Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100) comprising: — a heat-transfer liquid circuit (20) configured to cause a heat-transfer liquid to circulate, — a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to cause a refrigerant to circulate, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising the following in sequence in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device (11), — a first heat exchanger (1), which is jointly on the heat-transfer liquid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), — a first expansion valve (31), — a second heat exchanger (2), which is jointly on the heat-transfer liquid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), — a second expansion valve (32), — a third heat exchanger (3), which is jointly on the heat-transfer liquid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10).

Description

Description Title: THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM Technical field [1] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. Such systems can, for example, be fitted to motor vehicles. These systems make it possible to ensure thermal regulation of various parts of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, when the vehicle is electrically powered. Heat exchanges are managed in particular by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant circulating in a circuit in which several heat exchangers are arranged. A compressor delivers the refrigerant in a high-pressure state and allows circulation of the refrigerant in the circuit. The refrigerant can absorb heat or release heat at various heat exchangers arranged on the circuit. Prior art [2] Refrigerants based on fluorinated compounds generally have the disadvantage of having a high global warming potential (GWP). Some hydrocarbons, for example propane, have thermodynamic properties that make their use as refrigerants possible, and have a lower global warming coefficient. However, it is preferable that heat exchangers located in the passenger compartment of vehicles do not contain hydrocarbons. In this case, the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant performs an intermediate heat exchange with a water-based heat transfer fluid, and this heat transfer fluid then circulates in heat exchangers arranged in the passenger compartment. Heating and cooling of the passenger compartment can thus be ensured by circulating heat transfer fluid, respectively preheated by the refrigerant or precooled by the refrigerant. [3] By combining several exchangers, each allowing a heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, different operating modes are possible. However, known systems generally have a high degree of complexity, without allowing all the desired operating modes. It is therefore desirable to have thermal conditioning systems with optimized architecture, allowing a wider range of operating modes while being simpler to implement. Summary [4] For this purpose, a thermal conditioning system is proposed, comprising: — a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, — a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit successively comprising, according to a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device, — a first heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a first regulator, — a second heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a second regulator, — a third heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid. [5] This arrangement of the refrigerant circuit makes it possible in particular to obtain a source of hot heat transfer fluid, as well as two sources of cold heat transfer fluid, these two sources being able to be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the respective expansion level provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two sources of hot heat transfer fluid, with one source of cold heat transfer fluid. Thanks to the proposed architecture, numerous operating modes can thus be obtained, which makes it possible to optimize energy consumption for many different use cases. In addition, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, therefore easy to integrate. [6] The features listed in the following paragraphs may be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination: [7] The thermal conditioning system is a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle. [8] The first exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first exchanger can also operate as a refrigerant cooler, when the refrigerant is in the supercritical state. [9] The second exchanger can operate selectively as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0010] The third exchanger can operate as a refrigerant evaporator. [H] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit comprises an accumulation device arranged downstream of the third exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the refrigerant compressor.

[0012] Alternatively, the accumulation device is arranged downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the second exchanger.

[0013] The refrigerant circuit forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit has no bypass branches.

[0014] The first regulator is, for example, an electronic regulator. Similarly, the second regulator can be an electronic regulator.

[0015] The first heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a primary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit. The primary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a fourth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first air flow.

[0016] The first exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the primary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0017] The first airflow is a first flow of air inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0018] The primary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a first heat transfer fluid circulation pump.

[0019] The second heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a secondary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit. The secondary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first element of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

[0020] The second heat exchanger allows the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain to be selectively cooled or heated.

[0021] The second exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the secondary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery.

[0023] The fifth heat exchanger comprises a wall of a casing of the electric drive train element.

[0024] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes a second heat transfer fluid circulation pump.

[0025] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes an electric heating device configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0026] Activation of the electric heating device heats the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0027] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop is isolated from the primary loop.

[0028] The third heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit. The tertiary heat transfer fluid loop includes a sixth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a second air stream.

[0029] The second airflow is a second interior airflow to a vehicle cabin.

[0030] The first indoor airflow may be identical to the second indoor airflow. In other words, the air flow forming the first interior air flow may be equal to the air flow forming the second interior air flow.

[0031] The first indoor airflow may be separate from the second indoor airflow.

[0032] In particular, the air flow rate forming the first interior air flow may be less than the air flow rate forming the second interior air flow. In other words, part of the second indoor air flow, which performs a heat exchange with the sixth heat exchanger, can bypass the fourth exchanger.

[0033] The sixth heat exchanger is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger according to a flow direction of the indoor air flow.

[0034] The third exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the tertiary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0035] The tertiary heat transfer fluid loop includes a third heat transfer fluid circulation pump.

[0036] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop is isolated from the tertiary loop.

[0037] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be an electrically driven pump.

[0038] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a first bypass branch connecting a first connection point arranged on the primary loop between the first exchanger and the fourth exchanger to a second connection point arranged on the primary loop between the fourth exchanger and the first exchanger, the first bypass branch comprising a seventh heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a third air flow.

[0039] The third airflow is an airflow outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0040] The first circulation pump is arranged between the first exchanger and the first connection point.

[0041] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a second bypass branch connecting a third connection point arranged on the secondary loop between the second pump and the fifth exchanger to a fourth connection point arranged on the secondary loop between the fifth exchanger and the second exchanger.

[0042] The second circulation pump is located between the second exchanger and the third connection point.

[0043] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a third branch branch connecting a fifth connection point arranged on the tertiary loop between the third exchanger and the sixth exchanger to a sixth connection point arranged on the tertiary loop between the third exchanger and the sixth exchanger, the third branch branch comprising an eighth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a second element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0044] The fifth connection point is located between the third pump and the sixth exchanger.

[0045] The third circulation pump is located between the third exchanger and the fifth connection point.

[0046] The second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain includes an electric vehicle traction motor.

[0047] The second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain includes an electronic unit for controlling the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0048] The third circulation pump is located between the third exchanger and the fifth connection point.

[0049] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a fourth branch connection connecting a seventh connection point arranged on the first branch connection between the seventh exchanger and the first connection point and to an eighth connection point arranged on the third branch connection between the fifth connection point and the eighth exchanger.

[0050] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a fifth branch connection connecting a ninth connection point arranged on the first branch connection between the seventh exchanger and the second connection point to a tenth connection point arranged on the third branch connection between the eighth exchanger and the sixth connection point.

[0051] The fifth branch includes a fourth heat transfer fluid circulation pump.

[0052] The fourth circulation pump is a one-way pump. The fourth circulation pump is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0054] The heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a first three-way valve arranged jointly on the primary loop and on the first bypass branch. The first three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop and the first branch, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the seventh exchanger to the first exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the fourth exchanger to the first exchanger, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the first exchanger, in the fourth exchanger and in the seventh exchanger.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, the first three-way valve may be a proportional valve. In other words, the flow arriving at one of the three inlets / outlets of the valve may be distributed between the other two inlets / outlets continuously.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0057] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second three-way valve arranged jointly on the secondary loop and on the second bypass branch. The second three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the second branch, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the second bypass branch and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger and the fifth exchanger.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0059] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third three-way valve arranged jointly on the tertiary loop and on the third bypass branch. The third three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop and the third branch, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger and the eighth exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger and the sixth exchanger, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the third exchanger, in the sixth exchanger and in the eighth exchanger.

