature around the vehicle 1) is low and desirable performance cannot be obtained when various components (e.g., the battery 41, heater core 47, radiator 49, motor 45, etc.) are operating, those components are designated as targets for temperature increase, and a temperature increase request is output to increase the temperature of each target for temperature increase.
[0228] For example, if the ambient temperature is 5° C. and the temperature that is preferable for the operation of the object to be heated is 10° C., a temperature increase request is output to increase the temperature of the object to be heated to 10° C. That is, a temperature increase request is output to the calculation processing unit 61 itself based on the ambient temperature, so as to make the object to be heated reach a predetermined target temperature.
[0229] In S120, the required heat quantity Q is calculated. That is, the heat quantity Q required to raise the temperature of the object to be heated from the current temperature to the target temperature is calculated. For example, if the current temperature is T1°C, the target temperature is T2°C, and the heat capacity of the object to be heated is NQ, the temperature difference to be raised is (T2-T1)°C, so the required heat quantity Q is "temperature difference (T2-T1)°C x heat capacity NQ."
[0230] In the next step S130, the inverter temperature rise flag F I The inverter temperature rise flag F I is a flag indicating the component to be heated when the inverter 43 is heated. For example, the inverter temperature raising flag F I When the value is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the objects to be heated are the heater core 47, the chiller 27, the battery 41, the radiator 49, and the motor 45, respectively.
[0231] In the next step S140, the MG temperature rise flag F M This MG temperature rise flag F Mis a flag indicating the component to be heated when the temperature is increased by the motor 45. For example, the MG temperature increase flag F M When the temperature is 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50, the objects to be heated are the heater core 47, the chiller 27, the battery 41, the radiator 49, and the motor 45, respectively.
[0232] In the next step S150, the temperature rise control device selection flag F h The temperature rise control device selection flag F h is a flag indicating the equipment that performs the temperature rise control. For example, the temperature rise control equipment selection flag F h When the value is 1, it indicates that the inverter 43 performs temperature increase control.
[0233] In the next step S160, the inverter temperature rise flag F I and MG temperature rise flag F M and temperature rise control device selection flag F h Based on this, the valve angle (i.e., rotation angle) which is the opening degree of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 is calculated.
[0234] Here, the inverter temperature rise flag F I and MG temperature rise flag F M and temperature rise control device selection flag F h The processing procedure for the above will be explained.
[0235] The processing procedure is, for example, performed in the order of "(1) selection of a target for heating" and "(2) prioritization of heating requests." Prioritization is determined based on the requested heat amount and quick heating.
[0236] Specifically, for example, in the case of operation example 11 shown in Fig. 17, (1) the targets to be heated are "heater core 47, battery 41", and (2) the priority of the temperature increase request is "battery 41 < heater core 47" (i.e., in consideration of quick heating, the heater core 47 has a higher priority than the battery 41).
[0237] Therefore, the inverter temperature rise flag F I is "1" for the heater core 47 with high quick warm-up capability, and the MG temperature rise flag F M selects the remaining battery "30" that requires warm-up, and the temperature rise control device selection flag F his the inverter temperature rise flag F I and MG temperature rise flag F M Therefore, "3" is selected.
[0238] Furthermore, in situations or devices where quick warm-up is required in terms of responsiveness, such as when starting the vehicle 1 at low temperatures (for example, when warming up the motor 45 at startup), heat can be generated by at least the inverter 43. Alternatively, when it is important to utilize heat storage with a large amount of heat (for example, when heating the battery 41 throughout the entire charging range), heat can be generated by the motor 45 or by both the inverter 43 and the motor 45.
[0239] In FIG. 36, the temperature rise control device selection flag F h , inverter temperature rise flag F I and MG temperature rise flag F M , the valve angle of the first valve V1, the valve angle of the second valve V2, etc.
[0240] The valve angle of the third valve V3 is set depending on the configuration of the flow path in each operation example, etc. Fig. 36 shows the valve angle of the third valve V3.
[0241] 35, in S170, the valve angle of the first valve V1 and the valve angle of the second valve V2 are controlled. At the same time, the valve angle of the third valve V3 is also controlled.
[0242] In the next step S180, the duty control of the pump P is performed. That is, the pump P is operated to transport the heat refrigerant in the pipe H in a predetermined direction.
[0243] In the next step S190, it is determined whether the temperature of the object to be heated has exceeded the target temperature. If the determination here is affirmative, the process is temporarily terminated, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process returns to step S110.
[0244] [1-5-2. Each Process] The processes other than the main process will now be described. These processes are performed at predetermined time intervals.
[0245] <Processing Example 1> Processing example 1 shows an example of processing when temperature increase control is performed by the inverter 43 (for example, operation example 1, etc.).
[0246] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 37, in S200, since the temperature of the object to be heated (e.g., heater core 47) is low, it is determined whether there is a temperature increase request to increase the temperature of the object to be heated. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S210, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0247] In S210, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat in the inverter 43.
[0248] In the next step S220, the controller 10 controls each valve V (e.g., the first valve V1) (i.e., adjusts the valve angle) so that the inverter 43 supplies the refrigerant to the target to be heated (e.g., the heater core 47), and then ends the process. At this time, the controller 10 also operates a pump P (e.g., pump P2) required to transport the refrigerant to the target to be heated.
[0249] According to the present process example 1, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the thermal refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the inverter 43 .
[0250] Heat may be generated by the motor 45 instead of the inverter 43. In this case, the inverter 43 in each step of the flowchart in Fig. 37 is replaced with the motor 45. Therefore, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the thermal refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the motor 45.
[0251] <Processing Example 2> Processing example 2 shows an example of processing when temperature increase control is performed by the motor 45 (for example, operation example 8, etc.).
[0252] 38, in S300, since the temperature of another object (e.g., battery 41) other than the object to be heated due to the heat generated by inverter 43 is low, it is determined whether there is a temperature increase request to increase the temperature of the other object to be heated. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S310, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0253] In S310, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat by the motor 45.
