Temperature control device for a motor vehicle, method for operating such a temperature control device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control device (1) for a motor vehicle, having: a coolant circuit (2) though which a coolant can flow; a first temperature control circuit (3) through which a temperature control medium can flow; a second temperature control circuit (4) through which the temperature control medium can flow; a first heat exchanger (8) which is arranged in both the coolant circuit (2) and the first temperature control circuit (3) and which can be operated as an evaporator for evaporating the coolant, via which heat exchanger heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (3); and a second heat exchanger (9) which is arranged in both the coolant circuit (2) and the second temperature control circuit (4) and which can be operated as a cooler for cooling the coolant, via which heat exchanger heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4). The invention also relates to an electrical energy store (10) which is designed to store electrical energy and which is arranged in the first temperature control circuit (3).

Description

[0001] Temperature control device for a motor vehicle, method for operating such a device

[0002] Tempering device and motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a car, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a temperature control device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a car, with such a temperature control device.

[0004] AT 519890 B1 discloses a method for controlling the temperature of a vehicle battery using a temperature control device for cooling and / or heating the battery. A cooled energy storage device is known from DE 102010 005 154 A1. A method for operating a hybrid drive device is known from US 8 494 739 B2. Furthermore, a method for managing thermal energy of a battery in a vehicle is known from US 10 953 726 B2.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, a method for operating such a temperature control device and a motor vehicle with such a temperature control device, so that an electrical energy store of the motor vehicle can be temperature-controlled, i.e. cooled and / or heated, in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a temperature control device having the features of patent claim 1, by a method having the features of patent claim 9, and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, whose interior, also referred to as a passenger cell or passenger compartment, is formed by a motor vehicle structure designed, for example, as a self-supporting body. While the motor vehicle is traveling, persons such as the driver of the motor vehicle can be present in the interior of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle has the temperature control device.

[0008] The temperature control device has a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant can flow. The temperature control device also has a first temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium, which is in particular different from the refrigerant and provided in addition to the refrigerant and is also referred to as the first temperature control medium, can flow. The first temperature control medium is preferably a liquid. For example, the first temperature control medium comprises at least water. The temperature control device also has a second temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium, also referred to as the second temperature control medium, can flow. The second temperature control medium is preferably a liquid. For example, the second temperature control medium comprises at least water.The second temperature control medium and the first temperature control medium can be the same temperature control medium, or the first temperature control medium can be a different temperature control medium from the second temperature control medium. It is conceivable that the temperature control circuits are fluidically separated from one another, in particular completely fluidically separated from one another, in at least one operating mode of the temperature control device, which is operable or is operated in the at least one operating mode, and thus are in particular completely independent and thus mutually independent circuits, so that, for example, the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit does not mix with the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit, and vice versa.

[0009] The temperature control device has a first heat exchanger, which is arranged both in the refrigerant circuit and in the first temperature control circuit. The first heat exchanger is or can be operated, in particular in the at least one operating mode, as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant. Heat can be exchanged between the temperature control medium (first temperature control medium) flowing through the first temperature control circuit and the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger. If the first heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator, so that the refrigerant is evaporated by means of the first heat exchanger, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the refrigerant, in particular via the first heat exchanger, whereby the temperature control medium (first temperature control medium) flowing through the first temperature control circuit is cooled and, in particular, the refrigerant is heated. The first heat exchanger is also referred to as a chiller.

[0010] In particular, it is provided that, in particular in the at least one operating mode, the first heat exchanger is arranged outside the second temperature control circuit, i.e. not in the second temperature control circuit, and thus cannot be or is not flowed through by the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit.

[0011] The temperature control device also has a second heat exchanger, which is provided in particular in addition to the first heat exchanger. Preferably, the first heat exchanger is arranged outside the second heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is arranged outside the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is arranged both in the refrigerant circuit and in the second temperature control circuit. In particular, it is conceivable that, in particular in the at least one operating mode, the second heat exchanger is arranged outside the first temperature control circuit, i.e., not in the first temperature control circuit, and thus cannot be or is not flowed through by the first temperature control medium, i.e., not by the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit. The second heat exchanger can be operated as a cooler for cooling the refrigerant, in particular as a condenser for cooling or condensing the refrigerant.In other words, it is conceivable that the second heat exchanger, in the at least one operating mode and / or in a further operating mode of the temperature control device that is operable or operated in the further operating mode, is operable or operated as a cooler for cooling the refrigerant, in particular as a condenser for cooling and thereby condensing the refrigerant. Heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant and the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (second temperature control medium) via the second heat exchanger. In particular, when the second heat exchanger is operated as a cooler, in particular as a condenser, for cooling, in particular condensing, the refrigerant, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit via the second heat exchanger, whereby the refrigerant is cooled and the second temperature control medium is heated.Since the second temperature control medium is preferably a liquid, and since, for example, the second heat exchanger is operable or is operated as a condenser for cooling and / or condensing the refrigerant, the second heat exchanger is also referred to as a liquid-cooled condenser. Since the second temperature control medium can comprise at least water, the second heat exchanger is also referred to as a water-cooled condenser (WCC).