[0060] The fourth branch branch includes a first shut-off valve.

[0061] The third branch branch includes a second shutoff valve.

[0062] The second shut-off valve is located between the eighth connection point and the eighth exchanger.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0064] The first bidirectional pump comprises a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The first bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the primary loop comprises a first one-way valve and the first bypass branch comprises a second one-way valve, the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the first circulation pump, authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger and prohibiting circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger, and - according to a second direction of discharge of the first circulation pump, opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the primary loop comprises a first one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve from the second connection point to the fourth heat exchanger and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve from the fourth heat exchanger to the second connection point, and the first bypass branch comprises a second one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve from the first connection point to the seventh connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve from the seventh connection point to the first connection point.

[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment, the primary loop comprises a first one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve from the second connection point to the fourth heat exchanger and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve from the fourth heat exchanger to the second connection point, and the first bypass branch comprises a second one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve from the first connection point to the seventh connection point and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve from the seventh connection point to the first connection point.

[0068] The arrangement of a two-way pump with two one-way valves provides the same circulation possibilities as with a one-way pump and a three-way valve.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0070] The second bidirectional pump includes a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The second bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop comprises a third one-way valve and the second bypass branch comprises a fourth one-way valve, the third one-way valve and the fourth one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the second circulation pump, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch, and - according to a second discharge direction of the second circulation pump, opposite to the first discharge direction, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop comprises a third one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the third connection point to the fifth heat exchanger and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the fifth heat exchanger to the third connection point, and the second bypass branch comprises a fourth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the fourth connection point to the third connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the third connection point to the fourth connection point.

[0073] According to another embodiment, the secondary loop comprises a third one-way valve configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the third one-way valve from the third connection point to the fifth heat exchanger and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the third one-way valve from the fifth heat exchanger to the third connection point, and the second bypass branch comprises a fourth one-way valve configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the fourth one-way valve from the fourth connection point to the third connection point and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the third connection point to the fourth connection point.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0075] The third bidirectional pump includes a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The third bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the tertiary loop comprises a fifth one-way valve and the third bypass branch comprises a sixth one-way valve, the fifth one-way valve and the sixth one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the third circulation pump, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger, and - according to a second direction of discharge of the third circulation pump, opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the tertiary loop comprises a fifth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve of the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve of the fifth connection point to the sixth heat exchanger, and the third bypass branch comprises a sixth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve of the tenth connection point to the sixth connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve of the sixth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the tertiary loop comprises a fifth one-way valve configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the fifth one-way valve of the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth connection point and configured to allow a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the fifth one-way valve from the fifth connection point to the sixth heat exchanger, and The third branch branch includes a sixth one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the tenth connection point to the sixth connection point and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the sixth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0079] Each one-way valve is, for example, a check valve.

[0080] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a three-way valve arranged jointly on the third bypass branch and on the fourth bypass branch.

[0081] The three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the eighth exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the fifth connection point, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the fifth connection point and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the eighth exchanger.

[0082] Each of the three-way valves can be a proportional valve.

[0083] The proposed thermal conditioning system can operate selectively in different operating modes.

[0084] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a first operating mode called first passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve, in the third exchanger, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0085] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a second operating mode called first battery heating mode, in which: - a refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circuit is zero, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat so as to heat the element of the traction chain, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0086] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a third operating mode called battery cooling, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve, in the third exchanger, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger where it receives heat in order to cool the element of the traction chain, in the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0087] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a fourth operating mode called passenger compartment cooling, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes an expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the second flow of interior air, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0088] Furthermore, a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is proposed, in a fifth operating mode called cooling of the traction chain, in which: - a refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circuit is zero, - a flow of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat from the second element of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch, in the seventh exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, and returns to the fourth circulation pump.

[0089] There is also provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a sixth operating mode called second passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the tertiary loop, successively in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0090] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a seventh operating mode called third passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, in the second expansion valve, in the third exchanger, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the second exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0091] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in an eighth operating mode called second battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat, and returns to the second exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0092] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also provided, in a ninth operating mode called defrosting, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve, in the third exchanger, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer liquid circulates in the seventh exchanger where it releases heat, and is divided into: - a second flow of heat transfer liquid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch, and - a third flow of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first circulation pump, the second flow of heat transfer fluid and the third flow of heat transfer fluid joining so as to form the first flow of heat transfer fluid, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0093] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a tenth operating mode called passenger compartment dehumidification and powertrain cooling, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat from the second element of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch, in the seventh exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, and returns to the fourth circulation pump, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the second flow of interior air, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0094] There is further proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in an eleventh operating mode called fourth passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0095] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a twelfth operating mode called first combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve where it passes at an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger. The second flow of heat transfer liquid can circulate in the second exchanger without carrying out heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0096] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a thirteenth operating mode called fifth passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0097] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a fourteenth operating mode called the second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve, in the second heat exchanger, in the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger where it gives off heat to the first flow of interior air, and returns to the first exchanger, - the electric heating device is inactive, - a second flow of heat transfer liquid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger. The refrigerant flow can circulate in the first expansion valve without undergoing expansion. The refrigerant flow can circulate in the first expansion valve while undergoing partial expansion.

[0098] Alternatively, the electric heating device may be activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop. Brief description of the drawings

[0099] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0100] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a first embodiment,

[0101] [Fig. 2] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a first operating mode, called the first passenger compartment heating mode,

[0102] [Fig. 3] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in a second mode called the first battery heating mode,

[0103] [Fig. 4] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in a third mode called battery cooling,

[0104] [Fig. 5] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a fourth mode called passenger compartment cooling,

[0105] [Fig. 6] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a fifth mode called cooling of the traction chain,

[0106] [Fig. 7] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in a sixth mode called the second passenger compartment heating mode,

[0107] [Fig. 8] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in a seventh mode called the third passenger compartment heating mode,

[0108] [Fig. 9] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in an eighth mode called the second battery heating mode,

[0109] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a ninth mode called defrosting,

[0110] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a tenth mode called passenger compartment dehumidification and powertrain cooling,

[0111] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to an eleventh mode called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode,

[0112] [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a twelfth mode called the fourth mode of passenger compartment heating and battery heating,

[0113] [Fig. 14] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating according to a thirteenth mode called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode,

[0114] [Fig. 15] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 1, operating in a fourteenth mode called passenger compartment heating and battery heating mode,

[0115] [Fig. 16] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a second embodiment,

[0116] [Fig. 17] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 2, operating in the first mode of operation,

[0117] [Fig. 18] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 2, operating in the third mode of operation,

[0118] [Fig. 19] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 2, operating in the tenth mode of operation,

[0119] [Fig. 20] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 2, operating in the thirteenth mode of operation. Description of the embodiments

[0120] To facilitate reading the figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements have the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e. designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another and the names may be interchanged. Similarly, the terms primary, secondary, tertiary correspond to an indexing and can be interchanged.

[0121] In the following description, the expression "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed after the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of the fluid in question. In the case of the refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant passes successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant leaves the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.

[0122] The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0123] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

[0124] The thermal conditioning system 100 which will be described comprises an electronic control unit, not shown, receiving information from various sensors measuring in particular the characteristics of the refrigerant fluid at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit also receives instructions issued by the occupants of the vehicle, such as for example the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as for example the electrical energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit implements control laws allowing the control of the various actuators, in order to ensure the control of the thermal conditioning system 100 so as to ensure the instructions received.