[0254] In the next step S320, the valves V (e.g., the second valve V2) are controlled (i.e., the valve angle is adjusted) so that the motor 45 supplies the thermal refrigerant to another target to be heated (e.g., the battery 41), and the process ends. At this time, the pump P (e.g., the pump P3) required to transport the thermal refrigerant to the target to be heated is also operated.
[0255] According to the present process example 2, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the thermal refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the motor 45 .
[0256] <Processing Example 3> Processing example 3 shows an example of processing (for example, operation example 11) when the inverter 43 and the motor 45 are used to increase the temperature of the object to be heated.
[0257] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 39, in S400, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is being started (for example, when the start switch of the vehicle 1 is turned on) or whether the battery 41 is being charged. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S410, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0258] In S410, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat in the inverter 43.
[0259] In the next step 420, the valves V (e.g., the first to third valves V1 to V3) are controlled (i.e., the valve angles are adjusted) so that the thermal refrigerant is supplied from the inverter 43 to the object to be heated (e.g., the heater core 47). At this time, the pumps P (e.g., pumps P1 and P2) required to transport the thermal refrigerant to the object to be heated are also operated.
[0260] In the next step S430, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor is suitable for operation. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S440. If the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step S460.
[0261] In S440, the motor 45 is in a warm-up state. Therefore, the valves V (e.g., the first and second valves V1 and V2) are controlled (i.e., the valve angles are adjusted) so that the motor 45 in the warm-up state supplies the thermal refrigerant to the target to be heated (e.g., the battery 41), and the process is temporarily terminated. At this time, the pump P (e.g., pump P3) required to transport the thermal refrigerant to the target to be heated is also operated.
[0262] On the other hand, in S450, which is reached when a negative determination is made in S430, a closed circuit of the motor 45 is formed, and the process is temporarily terminated.
[0263] According to the present process example 3, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the heat refrigerant supplied from the inverter 43 under temperature increase control and the motor 45 in a warmed-up state.
[0264] <Processing Example 4> Processing example 4 shows an example of processing in which temperature increase control is performed by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 when there is one object to be heated.
[0265] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 40, in S500, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is below a predetermined threshold value. In other words, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is too low to heat the thermal refrigerant. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S510, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to S530.
[0266] In S510, since the motor 45 is at a low temperature, temperature increase control is performed by generating heat from the inverter 43.
[0267] In the next step S520, the inverter 43 controls the valves V to supply the refrigerant to the target to be heated, and the process ends. At this time, the pump P required to transport the refrigerant to the target to be heated is also operated.
[0268] On the other hand, in S530, which is reached after a negative determination in S500, the temperature of the motor 45 is not low (i.e., the temperature is not low and the motor 45 is not prone to temperature rise), so temperature increase control is performed by generating heat from the motor 45.
[0269] In the next step S540, the valves V are controlled so that the motor 45 supplies the heat refrigerant to the object to be heated, and the process ends. At this time, the pump P required to transport the heat refrigerant to the object to be heated is also operated.
[0270] According to the present processing example 4, the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be used to appropriately increase the temperature of the object to be heated (for example, quickly by the inverter 43).
[0271] <Processing Example 5> Processing example 5 shows an example of processing when temperature increase control is performed by the inverter 43 and the motor 45.
[0272] 41, in S600, it is determined whether or not the warm-up of the battery 41 and the motor 45 has been completed. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S610, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0273] In S610, the inverter 43 and the motor 45 generate heat, and the valves V are controlled so that the refrigerant is supplied from the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to the heater core 47 or the chiller 27, and the process ends. At this time, the pump P required to transport the refrigerant to the target to be heated is also operated.
[0274] According to this processing example 5, when the warm-up of the battery 41 and the motor 45 is completed, the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be used to increase the temperature of the object to be heated.
[0275] <Processing Example 6> This processing example 6 shows an example of processing when control is performed to suppress a decrease in the temperature of a component that is connected to the pipe H of the temperature control circuit 7 and is supplied with a thermal refrigerant. Note that this component has the function of storing heat supplied by the thermal refrigerant within itself. Note that, hereinafter, such a component may be simply referred to as a heat storage element.
[0276] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 42, in S700, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is stopped (for example, when the vehicle is parked) or whether the system is stopped (for example, when the operation of the vehicle control device 9 is stopped). If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to S710, whereas if a negative determination is made, the process is temporarily terminated. Note that an example of a state when the system is stopped is when the driver has left the vehicle 1 and locked the key.
[0277] In S710, the flow path connected to the heat storage element (for example, the battery 41) is closed, and this process is temporarily terminated.
[0278] According to this processing example 6, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the heat storage element when the vehicle 1 is stopped or the system is stopped.
[0279] Here, examples of the heat storage element include a battery 41, an inverter 43, a motor 45, a heater core 47, a radiator 49, and the like.
[0280] <Processing Example 7> Processing example 7 shows an example of processing when control is performed to store heat in a heat storage element (for example, operation example 3, etc.).
[0281] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 43, in S800, it is determined whether the temperature of the heat storage element (for example, the battery 41) is below a predetermined temperature, which is undesirable for operation. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S810, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0282] In S810, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat using the inverter 43 or the motor 45.
[0283] In the next step S820, the valves V are controlled so that the inverter 43 or the motor 45 supplies the heat refrigerant to the heat storage element, and the process ends. At this time, the pump P required to transport the heat refrigerant to the heat storage element is also operated.
[0284] According to this processing example 7, the temperature of the heat storage element can be increased.
[0285] <Processing Example 8> Processing example 8 shows an example of processing (for example, operation example 1) when starting the vehicle 1.
[0286] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 44, in S900, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 1 is being started. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S910, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0287] In S910, the inverter 43 performs temperature increase control to generate heat.
[0288] In the next step S920, the valve V is controlled to connect the inverter 43 and the heater core 47.