[0012] The temperature control device also has an electrical energy store by means of which electrical energy is to be or is stored, in particular electrochemically. The electrical energy store is preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating and nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and very preferably amounts to several hundred volts. The electrical energy store is therefore also referred to as a high-voltage storage device (HVS). The electrical energy store is also referred to as a battery and is preferably a secondary battery. The electrical energy store is arranged in the first temperature control circuit and is to be temperature-controlled, i.e. cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (first temperature control medium).It is very preferably provided that the electrical energy storage device, in particular in the at least one operating mode, is arranged outside the second temperature control circuit and thus cannot be or is not flowed through by the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit.

[0013] In order to be able to temperature-control the electrical energy storage device particularly advantageously, in particular particularly effectively and efficiently, i.e. to cool and / or heat it, it is provided according to the invention that the temperature-control device has at least one thermoelectric element arranged in the temperature-control circuits, by means of which heat can be transferred selectively from the temperature-control medium flowing through the first temperature-control circuit to the temperature-control medium flowing through the second temperature-control circuit or heat from the temperature-control medium flowing through the second temperature-control circuit to the temperature-control medium flowing through the first temperature-control circuit.In particular, by means of the thermoelectric element, heat is selectively transferred from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium or heat from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium by actively applying an electric current to the thermoelectric element and depending on the flow direction in which the electric current applied to the thermoelectric element flows through the thermoelectric element. In other words, the thermoelectric element is switchable, in particular actively, between a first switching state and a second switching state.

[0014] For example, an electronic computing device is provided by means of which the thermoelectric element can be controlled, in particular actively, whereby the thermoelectric element can be switched between the first switching state and the second switching state. In the first switching state, heat can be transferred or transmitted from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element, i.e., via the thermoelectric element. In the second switching state, heat can be transferred or transmitted from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element, i.e., via the thermoelectric element.This is achieved, for example, in that in the first switching state the electrical current is or will be applied to the thermoelectric element in such a way, i.e. in the first switching state the thermoelectric element can be or is supplied with the electrical current in such a way that in the first switching state the electrical current flows through the thermoelectric element in a first flow direction. In the second switching state the electrical current is or will be applied to the thermoelectric element in such a way, i.e. in the second switching state the thermoelectric element can be or is supplied with the electrical current in such a way that in the second switching state the electrical current flows through the thermoelectric element in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction.The thermoelectric element can be or comprise a single thermoelectric element, or preferably the thermoelectric element comprises several individual thermoelectric elements that are, for example, electrically connected to one another. In particular, the thermoelectric element or the respective individual element is a Peltier element.

[0015] In the first switching state of the thermoelectric element, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element, whereby the first temperature control medium is cooled and the second temperature control medium is heated. In this way, for example, the electrical energy store can be advantageously cooled. In particular, the thermoelectric element can assist the first heat exchanger in cooling the first temperature control medium. In the second switching state, heat is transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element, whereby the first temperature control medium and, via this, the electrical energy store can be heated. This is particularly advantageous if, in particular simultaneously, operation of the first heat exchanger as an evaporator is omitted, so that cooling of the first temperature control medium by means of the first heat exchanger is omitted.This allows the first temperature control medium and, via this, the electrical energy storage device to be heated effectively and efficiently.

[0016] The electrical energy storage device comprises, for example, a plurality of storage cells by means of which the electrical energy is to be stored, in particular electrochemically. In particular, the storage cells are electrically connected to one another. More particularly, the storage cells are individual, separate cells. For example, the electrical energy storage device comprises a housing, which directly defines a receiving space, in particular, wherein the storage cells are arranged in the receiving space. Immersion temperature control, also referred to as immersion temperature control, is conceivable, in which the storage cells are directly immersed in the (first) temperature control medium.This means that during operation of the temperature control device, the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (first temperature control medium) flows through the receiving space and thus through the electrical energy storage device, flowing directly against and around the storage cells, in particular the respective outer peripheral surfaces of the storage cells, in particular the cell housings of the storage cells, and thus directly touching them. It is advantageous if the first temperature control medium is an electrically non-conductive temperature control medium, such as oil. Alternatively, conventional temperature control is conceivable.In this case, at least one temperature control element, formed separately from the storage cells and embodied, for example, as a plate, through which the first temperature control medium can flow, is provided in the receiving space. The storage cells are in heat-conducting contact with the temperature control element, so that heat can be exchanged between the storage cells and the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit and thus the temperature control element via the temperature control element. In particular, it is conceivable for the storage cells in the receiving space to directly contact the temperature control element.