[0125] A compression device 11, also called a compressor, makes it possible to circulate a refrigerant fluid in a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The compression device 11 may be an electric compressor, that is to say a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compression device 11 comprises a suction side for the refrigerant fluid at low pressure, also called the inlet 11a of the compression device, and a discharge side for the refrigerant fluid at high pressure, also called the outlet 11b of the compression device 11. The internal moving parts of the compressor 11 pass the refrigerant fluid from a low pressure on the inlet side l ia to a high pressure on the outlet side 11b. After expansion in one or more expansion devices and circulation in at least part of the circuit, the refrigerant fluid returns to the inlet 1 la of the compressor 11 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0126] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant can circulate. The refrigerant circuit 10 is sealed when it is in a nominal operating state, i.e. without defects or leaks. Each connection point of the circuit 10 allows the refrigerant to pass into one or other of the circuit portions joining at this connection point. The distribution of the refrigerant between the circuit portions joining at a connection point is achieved by adjusting the opening or closing of the shut-off valves, non-return valves or expansion devices included on each of these portions. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at this connection point.Various shut-off valves and non-return valves thus make it possible to selectively direct the refrigerant fluid into the different branches of the refrigerant circuit, in order to ensure different operating modes, as will be described later.

[0127] The refrigerant used by the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a natural fluid, such as R290 or R744. A chemical refrigerant such as R1234yf, or 134a can also be used.

[0128] Each refrigerant fluid expansion device, also called an expansion valve, can be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the flow area allowing the refrigerant to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum opening position. To achieve this, an electronic expansion valve control module drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter controlling the flow area offered to the refrigerant.

[0129] Interior air flow Fi is understood to mean an air flow to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior air flow Fi can circulate in a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation 70, frequently referred to by the English term "HVAC", for "Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning", and shown schematically in the various figures. A first motor-fan unit, not shown, is arranged in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation in order to increase the flow rate of the interior air flow Fi if necessary.

[0130] An outside air flow Fe is understood to mean an air flow that is not directed into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In other words, this air flow Fe remains outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A second motor-fan unit, also not shown, can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the outside air flow Fe if necessary. The air flow provided by the first as well as by the second motor-fan unit can be adjusted in real time according to the heat exchange requirements, for example by the electronic control unit of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0131] The term "exchanger" is equivalent to the term "heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "internal exchanger" is equivalent to the term "internal heat exchanger". The term "accumulation device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant accumulation device".

[0132] The heat transfer fluid circuit(s) also form one or more closed and sealed circuits in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate.

[0133] A loop is a closed circuit. Starting from any initial point in a loop and following that loop, one returns to that initial point. Each branch branch has exactly one inlet and one outlet. Each branch branch is connected at each end to a portion of the heat transfer fluid circuit. Each connection is made at a connection point. A branch branch can connect two separate loops. A branch branch can connect a loop and another branch branch. A branch branch can connect two other branch branches. The network formed by the different loops and the different branch branches can be configured in different ways depending on the position of the different valves present, in order to create different circuits so as to allow different operating modes.

[0134] For this purpose, a thermal conditioning system 100 is proposed, comprising: — a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, — a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit 10 successively comprising, according to a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device 11, — a first heat exchanger 1, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a first regulator 31, — a second heat exchanger 2, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a second regulator 32, — a third heat exchanger 3, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid.

[0135] This arrangement of the refrigerant circuit makes it possible, in particular, to obtain a source of hot heat transfer fluid, as well as two sources of cold heat transfer fluid, these two sources being able to be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the respective expansion level provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two sources of hot heat transfer fluid, with one source of cold heat transfer fluid. Thanks to the proposed architecture, numerous operating modes can thus be obtained, which makes it possible to optimize energy consumption for many different use cases. In addition, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, therefore easy to integrate.

[0136] According to the illustrated example, the thermal conditioning system 100 is a thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle.

[0137] The first exchanger 1 can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first exchanger 1 can also operate as a refrigerant cooler. This is the case when the refrigerant is in a supercritical state, for example when R744 is used as the refrigerant in circuit 10. In fact, the first exchanger 1 can receive refrigerant fluid at high pressure and high temperature. The second exchanger 2 can operate selectively as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator. In fact, the second exchanger 2 is arranged downstream of the first expansion valve 31 and can therefore, depending on the level of expansion achieved by this first expansion valve 31, condense or evaporate the refrigerant fluid. The third exchanger 3 can operate as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0138] According to the example illustrated, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprises an accumulation device 12 arranged downstream of the third exchanger 3 and upstream of an inlet 11a of the refrigerant compressor 11. The accumulation device 12 is an accumulator.

[0139] According to a variant not illustrated, the accumulation device 12 is arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the second exchanger 2. The accumulation device 12 is a dehydrating bottle.

[0140] The refrigerant circuit 10 here forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit 10 has no bypass branch.

[0141] The first regulator 31 is for example an electronic regulator. Similarly, the second regulator 32 can be an electronic regulator.

[0142] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol.

[0143] The first heat exchanger 1 is arranged jointly on a primary loop 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10. The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A comprises a fourth heat exchanger 4 configured to exchange heat with a first air flow FL

[0144] The first exchanger 1 comprises a first heat exchange section 1a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 1b arranged on the primary loop 20A of heat transfer liquid. The first exchanger 1 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 1a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 1b.

[0145] The first airflow Fl is a first airflow Fi-1 inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0146] The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20 A comprises a first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21. The primary loop 20A connects in series the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4.

[0147] The second heat exchanger 2 is arranged jointly on a secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10. The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B comprises a fifth heat exchanger 5 configured to exchange heat with a first element 25 of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

[0148] The second heat exchanger 2 makes it possible to selectively cool or heat the first element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0149] The second exchanger 2 comprises a first heat exchange section 2a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 2b arranged on the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer liquid. The second exchanger 2 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 2b.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery. The electric energy storage battery can provide the electric energy to ensure the motive power of the vehicle.

[0151] The fifth heat exchanger 5 comprises a wall of a casing of the element 25 of the electric traction chain. The heat transfer fluid passes through the fifth exchanger 5 and is in contact with the wall of the casing. According to one mode of operation, the heat released by the operation of the element 25 of the electric traction chain can pass through the wall of the casing and be transferred to the heat transfer fluid. According to another mode of operation, the heat from the heat transfer fluid can be transferred to the element 25 of the traction chain in order to heat it.

[0152] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B comprises a second heat transfer fluid circulation pump 22.

[0153] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B comprises an electric heating device 15 configured to heat the heat transfer fluid. Activation of the electric heating device 15 makes it possible to heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B.

[0154] The secondary loop 20B connects in series the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5. The electric heating device 15 is optional. When the electric heating device 15 is present, the secondary loop 20B connects in series the second exchanger 2, the fifth exchanger 5 and the electric heating device 15.

[0155] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is isolated from the primary loop 20A. In other words, the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B and the primary loop 20A are not in fluid communication. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B cannot mix with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A.

[0156] The third heat exchanger 3 is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10. The tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer fluid comprises a sixth heat exchanger 6 configured to exchange heat with a second air flow F2.