[0289] In the next step S930, the flow path of the motor 45 is closed or the motor 45 and the battery 41 are connected, and the process ends.
[0290] This process example 8 allows the interior of the vehicle to be quickly warmed up at the time of starting, and also prevents the temperature of the motor 45 and the battery 41 from dropping.
[0291] <Processing Example 9> Processing example 9 shows a process (for example, operation example 3, etc.) in which the battery 41 of the vehicle 1 is charged by a charger installed outside the vehicle 1.
[0292] 45, in S1000, it is determined whether or not the destination of the vehicle 1 is a charger based on a signal from the navigation device 11. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S1010, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0293] In S1010, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat using the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45.
[0294] In the next step S1020, the valve V is controlled to connect the inverter 43 and motor 45 that have generated heat to the battery 41. At this time, the pump P required to transport the heat refrigerant to the battery 41 is also operated.
[0295] According to this processing example 9, when the battery 41 is charged by a charger, the temperature of the battery 41 can be raised to a temperature suitable for charging.
[0296] <Processing Example 10> Processing example 10 shows processing for warming up the battery 41 (for example, operation example 3, etc.).
[0297] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 46, in S1100, when the vehicle is stopped, it is determined whether there is a request to warm up the battery 41. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to S1110, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process is temporarily terminated.
[0298] In S1110, temperature increase control is performed to generate heat by the inverter 43.
[0299] In the next step S1120, the valve V is controlled to connect the inverter 43, which has been heated, to the battery 41. At this time, the pump P, which is required to transport the heat refrigerant to the battery 41, is also operated.
[0300] In the next step S1130, it is determined whether or not the warm-up of the battery 41 has been completed. If the determination here is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1140, whereas if the determination here is negative, the process returns to step S1110.
[0301] In the next step S1140, the flow path of the battery 41 is closed, and the process ends.
[0302] According to this processing example 10, when the temperature of the battery 41 is low while the vehicle is stopped, the temperature of the battery 41 can be raised quickly.
[0303] [1-6. Experimental Example] Next, an experimental example that was performed to confirm the effects of the present disclosure (for example, the effects of the first embodiment) will be described.
[0304] 47A shows an example of operation in a heating priority mode in which heating is prioritized over heating of the battery 41. Note that HP is an abbreviation for heat pump.
[0305] In this heating priority mode, heating is prioritized, so heat is generated by the inverter 43 to heat the heat refrigerant, and the generated heat is transported to and heats the chiller 27. The heat refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5 that receives heat from the chiller 27 heats the water-cooled condenser 25. The water-cooled condenser 25 heats the heat refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7, and the heat refrigerant is transported to and heats the heater core 47, heating the heater core 47 and heating the interior of the vehicle.
[0306] In the heating priority mode, when the temperature of the battery 41 is to be increased, the heater core 47 supplies the hot refrigerant to the motor 45, and the motor 45 generates heat to heat the hot refrigerant. The hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 is supplied to the battery 41 and heats the battery 41.
[0307] FIG. 47B shows an example of operation in the battery priority mode in which heating of the battery 41 takes priority over room heating.
[0308] In this battery priority mode, priority is given to heating the battery 41, so the inverter 43 generates heat to heat the thermal refrigerant, and the heated thermal refrigerant is transported to the battery 41 to heat it.
[0309] In the battery priority mode, the temperature of the heat refrigerant in the radiator 49 is increased by using outside air, and the increased temperature heat refrigerant is transported to the chiller 27. The heat refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5, having received heat from the chiller 27, heats the water-cooled condenser 25. The water-cooled condenser 25 heats the heat refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7, and the heat refrigerant is transported to the heater core 47, heating the heater core 47 and heating the interior of the vehicle. The heat refrigerant is then transported from the heater core 47 to the motor 45, where it is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45.
[0310] 48A shows the results of investigating changes in the temperature rise of the battery 41 in the heating priority mode, the battery priority mode, and a comparative example. The conventional example is a conventional example in which the first valve V1 is not provided between the inverter 43 and the motor 45.
[0311] 48A, the temperature of the battery 41 rose more quickly in the heating priority mode and the battery priority mode than in the comparative example. Also, the temperature of the battery 41 rose more quickly in the battery priority mode than in the heating priority mode.
[0312] FIG. 48B shows the results of investigating changes in temperature rise inside the vehicle (i.e., the air outlet portion of the cabin) in the heating-priority mode, the battery-priority mode, and a comparative example.
[0313] As is clear from Figure 48B, the cabin temperature rose more quickly in the heating-priority mode and the battery-priority mode than in the comparative example. Also, the cabin temperature rose more quickly in the heating-priority mode than in the battery-priority mode.
[0314] [1-7. Effects] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0315] (1a) In this first embodiment, the temperature control circuit 7 of the vehicle system 3 includes an inverter 43, a motor 45, a piping H for a thermal refrigerant that is arranged to connect the inverter 43 and the motor 45 in series, and a first valve V1 that is arranged in the piping H and is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant.
[0316] The first valve V1 is connected to one or more pipes H in addition to the pipe H leading to the inverter 43 and the pipe H leading to the motor 45, and this first valve V1 is configured to be switchable so as to transport the heat refrigerant supplied from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first valve V1 to at least one pipe H of the multiple pipes H on the downstream side.
[0317] In the vehicle system 3, the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be subjected to temperature control to generate heat (i.e., generate heat) by passing a current for the purpose of generating heat. Therefore, when at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is subjected to temperature control, the first valve V1 can be controlled to transport the refrigerant from the at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 subjected to temperature control to a destination (i.e., a target to be heated) located downstream of the at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 subjected to temperature control.
[0318] With this configuration, in this first embodiment, various performance characteristics of the vehicle 1 can be improved by effectively utilizing the heat generated by equipment in the vehicle 1 that is capable of generating heat (i.e., capable of generating heat).
[0319] That is, since the inverter 43 and the motor 45 are each capable of generating heat (i.e., raising the temperature by applying current), the temperature of the thermal refrigerant supplied to the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be raised by generating heat from the inverter 43 and the motor 45. Therefore, by switching the supply destination of this heated thermal refrigerant using the first valve V1, the heat of the thermal refrigerant can be effectively utilized to efficiently raise the temperature of the device to be heated.
[0320] (1b) In the first embodiment, the circuit system 13 of the vehicle system 3 can be configured to include the inverter 43, the motor 45, the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, the radiator 49, the first valve V1, and the pump P. These components can be configured to be connected to the pipe H through which the heat refrigerant flows.
[0321] The first valve V1 can be provided in the pipe H connecting the heat refrigerant outlet side of the inverter 43 and the heat refrigerant inlet side of the motor 45, or can be provided in the pipe H connecting the heat refrigerant outlet side of the motor 45 and the heat refrigerant inlet side of the inverter 43. Furthermore, the first valve V1 can be configured to be connected to at least one of the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, and the radiator 49 via the heat refrigerant pipe H.
[0322] Furthermore, the flow path of the thermal refrigerant can be switched by controlling the operation of the first valve V1 so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the temperature-controlled inverter 43 or motor 45 is transported to at least one of the battery 41, chiller 27, heater core 47, radiator 49, and motor 45.
[0323] (1c) In the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a temperature increase request for at least one of the temperature increase targets among the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, and the radiator 49. Furthermore, if it is determined that there is a temperature increase request, it is possible to perform temperature increase control for the inverter 43. Furthermore, when performing temperature increase control for the inverter 43, it is possible to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant using the first valve V1 so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 is transported to the temperature increase target. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly heat the temperature increase target.
[0324] (1d) In the first embodiment, the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 under temperature control can be transported through a predetermined flow path to at least one of the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, and the radiator 49. Furthermore, the flow path of the heat refrigerant can be switched by the first valve V1 or the like so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor 45 under temperature control can be transported through a flow path different from the predetermined flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 to at least one of the battery 41, the chiller 27, the heater core 47, and the radiator 49.
[0325] (1e) In the first embodiment, a second valve V2 or the like different from the first valve V1 and a pipe H connecting the outlet side of the motor 45 for the heat refrigerant to the second valve V2 or the like can be provided.
[0326] It is then possible to determine whether or not there is a temperature increase request from a temperature increase target other than the target to be heated (i.e., another target to be heated) to which the refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 under temperature increase control is transported. Furthermore, if it is determined that there is a temperature increase request from the other target to be heated, it is possible to perform temperature increase control on the motor 45. Furthermore, when performing temperature increase control on the motor 45, it is possible to switch the flow path using the second valve V2 or the like so that the refrigerant that has passed through the motor 45 is transported to the other target to be heated.
[0327] With this configuration, the heat refrigerant heated by the motor 45 can be used to raise the temperature of other objects to be heated.
[0328] (1f) In the first embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is started or the battery 41 of the vehicle 1 is charged, the inverter 43 is controlled to be heated, and the first valve V1 can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 so that it is transported to the target to be heated. Furthermore, when the motor 45 is at or above a predetermined temperature threshold, the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc. can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor 45 is transported to the target to be heated. Alternatively, when the motor 45 is below the predetermined temperature threshold, the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc. can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that it becomes a closed circuit flow path for the motor 45 alone.
[0329] With this configuration, when starting the vehicle 1 or charging the battery 41, the object to be heated can be heated quickly, and appropriate measures such as heating the object to be heated can be taken depending on the state of the motor 45.
[0330] (1g) In the first embodiment, when there is one target to be heated and the motor 45 is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the inverter 43 performs temperature raising control, and the first valve V1 can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 is connected to the target to be heated. Also, when there is one target to be heated and the motor 45 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature threshold, the motor 45 performs temperature raising control, and the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc. can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor 45 is transported to the target to be heated.
[0331] With this configuration, the operation of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be controlled in accordance with the temperature of the motor 45, thereby making it possible to suitably heat the object to be heated.
[0332] (1h) In this first embodiment, when it is determined that the battery 41 and the motor 45 have completed warming up, the flow path of the thermal refrigerant can be switched using the first valve V1 or the second valve, etc., so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the temperature-controlled inverter 43 and motor 45 is transported to the heater core 47 or the chiller 27.
[0333] With this configuration, after the battery 41 and the motor 45 are warmed up, the heater core 47 or the chiller 27 can be heated by the hot refrigerant.
[0334] (1i) In the first embodiment, a configuration including a heat storage element connected to the first valve V1 by a flow path can be employed. Then, for at least one of the flow paths that pass through only one of the heat storage elements, the flow path that connects the inverter 43 and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the inverter 43), the flow path that connects the motor 45 and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the motor 45), and the flow paths that connect the inverter 43, the motor 45, and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the inverter 43 and the motor 45), the flow path can be switched by the first valve V1 or the like so that the flow path becomes a closed circuit.
[0335] With this configuration, heat can be stored in the heat storage element in an optimal manner.
[0336] (1j) In the first embodiment, the flow path can be a closed circuit when the vehicle 1 is stopped or when a system that controls the vehicle 1 (for example, the vehicle system 3) is stopped.
[0337] With this configuration, for example, when the temperature of the outside air is low, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the components (for example, the battery 41) to which the thermal coolant is supplied.
[0338] (1k) In the first embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a heat storage element is connected to the first valve V1 through a flow path. When it is determined that the temperature of the heat storage element has dropped below a predetermined temperature, the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45 performs temperature increase control, and the first valve V1 and / or the second valve V2 or the like can switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heated heat refrigerant is transported to the heat storage element.
[0339] With this configuration, when the temperature of the heat storage element is low, the temperature of the heat storage element can be increased suitably.