[0157] The second airflow F2 is a second airflow Fi-2 inside a vehicle cabin.

[0158] The first indoor airflow Fi-1 may be identical to the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In other words, the airflow forming the first indoor airflow Fi-1 may be equal to the airflow forming the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In this case, the entire air flow carrying out a heat exchange with the sixth exchanger 6 also carries out a heat exchange with the fourth exchanger 4.

[0159] The first indoor airflow Fi-1 may be distinct from the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In particular, the air flow rate forming the first indoor air flow Fi-1 may be lower than the air flow rate forming the second indoor air flow Fi-2. In other words, a part of the second indoor air flow Fi-2, which carries out a heat exchange with the sixth heat exchanger 6, can bypass the fourth exchanger 4.

[0160] The sixth heat exchanger 6 is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4 in a flow direction of the interior air flow.

[0161] The third exchanger 3 comprises a first heat exchange section 3a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 3b arranged on the tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer liquid. The third exchanger 3 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 3a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 3b.

[0162] The third exchanger 3 can be identical to the second exchanger 2.

[0163] The tertiary heat transfer fluid loop 20C comprises a third heat transfer fluid circulation pump 23. The tertiary loop 20C connects in series the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0164] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is isolated from the tertiary loop 20C. In other words, the tertiary heat transfer fluid loop 20C and the secondary loop 20B are not in fluid communication.

[0165] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be an electrically driven pump. Each of the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 comprises an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to suck in the heat transfer liquid at an inlet and to discharge the heat transfer liquid at an outlet. Each circulation pump 21, 22, 23 can also be inactive, i.e. not exert any discharge of heat transfer liquid, when the electric motor of the pump concerned is not controlled and is stationary.

[0166] In addition to the circulation loops already described, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises several branch branches making it possible to connect different portions of the circuit and so as to be able to form different heat transfer fluid circuit configurations. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a first bypass branch 20D connecting a first connection point C1 arranged on the primary loop 20 A between the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4 to a second connection point C2 arranged on the primary loop 20A between the fourth exchanger 4 and the first exchanger 1. The first branch 20D comprises a seventh heat exchanger 7 configured to exchange heat with a third air flow F3.

[0167] The third air flow F3 is an air flow Fe outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The seventh exchanger 7 is for example arranged in the front of the vehicle, just behind the grille.

[0168] The first branch 20D is connected to the primary loop 20A in parallel with the fourth exchanger 4.

[0169] The first circulation pump 21 is arranged between the first exchanger 1 and the first connection point CL

[0170] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a second bypass branch 20E connecting a third connection point C3 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between the second pump 22 and the fifth exchanger 5 to a fourth connection point C4 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between the fifth exchanger 5 and the second exchanger 2.

[0171] The second branch 20E is connected to the secondary loop 20B in parallel with the fifth exchanger 5. The second branch 20E allows the heat transfer fluid from the second exchanger 2 to reach the second exchanger 2 without passing through the fifth exchanger 5.

[0172] The second circulation pump 22 is arranged between the second exchanger 2 and the third connection point C3. The electric heating device 15 is arranged between the fourth connection point C4 and the second exchanger 2.

[0173] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a third bypass branch 20F connecting a fifth connection point C5 arranged on the tertiary loop 20C between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6 to a sixth connection point C6 arranged on the tertiary loop 20C between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6. The third branch branch 20F comprising an eighth heat exchanger 8 configured to exchange heat with a second element 26 of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0174] The fifth connection point C5 is arranged between the third pump 23 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0175] The third circulation pump 23 is arranged between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth connection point C5.

[0176] According to an exemplary implementation, the second element 26 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle comprises an electric traction motor of the vehicle. Alternatively, the second element 26 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle may comprise an electronic unit for controlling the electric traction motor of the vehicle. Two separate elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's electric drive train can thus receive thermal conditioning.

[0177] The third branch 20F allows the heat transfer fluid from the third exchanger 3 to reach the third exchanger 3 without passing through the sixth exchanger 6.

[0178] The third circulation pump 23 is arranged between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth connection point C5.

[0179] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a fourth branch branch 20G connecting a seventh connection point C7 arranged on the first branch branch 20D between the seventh exchanger 7 and the first connection point C1 and to an eighth connection point C8 arranged on the third branch branch 20F between the fifth connection point C5 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0180] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a fifth branch branch 20H connecting a ninth connection point C9 arranged on the first branch branch 20D between the seventh exchanger 7 and the second connection point C2 to a tenth connection point CIO arranged on the third branch branch 20F between the eighth exchanger 8 and the sixth connection point C6.

[0181] The fifth branch 20H includes a fourth circulation pump 24 for heat transfer liquid.

[0182] The fourth circulation pump 24 is a one-way pump. The fourth circulation pump 24 is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth connection point C9 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0183] Figures 1 to 15 illustrate a first embodiment in which the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0184] The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21 is a unidirectional pump. The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21 has a single heat transfer liquid discharge direction, i.e. the discharge direction cannot be changed.

[0185] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a first three-way valve 41 arranged jointly on the primary loop 20A and on the first bypass branch 20D. The first three-way valve 41 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop 20A and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop 20A and the first bypass branch 20D, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the seventh exchanger 7 to the first exchanger 1 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the fourth exchanger 4 to the first exchanger 1, or - allow circulation of heat transfer liquid jointly in the first exchanger 1, in the fourth exchanger 4 and in the seventh exchanger 7.

[0186] The first three-way valve 41 makes it possible to distribute the flow of heat transfer liquid passing through the first exchanger 1 between the fourth exchanger 4 and the seventh exchanger 7. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 comprises only two stable equilibrium positions, that is to say that in permanent operation the flow passing through the first exchanger 1 is directed either towards the fourth exchanger 4, or towards the seventh exchanger 7. According to another exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 can continuously distribute the total flow passing through the first exchanger 1 between a flow directed towards the fourth exchanger 4 and a flow complementary to the total flow directed towards the seventh exchanger 7. The proportion directed towards the fourth exchanger 4 can vary continuously between 0 and 100% of the total flow passing through the first exchanger 1.

[0187] The second connection point C2 is part of the first three-way valve 4L

[0188] The first three-way valve 41 selectively allows circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first exchanger 1 to the fourth exchanger 4 or from the first exchanger 1 to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0189] According to this first embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump 22 is a unidirectional pump.

[0190] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a second three-way valve 42 arranged jointly on the secondary loop 20B and on the second bypass branch 20E. The second three-way valve 42 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop 20B and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5.

[0191] The third connection point C3 is part of the second three-way valve 42.

[0192] The second three-way valve 42 makes it possible to selectively circulate the heat transfer liquid in series in the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, or to isolate the fifth exchanger 5 from the second exchanger 2.

[0193] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump 23 is a unidirectional pump.

[0194] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a third three-way valve 43 arranged jointly on the tertiary loop 20C and on the third bypass branch 20F. The third three-way valve 43 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop 20C and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop 20C and the third branch of the bypass 20F, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6, or - allow circulation of heat transfer liquid jointly in the third exchanger 3, in the sixth exchanger 6 and in the eighth exchanger 8.