[0340] (11) In the first embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is started, the inverter 43 performs temperature rise control, and the flow path can be configured so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter 43 is supplied to the heater core 47. In addition, the flow path of the heat refrigerant connected to the motor 45 can be a closed circuit, or the flow path of the heat refrigerant connected to the motor 45 can be connected to the battery 41.
[0341] With this configuration, heating can be performed appropriately even when the outside air temperature is low when the vehicle is started, and a drop in the temperature of the motor 45 or the battery 41 can be suppressed.
[0342] (1m) In this first embodiment, when the destination of vehicle 1 is a charger that charges battery 41, at least one of inverter 43 and motor 45 is subjected to temperature rise control, and at least one of inverter 43 and motor 45 that has been subjected to temperature rise control can be connected to battery 41 by a flow path for a thermal refrigerant.
[0343] With this configuration, the battery 41 can be heated to a temperature suitable for charging before charging.
[0344] (1n) In the first embodiment, when a warm-up request for the battery 41 is made while the vehicle 1 is stopped, the inverter 43 performs temperature increase control, and the first valve V1 or the like can be used to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the inverter 43 and the battery 41 are connected to each other. Furthermore, when the warm-up of the battery 41 is complete, the flow path connected to the battery 41 can be made a closed circuit.
[0345] With this configuration, when a warm-up request is made, the battery 41 can be warmed up appropriately, and when the warm-up is completed, a drop in the temperature of the battery 41 can be suppressed.
[0346] [1-8. Correspondence] Next, the relationship between the first embodiment and the present disclosure will be described.
[0347] The vehicle 1 corresponds to a moving body, the vehicle system 3 corresponds to a temperature control device for a moving body, the vehicle control device 9 corresponds to a control unit, the inverter 43 corresponds to an inverter, the motor 45 corresponds to a motor, the piping H corresponds to a piping, and the first valve V1 corresponds to a valve.
[0348] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore the following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.
[0349] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0350] As shown in FIG. 49, in the second embodiment, the temperature control circuit 7 does not use a valve that switches the flow path in eight directions like the first and second valves V1 and V2 in the first embodiment, but rather uses a single flow path switching valve (hereinafter referred to as the general valve SV) to achieve the functions of the first and second valves V1 and V2.
[0351] This general valve SV has 14 openings so that it can be connected to the flow paths of the 14 pipes H. By adjusting the valve opening of the general valve SV, it is possible to switch the connection state between the flow paths of the 14 pipes H and the 14 openings.
[0352] For example, the chiller 27, motor 45, radiator 49, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, inverter 43, and battery 41 can each be connected to the overall valve SV via a pair of pipes H (e.g., pipes H for the inflow and outflow of thermal refrigerant).
[0353] In addition, a pump P is arranged in a predetermined pipe H as required.
[0354] The second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.
[0355] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore the following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.
[0356] In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0357] As shown in FIG. 50, in the third embodiment, instead of a valve that switches the flow path in eight directions like the first and second valves V1 and V2 in the first embodiment, the functions of the first and second valves V1 and V2 are realized by a switching valve (hereinafter referred to as a three-way valve TV) that splits the flow path into three directions, and a plurality of electromagnetic on-off valves EV.
[0358] Specifically, a three-way valve TV is arranged in a pipe HA of the temperature control circuit 7 between the downstream side of the inverter 43 and the upstream side of the motor 45, and the three-way valve TV is connected to another pipe HB so as to communicate with the inverter 43 and the motor 45 and also with a plurality of electromagnetic on-off valves EV.
[0359] Another pipe HB is connected to the radiator 49, the chiller 27, the battery 41, the heater core 47, and the water-cooled condenser 25 via electromagnetic on-off valves EV1 to EV4, respectively.
[0360] The flow path is configured so that the heat refrigerant flowing out from the radiator 49 is supplied to the inverter 43 and the chiller 27 via electromagnetic on-off valves EV5 and EV6, respectively.
[0361] The flow paths are configured so that the heat refrigerant flowing out from the chiller 29 is supplied to the inverter 43 and the battery 41 via electromagnetic on-off valves EV7 and EV8, respectively.
[0362] The flow path is configured so that the heat refrigerant flowing out from the battery 41 is supplied to the inverter 43 .
[0363] The flow path is configured so that the hot refrigerant flowing out from the heater core 47 is supplied to a radiator 49 via an electromagnetic on-off valve EV9.
[0364] The flow path is configured so that the heat refrigerant flowing out from the motor 45 is supplied to the water-cooled condenser 25 and is also supplied to the radiator 49, chiller 27, and battery 41 via electromagnetic on-off valves EV10 to EV12. The flow path is configured so that the heat refrigerant flowing out from the water-cooled condenser 25 is supplied to the heater core 47 via electromagnetic on-off valve EV13.
[0365] The third embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment.
[0366] [4. Other Embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.
[0367] (4a) The first valve may be located either between the piping connecting the outlet side of the inverter's heat refrigerant and the inlet side of the motor's heat refrigerant, or between the piping connecting the outlet side of the motor's heat refrigerant and the inlet side of the inverter's heat refrigerant.
[0368] Therefore, in the temperature control circuits of the respective figures, the positions of the inverter and the motor can be interchanged. In this case, it is desirable to place the object to be heated downstream of the flow path to which the thermal refrigerant is supplied, depending on the characteristics of the inverter and the motor. For example, if the object to be heated requires responsiveness, it is desirable to place the object to be heated downstream of the inverter. If the object to be heated can be heated using heat storage, it is desirable to place the object to be heated downstream of the motor. It is also preferable to place the pump upstream or downstream of the motor.
[0369] (4b) Examples of mobile bodies include, in addition to vehicles, aircraft, drones (UAVs: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), etc. Examples of mobile bodies include, but are not limited to, mobile bodies that are driven solely by electricity. For example, the mobile body may be equipped with an internal combustion engine in addition to a battery, and the driving force of the internal combustion engine may also be used to drive the mobile body.
[0370] (4c) In addition to the first to third valves, other valves may be arranged in the piping.