[0195] The third three-way valve 43 makes it possible to distribute the flow of heat transfer fluid passing through the third exchanger 3 between the sixth exchanger 6 and the third bypass branch 20F. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the third bypass branch 20F can then be directed to the eighth exchanger 8 or to the seventh exchanger 7. According to an exemplary embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 comprises only two stable equilibrium positions, that is to say that in permanent operation the flow passing through the third exchanger 3 is directed either towards the sixth exchanger 6, or towards the third bypass branch 20F in the direction of the seventh exchanger 7 or the eighth exchanger 8. According to another exemplary embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 can continuously distribute the total flow passing through the third exchanger 3 between a flow directed towards the sixth exchanger 6 and a flow complementary to the total flow directed towards the third bypass branch 20F. The proportion directed towards the sixth exchanger 6 can vary continuously between 0 and 100% of the total flow passing through the third exchanger 3.

[0196] The fifth connection point C5 is part of the third three-way valve 43.

[0197] The third three-way valve 43 selectively allows either a circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third exchanger 3 to the sixth exchanger 6, or a circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third exchanger 3 to the eighth exchanger 8 or to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0198] Each of the three-way valves 41, 42, 43 is an electrically operated valve.

[0199] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a set of stop valves making it possible to interrupt the circulation of heat transfer fluid in certain portions of the circuit.

[0200] The fourth branch 20G comprises a first stop valve 28. The third branch 20F includes a second shut-off valve 29. The second shut-off valve 29 is arranged between the eighth connection point C8 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0201] The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are electrically operated valves. The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 have, for example, two stable operating positions: a first position in which circulation through the valve is interrupted, and a second position in which circulation through the valve is permitted.

[0202] Figures 16 to 20 illustrate a second embodiment in which the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0203] The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21 is thus a bidirectional pump.

[0204] The first bidirectional pump 21 comprises a first inlet / outlet ES1-1 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-1. The first bidirectional pump 21 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES1-1 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-1, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-1 to the first inlet / outlet ES1-1.

[0205] In other words, the pump's discharge direction can be reversed. A heat transfer fluid inlet can become a heat transfer fluid outlet, and vice versa, which is why the term inlet / outlet is used.

[0206] The primary loop 20A comprises a first one-way valve 45 and the first bypass branch 20D comprises a second one-way valve 46, the first one-way valve 45 and the second one-way valve 46 being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the first circulation pump 21, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7, and - according to a second direction of discharge of the first circulation pump 21, opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7 and prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0207] According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 16 to 20: The primary loop 20A comprises a first one-way valve 45 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve 45 from the second connection point C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve 45 from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2, and the first bypass branch 20D comprises a second one-way valve 46 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve 46 from the first connection point C1 to the seventh connection point C7 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the seventh connection point C7 to the first connection point C1.

[0208] According to a variant embodiment not illustrated: The primary loop 20A comprises a first one-way valve 45 configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve 45 from the second connection point C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the first one-way valve 45 from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2, and the first bypass branch 20D comprises a second one-way valve 46 configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve 46 from the first connection point C1 to the seventh connection point C7 and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the second one-way valve 46 from the seventh connection point C7 to the first connection point C1.

[0209] In other words, the mounting direction of the first one-way valve 45 and the mounting direction of the second one-way valve 46 are both reversed between the illustrated embodiment and the non-illustrated embodiment variant.

[0210] The arrangement of a two-way pump with two one-way valves provides the same circulation possibilities as with a one-way pump and a three-way valve, while using simpler and less expensive components.

[0211] According to this embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump 22 is a bidirectional pump. The operation of the second bidirectional pump 22 is analogous to the operation of the first bidirectional pump 21.

[0212] The second bidirectional pump 22 comprises a first inlet / outlet ES 1-2 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-2. The second bidirectional pump 22 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES 1-2 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-2, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-2 to the first inlet / outlet ES 1-2.

[0213] The secondary loop 20B comprises a third one-way valve 47 and the second bypass branch 20E comprises a fourth one-way valve 48, the third one-way valve 47 and the fourth one-way valve 48 being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the second circulation pump 22, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch 20E, and - according to a second direction of discharge of the second circulation pump 22, opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch 20E and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0214] According to the illustrated embodiment: The secondary loop 20B comprises a third one-way valve 47 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the third connection point C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third connection point C3. The second bypass branch 20E comprises a fourth one-way valve 48 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the fourth connection point C4 to the third connection point C3 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4.

[0215] According to a variant embodiment not illustrated: The secondary loop 20B comprises a third one-way valve 47 configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the third one-way valve 47 from the third connection point C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the third one-way valve 47 from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third connection point C3, and the second bypass branch 20E comprises a fourth one-way valve 48 configured to prohibit a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the fourth connection point C4 to the third connection point C3 and configured to authorize a circulation of heat transfer liquid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4.

[0216] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump 23 is a bidirectional pump.

[0217] The third bidirectional pump 23 comprises a first inlet / outlet ES 1-3 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-3. The third bidirectional pump 23 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES 1-3 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-3, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-3 to the first inlet / outlet ES1-3.

[0218] Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 comprises an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to selectively: - according to a first discharge direction, discharge the heat transfer liquid at a first inlet / outlet and suck in the heat transfer liquid at a second inlet / outlet and, or - according to a second discharge direction, discharge the heat transfer liquid at the second inlet / outlet and suck in the heat transfer liquid at the first inlet / outlet.

[0219] Reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor driving all the moving parts of a bidirectional pump allows switching from the first discharge direction to the second discharge direction, and vice versa. Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 can for example be electrically controlled by a transistor bridge making it possible to control the direction of rotation and the rotation speed of the motor. Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 can be stopped, i.e. the electric motor is not not electrically controlled. No discharge of heat transfer fluid is then ensured, and consequently no circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0220] The tertiary loop 20C includes a fifth one-way valve 49 and the third bypass branch 20F includes a sixth one-way valve 50, the fifth one-way valve 49 and the sixth one-way valve 50 being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the third circulation pump 23, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8, and - according to a second direction of discharge of the third circulation pump 23, opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0221] According to the illustrated embodiment: The tertiary loop 20C comprises a fifth one-way valve 49 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 of the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth connection point C5 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 of the fifth connection point C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6. The third branch branch 20F comprises a sixth one-way valve 50 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the tenth connection point CIO to the sixth connection point C6 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the sixth connection point C6 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0222] According to a variant embodiment not illustrated: The tertiary loop 20C comprises a fifth one-way valve 49 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 of the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth connection point C5 and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 of the fifth connection point C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6. The third branch branch 20F comprises a sixth one-way valve 50 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the tenth connection point CIO to the sixth connection point C6 and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the sixth connection point C6 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0223] Each one-way valve 45, 46 . . 50 is for example a non-return valve. A check valve is a passive device that reacts to the pressure difference between its inlet and outlet. No electrical control is required.

[0224] According to the second embodiment, the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a three-way valve 44 arranged jointly on the third bypass branch 20F and on the fourth bypass branch 20G. The three-way valve 44 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of bypass 20G and the eighth exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of bypass 20G and the fifth connection point C5, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of bypass 20G and the fifth connection point C5 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of bypass 20G and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0225] In the second embodiment in which the pumps 21, 22, 23 are two-way pumps associated with the one-way valves 45, ..., 50 and the three-way valve 44, the first stop valve 28 and the second stop valve 29 are not present.

[0226] The proposed thermal conditioning system 100 can selectively operate in different operating modes. Figures 2 to 15 and 17 to 20 illustrate the circulation of refrigerant fluid and the circulation of heat transfer fluid in different operating modes. In these figures, the portions of the circuit 20 in which a flow of heat transfer liquid circulates are shown in continuous thick lines, while the portions in which the heat transfer liquid does not circulate are shown in fine dotted lines. The same type of representation is used for the refrigerant circuit 10: the portions of the circuit 20 in which a flow of refrigerant circulates are in continuous thick lines, while the portions in which the refrigerant does not circulate are in thin dotted lines.

[0227] Figures 2 and 17 illustrate a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a first operating mode called first passenger compartment heating mode. According to this first mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop 20B. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0228] Figure 2 illustrates this first mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are one-way pumps associated with three-way valves. Figure 17 illustrates this first mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves.

[0229] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first indoor air flow Li-1 at the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat in particular from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. This heat received from the heat transfer fluid is provided by activating the electric heating device 15. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The third exchanger 3 does not participate in heat exchanges. Similarly, the sixth exchanger 6, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 are thermally inactive.

[0230] Figure 3 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a second operating mode called first battery heating mode. According to this second mode of operation: - a flow rate of refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 is zero, - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B, - a flow QL of heat transfer liquid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat so as to heat the element 25 of the traction chain, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0231] Figure 3 illustrates this mode of operation for the first embodiment, that is to say in the case where the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are one-way pumps associated with three-way valves.

[0232] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the element 25 of the traction chain at the level of the fifth exchanger 5. The heat is provided by activating the electric heating device 15. Only the second pump 22 is activated. The first pump 21, the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. Compressor 11 is inactive and does not deliver refrigerant. Among the heat exchangers, only the fifth exchanger 5 performs a heat exchange.

[0233] Figures 4 and 18 illustrate a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a third operating mode called battery cooling. According to this third mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it receives heat so as to cool the element 25 of the traction chain, in the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0234] Figure 4 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Figure 18 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B is cooled at the second exchanger 2 by the evaporation of the refrigerant fluid. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the loop secondary 20B thus cools the element 25 of the electric traction chain at the level of the fifth exchanger 5. The heat supplied by the refrigerant fluid to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the level of the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the outside air flow Fe at the level of the seventh exchanger 7. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The third exchanger 3 does not participate in heat exchanges. Similarly, the fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6 and the eighth exchanger 8 do not contribute to heat exchanges.

[0235] In Figure 4 corresponding to the first embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer liquid to the fourth exchanger 4. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the first pump 21 and is thus directed to the seventh exchanger 7. In Figure 18, the first one-way valve 45 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer liquid from the fourth exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2. The first pump 21 sucks the heat transfer liquid at its first inlet / outlet ES1-1 and delivers it at its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 to the first connection point CL The second one-way valve 46 allows the heat transfer fluid to flow from the first connection point C1 to the seventh connection point C7 and the seventh exchanger 7. The first one-way valve 45 blocks the flow of heat transfer fluid from the first connection point C1 to the second connection point C2. The flow rate of heat transfer fluid in the fourth heat exchanger 4 is therefore zero. The fourth one-way valve 48 prevents the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20E. The third one-way valve 47 allows circulation in the secondary loop 20B, from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4 via the fifth exchanger 5.

[0236] Figure 5 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a fourth operating mode called passenger compartment cooling. According to this fourth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the second interior air flow Fi-2, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0237] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C is cooled at the third exchanger 3 by the evaporation of the refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C thus cools the second indoor air flow Fi-2 at the sixth exchanger 6. The heat supplied by the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the outdoor air flow Fe at the seventh exchanger 7. The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 are activated. The first three-way valve 41 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer liquid to the fourth exchanger 4. The heat transfer liquid discharged by the first pump 21 is thus directed to the seventh exchanger 7. The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The second exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchanges. Similarly, the fourth exchanger 4, the fifth exchanger 5 and the eighth exchanger 8 do not contribute to heat exchanges. Figure 5 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0238] Figure 6 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a fifth operating mode called cooling of the traction chain. According to this fifth mode of operation: - a refrigerant fluid flow rate QR in the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 is zero, - a flow QL of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat from the second element 26 of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24.

[0239] Compressor 11 is inactive and does not deliver refrigerant. Only the fourth pump 24 is activated. The first pump 21, the second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. Under the effect of the fourth circulation pump 24, the heat transfer liquid circulates in the eighth exchanger 8 then passes through the fourth bypass branch 20G and reaches the seventh exchanger 7. The heat transfer liquid is cooled at the level of the seventh exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the eighth exchanger 8 by passing through the fifth bypass branch 20H. The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are both in the open position. The heat dissipated by the second element 26 of the drive chain can thus be dissipated into the outside air flow Fe. Among the heat exchangers, only the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 carry out heat exchange. Figure 6 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0240] Figure 7 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a sixth operating mode called second passenger compartment heating mode. According to this sixth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the tertiary loop 20C, successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0241] The heat transfer fluid of the tertiary loop 20C receives heat from the second element 26 of the electric traction chain at the eighth exchanger 8. This heat recovered from the traction chain is transferred to the refrigerant fluid at the third exchanger 3. This heat transferred to the refrigerant fluid is in turn transferred to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the first exchanger 1, and is dissipated in the first interior air flow Fi-1 at the fourth exchanger 4. The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 are activated. The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate liquid. heat transfer fluid. The secondary loop 20B is inactive, and the second exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchanges. The fifth exchanger 5, the sixth exchanger 6 and the seventh exchanger 7 do not participate in heat exchanges. The electric heating device 15 is not activated. The first three-way valve 41 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer liquid from the ninth connection point C9 to the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid discharged by the first pump 21 is thus directed to the fourth exchanger 4. The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the eighth exchanger 8 and blocks the circulation to the sixth exchanger 6. At the fifth connection point C5, the heat transfer fluid is directed to the eighth exchanger 8 by flowing through the third bypass branch 20F. Figure 7 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0242] Figure 8 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a seventh operating mode called third passenger compartment heating mode. According to this seventh mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0243] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first indoor air flow Fi- 1 at the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat at the first exchanger 1 to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat at the second exchanger 2 from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the loop secondary 20B. This heat received by the refrigerant fluid is taken from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B, which receives the heat dissipated by the operation of the electric traction chain. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The second three-way valve 42 prevents the circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch 20E, and circulates the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B, from the third connection point C3 to the fifth exchanger 5. The sixth exchanger 6, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 do not participate in heat exchanges. The electric heating device 15 is not activated. Figure 8 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0244] Figure 9 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in an eighth operating mode called second battery heating mode. According to this eighth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 33 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0245] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the element 25 of the traction chain at the fifth exchanger 5. The heat is provided by the refrigerant fluid circulating in the second exchanger 2. Preferably, the refrigerant fluid does not undergo expansion when passing through the first expansion valve 31. The low-pressure refrigerant fluid after expansion in the second expansion valve 32 evaporates in the third exchanger 3 by absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid, thus recovering the thermal losses of the second element 26 of the traction chain. The second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are activated. The first pump 21 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The first exchanger 1, the fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6, and the seventh exchanger 7 do not participate in heat exchanges. The second exchanger 2, the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8 participate in the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100. Figure 9 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0246] Figure 10 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a ninth operating mode called defrosting. According to this ninth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the seventh exchanger 7 where it releases heat, and is divided into: - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, and - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first circulation pump 21. The second flow rate QL2 of heat transfer liquid and the third flow rate QL3 of heat transfer liquid join to form the first flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop 20B. - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0247] After operation according to the fourth heating mode, which will be detailed later, the seventh exchanger 7 is likely to accumulate frost, when the temperature ambient temperature is negative or close to 0°C, and the humidity level is high. In this ninth operating mode, the heat released by the heat transfer fluid at the seventh exchanger 7 allows the seventh exchanger 7 to be defrosted. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh exchanger 7 receives heat at the level of the eighth exchanger 8 and also at the level of the first exchanger 1. The refrigerant fluid evaporates in the second exchanger 2 by absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating successively in a portion of the secondary loop 20B and in the second bypass branch 20E. The electric heating device 15 provides the heat necessary to ensure the evaporation of the refrigerant fluid. The second three-way valve 42 directs the heat transfer liquid discharged by the second pump 22 to the second bypass branch 20E. Only the third pump 23 is deactivated. The third exchanger 3 does not carry out any heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth exchanger 4, the fifth exchanger 5 and the sixth exchanger 6 do not carry out any heat exchange. Figure 10 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0248] Figures 11 and 19 illustrate a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a tenth operating mode called dehumidification of the passenger compartment and cooling of the powertrain. In this tenth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat from the second element 26 of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the second interior air flow Fi-2, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0249] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first indoor air flow Fi-1 at the level of the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C is cooled at the third exchanger 3 by the evaporation of the refrigerant. The second outdoor air flow Fi-2 is cooled at the sixth exchanger 6. The indoor air flow is thus cooled at the sixth exchanger 6 and reheated at the fourth exchanger 4, and is therefore dehumidified. The fourth circulation pump 24 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the eighth exchanger 8, then in the fourth bypass branch 20G and the seventh exchanger 7. The first stop valve 28 and the second stop valve 29 are in the open position. The heat transfer fluid is cooled at the seventh exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the eighth exchanger 8 by passing through the fifth bypass branch 20H. The second element 26 of the traction chain is thus cooled. Only the second pump 22 is deactivated. The second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5 are inactive. Heat exchangers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 all carry out heat exchange. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forms in this operating mode three independent circulation loops. One circulation loop comprises the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, the circulation in this loop being ensured by the first pump 21. Another circulation loop comprises the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6, the circulation therein being ensured by the third pump 23. Another circulation loop comprises the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8, and the circulation therein is ensured by the fourth pump 24. Figure 11 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Figure 19 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. In Figure 11, the third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer liquid discharged by the third pump 23 to the sixth exchanger 6. In Figure 19, the first bidirectional pump 21 sucks the heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and delivers the heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1. The third bidirectional pump 23 sucks the heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-3 and delivers the heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3.