[0371] Furthermore, the temperature control circuit may be configured using the first and second valves instead of the first to third valves. In other words, it is also possible to form a temperature control circuit without using the third valve.
[0372] For example, in Operational Examples 3, 5, 20, 27, etc., the first and second valves can form a flow path that heats the battery and motor using heat generated by the inverter. Also, in Operational Examples 17, 20, 27, etc., the first and second valves can form a flow path that heats the water-cooled condenser, heater core, and motor itself using heat generated by the motor.
[0373] Furthermore, in addition to the eight-way switching valve, a valve that can be switched in other directions may also be used. When a valve with a fixed flow path (for example, a valve with a fixed three-way flow path) is used, a temperature control circuit may be configured by combining it with an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the flow path.
[0374] The valves of each embodiment may be combined appropriately to form a temperature control circuit.
[0375] (4d) In the present disclosure, the conditions for generating heat include temperature increase control (i.e., heat generation control) in which heat is generated by passing current through at least one of the inverter and the motor, but other conditions may also be adopted.
[0376] For example, if at least one of the inverter and the motor generates heat through normal operation (i.e., the operation that the equipment is originally intended to perform: the original operation that has been set in advance) and is in a state where it is able to heat the thermal refrigerant (e.g., if it is at or above a predetermined temperature), control may be performed by the transport control unit.
[0377] (4e) The control of the temperature control device for a mobile body and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program.
[0378] Alternatively, the control of the temperature control device for a mobile body and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.
[0379] Alternatively, the control of the temperature control device for a mobile body and the methods thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits.
[0380] The computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The method for realizing the functions of each part included in the control of the temperature control device for a mobile object does not necessarily need to include software, and all of the functions may be realized using one or more hardware components.
[0381] (4f) The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a program for causing the computer of the above-mentioned temperature control device for a mobile body to function, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a control method.
[0382] (4g) Multiple functions of one component in each of the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Furthermore, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another embodiment.
[0383] [Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] [Item 1] A temperature control device (3) for a mobile body that adjusts the temperature of equipment in a mobile body (1), comprising: a circuit (7) for a thermal refrigerant; and a control unit (61) that controls the operation of the circuit, wherein the circuit comprises, as components thereof, an inverter (43), a motor (45), a pipe (H) that serves as a flow path for the thermal refrigerant, and a valve (V1) that is disposed in the pipe and is configured to be able to switch the flow path for the thermal refrigerant, wherein the valve is connected to one or more pipes in addition to a pipe leading to the inverter and a pipe leading to the motor, and the valve is configured to be switchable so as to transport the thermal refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes downstream of the valve, and the control unit a transport control unit (61A) that controls the valves so that, when at least one of the inverter and the motor satisfies a heat generation condition capable of heating the thermal refrigerant, the thermal refrigerant is transported in the thermal refrigerant flow path from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the condition to a destination located downstream of the one of the inverter and the motor.
[0384] [Item 2] The temperature control device for a moving body according to Item 1, wherein the control unit is provided with a temperature rise control unit (61B) that performs temperature rise control to generate heat by passing a current through at least one of the inverter and the motor, as the control that satisfies the condition.
[0385] [Item 3] The temperature control device for a moving body according to item 1, further comprising, as components of the circuit, a battery (41), a chiller (27) for cooling the thermal refrigerant, a heater core (47) for heating, a radiator (49) for heat exchange with outside air, and a pump (P) for circulating the thermal refrigerant, wherein the components are connected to piping through which the thermal refrigerant flows, and the valve is provided between the piping connecting the thermal refrigerant outlet side of the inverter and the thermal refrigerant inlet side of the motor, or between the piping connecting the thermal refrigerant outlet side of the motor and the thermal refrigerant inlet side of the inverter, and is connected to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator via the piping for the thermal refrigerant, and the valve is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through at least one of the inverter and the motor is transported to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, the radiator, and the motor.
[0386] [Item 4] The temperature control device for a moving body according to Item 3, wherein the control unit is provided with a temperature rise control unit (61B) that performs temperature rise control to generate heat by passing a current through at least one of the inverter and the motor, as the control that satisfies the condition.
[0387] [Item 5] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to Item 4, wherein the temperature rise control unit comprises: a temperature rise request determination unit (S200) configured to determine whether or not there is a temperature rise request for at least one of the temperature rise targets among the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator; and an inverter temperature rise control unit (S210) configured to perform temperature rise control of the inverter when it is determined by the temperature rise request determination unit that there is a temperature rise request; and the transport control unit comprises: a valve control unit (S220) configured to control the valve to switch a flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter when the inverter temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter.
[0388] [Item 6] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to item 4 or 5, wherein the control unit is configured to: when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter, control the transport control unit to control the valve to transport the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator through a predetermined flow path; and when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the motor, control the transport control unit to control the valve to transport the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator through a flow path different from the predetermined flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter.
[0389] [Item 7] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to Item 6, wherein the circuit components include another valve (V2) different from the valve, and a pipe connecting an outlet side of the heat refrigerant of the motor to the other valve, and the control unit further includes: an other temperature rise request determination unit (S300) configured to determine whether or not there is a temperature rise request from another temperature rise target different from the temperature rise target to which the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is transported, when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter; a motor temperature rise control unit (S310) configured to perform temperature rise control of the motor, when the other temperature rise request determination unit has determined that there is a temperature rise request from the other temperature rise target; and an other valve control unit (S320) configured to control the other valve, when the temperature rise control of the motor has been performed by the motor temperature rise control unit, to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor to be transported to the other temperature rise target.
[0390] [Item 8] The temperature control device for a moving body according to any one of items 4 to 7, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, wherein the transport control unit is configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and wherein the control unit is configured to: when the moving body is started or the battery of the moving body is charged, use the temperature rise control unit to control the temperature rise of the inverter, and control the valve using the transport control unit to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is transported to a target to be heated; and when the motor is at or above a predetermined temperature threshold, use the transport control unit to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor is transported to the target to be heated; and when the motor is below the predetermined temperature threshold, use the transport control unit to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the flow path of the heat refrigerant is a closed circuit for the motor alone.
[0391] [Item 9] The temperature control device for a moving body according to item 2 or any one of items 4 to 8, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, wherein the transport control unit is configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and when there is one object to be heated, the control unit is configured such that when the motor is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the temperature rise control unit controls the inverter to raise the temperature, and the transport control unit controls the valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is connected to the object to be heated, and when the motor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature threshold, the temperature rise control unit controls the motor to raise the temperature, and the transport control unit controls the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor is transported to the object to be heated.
[0392] [Item 10] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to any one of items 4 to 9, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, wherein the transport control unit is configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and wherein the control unit is configured, when it is determined that the battery and the motor have been warmed up, to perform temperature rise control of the inverter and the motor using the temperature rise control unit, and to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the inverter and the motor is transported to the heater core or the chiller using the transport control unit.
[0393] [Item 11] The temperature control device for a moving body according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the circuit is configured such that the valve can switch the flow path so that at least one of a flow path passing only through a single component, a flow path connecting the inverter and the component other than the inverter, a flow path connecting the motor and the component other than the motor, and a flow path connecting the inverter, the motor, and the component other than the inverter and the motor forms a closed circuit.
[0394] [Item 12] The temperature control device for a moving body according to Item 11, wherein the control unit is configured to control the valve to make the flow path a closed circuit when the movement of the moving body stops or when a system that controls the operation of the moving body stops.
[0395] [Item 13] The temperature control device for a moving body according to item 2 or any one of items 4 to 10, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, wherein the transport control unit is configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and wherein the control unit is configured, when it is determined that the component has fallen below a predetermined temperature, to perform temperature rise control of the inverter and / or the motor using the temperature rise control unit, and to control the valve and / or the other valve using the transport control unit to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the inverter and / or the motor is transported to the component.
[0396] [Item 14] The temperature control device for a moving body according to any one of items 4 to 10, wherein the control unit is configured such that, when the moving body is started, the temperature rise control unit controls the temperature rise of the inverter, and the transport control unit controls the valve to supply the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter to the heater core, and the transport control unit makes the flow path of the heat refrigerant connected to the motor a closed circuit, or connects the flow path of the heat refrigerant connected to the motor to the battery.
[0397] [Item 15] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to any one of items 4 to 10 or item 14, wherein the control unit is configured, when the destination of the mobile body is a charger that charges the battery, to perform temperature rise control of at least one of the inverter and the motor using the temperature rise control unit, and to control the valve using the transportation control unit to connect at least one of the inverter and the motor and the battery through a flow path of the thermal refrigerant.
[0398] [Item 16] The temperature control device for a mobile body according to any one of items 4 to 10, 14 or 15, wherein when the mobile body is a vehicle, the control unit is configured such that, when there is a request to warm up the battery while the vehicle is stopped, the temperature rise control unit performs temperature rise control of the inverter and the transportation control unit controls the valve to connect the inverter and the battery through a flow path of the thermal coolant, and when warming up of the battery is complete, the transportation control unit controls the valve to make the flow path connected to the battery a closed circuit.
[0399] [Item 17] A computer program for controlling a temperature control device for a mobile body (3) that controls the temperature of equipment in a mobile body (1), wherein the temperature control device for a mobile body comprises, as components of a thermal refrigerant circuit, an inverter (43), a motor (45), a pipe (H) that serves as a flow path for the thermal refrigerant, and a valve (V1) that is arranged on the pipe and is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant, wherein one or more pipes are connected to the valve in addition to the pipe leading to the inverter and the pipe leading to the motor, and the valve has a configuration that is switchable so as to transport the thermal refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the multiple pipes downstream of the valve, and the program causes the computer to function as a transport control unit (61A) that controls the valve so as to transport the thermal refrigerant in the flow path of the thermal refrigerant from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the heat generation condition capable of heating the thermal refrigerant to a transport destination arranged downstream of the one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the condition.
Claims
1. A temperature control device for a moving body (3) for controlling the temperature of an instrument in a moving body (1), comprising: a circuit (7) for a thermal refrigerant; and a control unit (61) for controlling the operation of the circuit, the circuit comprising: an inverter (43); a motor (45); a pipe (H) for forming a flow path for the thermal refrigerant; and a valve (V1) arranged on the pipe and configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant; the valve is connected to one or more pipes in addition to a pipe leading to the inverter and a pipe leading to the motor; the valve has a configuration that allows switching so as to transport the thermal refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes downstream of the valve; and the control unit comprises a transport control unit (61A) for controlling the valve so as to transport the thermal refrigerant from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies a heat generation condition capable of heating the thermal refrigerant to a transport destination arranged downstream of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the condition in the flow path of the thermal refrigerant. Temperature control device for mobile objects.
2. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided with a temperature rise control unit (61B) that performs temperature rise control to generate heat by passing current through at least one of the inverter and the motor, as a control that satisfies the condition.
3. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 1, further comprising, as components of the circuit, a battery (41), a chiller (27) for cooling the thermal refrigerant, a heater core (47) for heating, a radiator (49) for heat exchange with outside air, and a pump (P) for circulating the thermal refrigerant, each of the components being connected to a pipe through which the thermal refrigerant flows, and the valve is provided between the pipes connecting the thermal refrigerant outlet side of the inverter and the thermal refrigerant inlet side of the motor, or between the pipes connecting the thermal refrigerant outlet side of the motor and the thermal refrigerant inlet side of the inverter, and is connected to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator via the thermal refrigerant pipe, and the valve is configured to be capable of switching a flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through at least one of the inverter and the motor is transported to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, the radiator, and the motor.
4. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 3, wherein the control unit is provided with a temperature rise control unit (61B) that performs temperature rise control to generate heat by passing current through at least one of the inverter and the motor, as the control that satisfies the condition.