[0250] Figure 12 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in an eleventh operating mode called fourth passenger compartment heating mode. In this eleventh mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0251] In the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant heats the heat transfer fluid of the primary loop 20A, which itself heats the first interior air flow Fi-1 at the fourth exchanger 4. The low-pressure refrigerant vaporizes in the third exchanger 3 by absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid. The cooled heat transfer fluid circulating in the third exchanger 3 circulates successively in the third bypass branch 20F, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, and is heated at the seventh exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe. The heat transfer fluid heated by the outside air flow Fe returns to the third exchanger 3 by circulating in the fifth bypass branch 20H and in the fourth pump 24. When the outside air flow Fe is at a temperature close to 0°C with a high humidity level, the water vapor contained in the outside air flow Fe is likely to frost, and to accumulate on the surface of the seventh exchanger 7. In this operating mode, the heat extracted from the outside air flow Fe contributes to heating the passenger compartment. The second exchanger 2 and the secondary loop 20B do not participate in heat exchanges. The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the third bypass branch 20F. The second stop valve 29 is in the closed position so as to block the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the eighth exchanger 8. The first stop valve 28 is in the open position. The second pump 22 is inactive. The first pump 21 is active. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are also both active. When the pumps used are of a type allowing the flow of heat transfer liquid through these pumps when they are inactive, it is possible to activate a single pump from among the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24. The activated pump ensures the circulation of heat transfer liquid in the circulation loop formed by the third exchanger 3, the connection points C5, C8, C7, the seventh exchanger 7, the connection points C9, CIO, C6. Where the pumps used are of a type in which the flow of heat transfer fluid through these pumps is blocked when the pumps are inactive, the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 must both be active so as to circulate the heat transfer fluid. Figure 12 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0252] Figure 13 and Figure 20 diagram a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a twelfth operating mode called the first combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode. In this twelfth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it passes at an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop 20B. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid can circulate in the second exchanger 2 without carrying out heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0253] This operating mode differs from the fourth passenger compartment heating mode in that the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is active. In particular, the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. The first exchanger 1, the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 are all three traversed by a flow of refrigerant fluid and by a flow of heat transfer liquid. The pressure at the outlet of the first expansion valve 31 is adjusted so that there is no heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid at the second exchanger 2. For this, the level of expansion of the refrigerant fluid through the first expansion valve 31 is adjusted so that the saturation temperature of the expanded refrigerant fluid is substantially equal to the temperature of the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B and returning to the second exchanger 2. Thus, the heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchange section 2b is zero or negligible. The thermal energy supplied by the electric heating device 15 is then used only to heat the battery 25. Figure 13 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Figure 20 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. In Figure 13, the second three-way valve 42 directs the heat transfer liquid discharged by the second pump 22 to the fifth exchanger 5. The circulation pumps 21, 22, 23, 24 are all four activated. The first shutoff valve 28 is in the open position and the second shutoff valve 29 is in the closed position. In Figure 20, the first bidirectional pump 21 sucks the heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and delivers the heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES 1-1. The second bidirectional pump 22 sucks the heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-2 and delivers the heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES 1-2. The third bidirectional pump 23 sucks the heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3 and delivers the heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES 1-3.

[0254] Figure 14 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a thirteenth operating mode called fifth mode of passenger compartment heating. According to this thirteenth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1, - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0255] This operating mode differs from the fourth passenger compartment heating mode in that the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is active. Unlike the previous operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second exchanger 2 does not circulate in the fifth exchanger 5 and circulates in the second bypass branch 20E. The electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid circulating in the second exchanger 2. The first exchanger 1, the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 all carry out a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid. The thermal energy provided by the electric heating device 15 contributes to heating the passenger compartment. The fifth interchange 5 is inactive. Figure 14 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0256] Figure 15 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a fourteenth operating mode called second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode. In this fourteenth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is inactive. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0257] Alternatively, the electric heating device 15 can be activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop 20B.

[0258] The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20 is identical to that of the thirteenth mode, called the first passenger compartment heating and battery heating mode. This operating mode differs from the twelfth mode by the level of expansion achieved respectively by the first expansion valve 1 and the second expansion valve 2, and by the fact that the electric heating device 15 is not necessarily activated. The first expansion valve 31 can be wide open and the refrigerant fluid then does not undergo expansion when passing through the first expansion valve 31. The high-pressure refrigerant fluid therefore gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B, and contributes to heating the element 25 of the traction chain. The first expansion valve 31 may also be in the partially open position. In this case, the refrigerant undergoes a partial expansion by passing through the expansion valve 31. The refrigerant thus undergoes two successive expansions, one by the first expansion valve 31 then a second by the second expansion valve 32. The refrigerant fluid changes from high pressure to low pressure at the second regulator 32. Figure 15 corresponds to the first embodiment. This mode of operation has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0259] Other operating modes are also possible, by varying the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20, the pressure level of the refrigerant fluid in the first, second and third heat exchangers, or even the electrical power supplied by the electric heating device 15.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: — a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, — a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) successively comprising, in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device (11), — a first heat exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a first regulator (31), — a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a second regulator (32), — a third heat exchanger (3), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid.