5. A temperature control device for a mobile body as described in claim 4, wherein the temperature rise control unit comprises: a temperature rise request determination unit (S200) configured to determine whether or not there is a temperature rise request for at least one of the heating targets among the battery, the chiller, the heater core and the radiator; and an inverter temperature rise control unit (S210) configured to perform temperature rise control of the inverter when it is determined by the temperature rise request determination unit that there is a temperature rise request; and the transport control unit comprises: a valve control unit (S220) configured to control the valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is transported to the heating target when the inverter temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control.
6. A temperature control device for a mobile body as described in claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to: when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter, control the valve using the transport control unit to transport the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter via a predetermined flow path to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator; and when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the motor, control the valve using the transport control unit to transport the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator via a flow path different from the predetermined flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter. A temperature control device for a mobile body as described in claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to: when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter, control the valve using the transport control unit to transport the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor to at least one of the battery, the chiller, the heater core, and the radiator via a flow path different from the predetermined flow path of the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter.
7. A temperature control device for a mobile body as described in claim 6, wherein the circuit components include an other valve (V2) different from the valve, and a pipe connecting the outlet side of the heat refrigerant of the motor and the other valve, and the control unit further includes an other temperature rise request determination unit (S300) configured to determine whether or not there is a temperature rise request from another temperature rise target different from the temperature rise target to which the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is transported, when the temperature rise control unit has performed the temperature rise control of the inverter, a motor temperature rise control unit (S310) configured to perform temperature rise control of the motor, when the other temperature rise request determination unit has determined that there is a temperature rise request from the other temperature rise target, and an other valve control unit (S320) configured to control the other valve when the temperature rise control of the motor is performed by the motor temperature rise control unit, to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor is transported to the other temperature rise target.
8. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 4, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, the transport control unit being configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, the control unit being configured to: when the moving body is started or the battery of the moving body is charged, perform temperature rise control of the inverter using the temperature rise control unit, and control the valve using the transport control unit to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is transported to a target to be heated; and when the motor is at or above a predetermined temperature threshold, the transport control unit is configured to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor is transported to the target to be heated; and when the motor is below the predetermined temperature threshold, the transport control unit is configured to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the flow path of the motor alone becomes a closed circuit.
9. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 2 or claim 4, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, the transport control unit being configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and when there is one object to be heated, the control unit is configured to, when the motor is below a predetermined temperature threshold, cause the temperature rise control unit to perform temperature rise control at the inverter and cause the transport control unit to control the valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the inverter is connected to the object to be heated, and when the motor is equal to or above a predetermined temperature threshold, cause the temperature rise control unit to perform temperature rise control at the motor and cause the transport control unit to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the heat refrigerant so that the heat refrigerant that has passed through the motor is transported to the object to be heated. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 2 or claim 4.
10. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 4, further comprising another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, the transport control unit configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and the control unit configured, when it is determined that the battery and the motor have been warmed up, to: control the temperature rise control unit to raise the temperature of the inverter and the motor, and to control the valve or the other valve to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant so that the hot refrigerant that has passed through the inverter and the motor is transported to the heater core or the chiller by the transport control unit.
11. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured such that for at least one of a flow path passing only through a single component, a flow path connecting the inverter and the component other than the inverter, a flow path connecting the motor and the component other than the motor, and a flow path connecting the inverter, the motor, and the component other than the inverter and the motor, the flow path can be switched by the valve so that the flow path becomes a closed circuit.
12. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to control the valve to make the flow path a closed circuit when the movement of the moving body stops or when a system that controls the operation of the moving body stops.
13. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the circuit further has another valve different from the valve as a component of the circuit, the transport control unit is configured to be able to control the valve and the other valve, and the control unit is configured, when it is determined that the component has fallen below a predetermined temperature, to perform temperature rise control of the inverter and / or the motor by the temperature rise control unit, and to control the valve and / or the other valve to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant so that the thermal refrigerant that has passed through the inverter and / or the motor is transported to the component by the transport control unit.
14. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured such that, when the moving body is started, the temperature rise control unit controls the temperature rise of the inverter, and the transport control unit controls the valve to supply the hot refrigerant that has passed through the inverter to the heater core, and the transport control unit makes the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor a closed circuit, or connects the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor to the battery.
15. A temperature control device for a mobile body as described in claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured such that, when the destination of the mobile body is a charger that charges the battery, the temperature rise control unit performs temperature rise control of at least one of the inverter and the motor, and the transportation control unit controls the valve to connect at least one of the inverter and the motor and the battery through a flow path of the thermal refrigerant.
16. A temperature control device for a moving body as described in claim 4, wherein when the moving body is a vehicle, the control unit is configured to, when there is a request to warm up the battery while the vehicle is stopped, control the temperature rise control unit to raise the temperature of the inverter, and to control the valve via the transport control unit to connect the inverter and the battery through the flow path of the thermal coolant, and when warming up of the battery is complete, to control the valve via the transport control unit to make the flow path connected to the battery a closed circuit.
17. A computer program for controlling a temperature control device for a mobile body (3) that adjusts the temperature of equipment within a mobile body (1), the temperature control device for a mobile body comprising, as components of a thermal refrigerant circuit, an inverter (43), a motor (45), a piping (H) that serves as a flow path for the thermal refrigerant, and a valve (V1) arranged on the piping and configured to be able to switch the flow path of the thermal refrigerant, the valve being connected to one or more piping in addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the piping leading to the motor, the valve having a configuration that is switchable so as to transport the thermal refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the multiple piping downstream of the valve, and a program for causing the computer to function as a transport control unit (61A) that controls the valve so as to transport the thermal refrigerant in the flow path of the thermal refrigerant from at least one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the heat generation condition capable of heating the thermal refrigerant to a transport destination arranged downstream of the one of the inverter and the motor that satisfies the condition.
Citation Information
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