2. The thermal conditioning system (100) of claim 1, wherein: — the first heat exchanger (1) is arranged jointly on a primary loop (20 A) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10), the primary heat transfer fluid loop (20A) comprising a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to exchange heat with a first air flow (Fi-1) inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, — the second heat exchanger (2) is arranged jointly on a secondary loop (20B) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10), the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) comprising a fifth heat exchanger (5) configured to exchange heat with a first element (25) of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle, — the third heat exchanger (3) is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop (20C) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10), the tertiary heat transfer fluid loop (20C) comprising a sixth heat exchanger (6) configured to exchange heat with a second air flow (Fi-2) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the primary heat transfer liquid loop (20 A) comprises a first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21), - the secondary heat transfer liquid loop (20B) comprises a second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22), - the tertiary heat transfer liquid loop (20C) comprises a third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23).

4. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) comprises an electric heating device (15) configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4 in combination with claim 3, wherein: - the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a first bypass branch (20D) connecting a first connection point (Cl) arranged on the primary loop (20 A) between the first exchanger (1) and the fourth exchanger (4) to a second connection point (C2) arranged on the primary loop (20 A) between the fourth exchanger (4) and the first exchanger (1), the first bypass branch (20D) comprising a seventh heat exchanger (7) configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fe) outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, - the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a second bypass branch (20E) connecting a third connection point (C3) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between the second pump (22) and the fifth exchanger (5) to a fourth connection point (C4) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between the fifth exchanger (5) and the second exchanger (2), - the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a third branch branch (20F) connecting a fifth connection point (C5) arranged on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6) to a sixth connection point (C6) arranged on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6), the third branch branch (20F) comprising an eighth heat exchanger (8) configured to exchange heat with a second element (26) of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a fourth branch branch (20G) connecting a seventh connection point (C7) arranged on the first branch branch (20D) between the seventh exchanger (7) and the first connection point (Cl) and to an eighth connection point connection (C8) arranged on the third branch branch (20F) between the fifth connection point (C5) and the eighth exchanger (8), - the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a fifth branch branch (20H) connecting a ninth connection point (C9) arranged on the first branch branch (20D) between the seventh exchanger (7) and the second connection point (C2) to a tenth connection point (CIO) arranged on the third branch branch (20F) between the eighth exchanger (8) and the sixth connection point (C6)

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 3, wherein: - the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21) is a unidirectional pump, - the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22) is a unidirectional pump, - the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23) is a unidirectional pump.

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5, wherein the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises: - a first three-way valve (41) arranged jointly on the primary loop (20A) and on the first bypass branch (20D), the first three-way valve (41) being configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop (20A) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop (20A) and the first bypass branch (20D), or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the seventh exchanger (7) to the first exchanger (1) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the fourth exchanger (4) to the first exchanger (1), or - allow circulation of heat transfer liquid jointly in the first exchanger (1), in the fourth exchanger (4) and in the seventh exchanger (7), - a second three-way valve (42) arranged jointly on the secondary loop (20B) and on the second bypass branch (20E), the second three-way valve (42) is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop (20B) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E), or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger (2) and the fifth exchanger (5), - a third three-way valve (43) arranged jointly on the tertiary loop (20C) and on the third bypass branch (20F), the third three-way valve (43) is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop (20C) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop (20C) and the third branch branch (20F), or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger (3) and the eighth exchanger (8) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6), - allow circulation of heat transfer liquid jointly in the third exchanger (3), in the sixth exchanger (6) and in the eighth exchanger (8).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 3, wherein: - the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21) is a bidirectional pump, - the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22) is a bidirectional pump, - the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23) is a bidirectional pump.

10. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5, wherein the primary loop (20A) comprises a first one-way valve (45) and the first bypass branch (20D) comprises a second one-way valve (46), the first one-way valve (45) and the second one-way valve (46) being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the first circulation pump (21), authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7), and - according to a second direction of discharge of the first circulation pump (21), opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4).

11. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the secondary loop (20B) comprises a third one-way valve (47) and the second bypass branch (20E) comprises a fourth one-way valve (48), the third one-way valve (47) and the fourth one-way valve (48) being configured to: - according to a first direction of discharge of the second circulation pump (22), allow circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth exchanger heat (5) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of the bypass (20E), and - according to a second direction of discharge of the second circulation pump (22), opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second bypass branch (20E) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth heat exchanger (5).

12. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the tertiary loop (20C) comprises a fifth one-way valve (49) and the third bypass branch (20F) comprises a sixth one-way valve (50), the fifth one-way valve (49) and the sixth one-way valve (50) being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the third circulation pump (23), authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8), and - according to a second direction of discharge of the third circulation pump (23), opposite to the first direction of discharge, authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6).

13. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12 in combination with claims 5 and 6, wherein the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a three-way valve (44) arranged jointly on the third bypass branch (20F) and on the fourth bypass branch (20G), the three-way valve (44) is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass (20G) and the fifth connection point (C5), or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass (20G) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8).

14. Method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 13 in combination with claims 4 to 6, in a ninth mode called defrosting, in which: - a flow (QR) of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor (11) where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger (1) where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expander (31) where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger (2) where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, in the second expander (32), in the third exchanger (3), and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer liquid circulates in the seventh exchanger (7) where it releases heat, and is divided into: - a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer liquid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump (24), in the eighth exchanger (8) where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch (20G), and - a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first exchanger (1) where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first circulation pump (21), the second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid and the third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid joining so as to form the first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid, - the electric heating device (15) is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop (20B), - a fourth flow (QL4) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2) where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch (20E), in the electric heating device (15) where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger (2).

15. Method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 13 in combination with claims 4 and 5, in an operating mode called fifth passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow rate (QR) of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor (11) where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger (1) where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve (31), in the second heat exchanger (2), in the second expansion valve (32) where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger (3) where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A), successively in the first exchanger (1) where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger (4) where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow (Fi-1), and returns to the first exchanger (1), - the electric heating device (15) is activated so as to heat the heat transfer liquid of the secondary loop (20B), - a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2) where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the second bypass branch (20E), in the electric heating device (15) where it receives heat the heat, and returns to the second exchanger (2), - a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger (7) where it receives heat from the outside air flow (Fe), and returns to the third exchanger (3).

16. Method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 13 in combination with claims 4 and 5, in an operating mode called second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - a flow rate (QR) of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor (11) where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger (1) where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve (31), in the second heat exchanger (2), in the second expansion valve (32) where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the third exchanger (3) where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A), successively in the first exchanger (1) where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger (4) where it gives off heat to the first interior air flow (Fi-1), and returns to the first exchanger (1), - the electric heating device (15) is inactive, - a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2) where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger (5) where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device (15) and returns to the second exchanger (2), - a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger (7) where it receives heat from the outside air flow (Fe), and returns to the third exchanger (3).

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