[0017] By means of the thermoelectric element, the first temperature control medium and thus the electrical energy storage device, in particular in the second switching state, can be heated with a coefficient of performance greater than 1 without the use of an auxiliary electrical heater. By means of the thermoelectric element, heat contained in the second temperature control medium can be used to heat the first temperature control medium and thus the electrical energy storage device. For this purpose, the second switching state of the thermoelectric element is set, i.e. activated, whereby heat is transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element. Cooling of the first temperature control medium and thus of the electrical energy storage device takes place primarily by means of the first heat exchanger, in particular by operating the first heat exchanger as an evaporator.This cooling of the first temperature control medium and thus of the electrical energy storage device can be assisted by the thermoelectric element. For this purpose, the first switching state of the thermoelectric element is set, i.e., activated. As a result, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element. By using the thermoelectric element, it is possible, for example, to design the temperature control device for lower power peaks compared to conventional solutions. It is conceivable for the temperature control device to have an air / immersion liquid heat exchanger for direct temperature control, in particular cooling, of the energy storage device, thereby enabling particularly effective and efficient temperature control of the energy storage device.

[0018] In order to be able to exchange heat particularly effectively and efficiently via the thermoelectric element between the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit and the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit, one embodiment of the invention provides that the thermoelectric element has a first partial region arranged in the first temperature control circuit with a first surface, which can be directly contacted and / or around by the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit. In addition, the thermoelectric element has a second partial region arranged in the second temperature control circuit with a second surface, which can be directly contacted and / or around by the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit.This means that the respective temperature control medium can directly touch the respective surface, so that an effective and efficient heat exchange can be achieved.

[0019] A further embodiment is characterized in that the thermoelectric element is arranged in the first temperature control circuit downstream of the electrical energy storage device and upstream of the first heat exchanger, whereby a particularly effective and efficient temperature control can be achieved.

[0020] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one electrical machine is provided, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. The electrical machine is preferably a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular electrical operating and nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and very preferably amounts to several hundred volts. Very particularly, the electrical machine can be supplied with the electrical energy to be stored or stored in the electrical energy store, as a result of which the electrical machine can be operated in motor mode and thus as an electric motor. The motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the electric motor.The electric machine is arranged in the second temperature control circuit and is thereby to be temperature controlled by means of the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit. It is preferably provided that the electric machine, particularly in the at least one operating mode, is arranged outside the first temperature control circuit, i.e. not in the first temperature control circuit, and thus cannot be or is not flowed through by the first temperature control medium. This makes it possible to achieve particularly effective and efficient temperature control. In particular, heat from the electric machine, also referred to as waste heat, can be used via the thermoelectric element to heat the first temperature control medium and thus also the high-voltage storage device. For this purpose, heat is transferred from the electric machine to the second temperature control medium, whereby the electric machine is cooled and the second temperature control medium is heated.In particular, in the second switching state, heat can then be transferred from the second temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element to the first temperature control medium, from which heat can then be transferred to the electrical energy storage device.

[0021] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the temperature control device has a third heat exchanger arranged in the refrigerant circuit and through which air that is to be introduced or is introduced into the interior of the motor vehicle can flow around and / or through, via which heat can be exchanged between the air flowing around and / or through the third heat exchanger and to be introduced into the interior and the refrigerant. Preferably, the third heat exchanger is provided in addition to the first heat exchanger and in addition to the second heat exchanger, wherein it is very preferably provided that the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged outside of one another, viewed in pairs. The air that is to be introduced or is introduced into the interior is also referred to as cabin air or interior air.By using the third heat exchanger, particularly effective and efficient temperature control, i.e. in particular heating, in particular of the interior, can be achieved. For example, the third heat exchanger is or will be operated as a cooler, in particular as a condenser, for cooling, in particular condensing, the coolant, in particular in the at least one operating mode and / or in a further operating mode and / or in a third operating mode of the temperature control device which is or is operable in the third operating mode. If the third heat exchanger is operated as a cooler, in particular a condenser, for cooling, in particular condensing, the coolant, heat is transferred from the coolant to the cabin air via the third heat exchanger, as a result of which the cabin air is heated and the coolant is cooled and thereby, for example, condensed.Since the heated cabin air is introduced into the interior, the interior can be warmed, i.e. heated, which enables particularly effective and efficient temperature control, in particular heating, of the interior. The thermoelectric element makes it possible to use waste heat from the electric machine effectively and efficiently to heat the interior. If, for example, heat is transferred from the electric machine to the second temperature control medium in order to cool the electric machine, heat can be transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element, in particular in the second switching state of the thermoelectric element. If the first heat exchanger (chiller) is operated as an evaporator, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the coolant via the first heat exchanger.Since heat is transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium by means of the thermoelectric element, particularly in the second switching state, the first temperature control medium contains a particularly large amount of heat, which is transferred to the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger when it is operated as an evaporator. This allows the refrigerant to be heated effectively and efficiently.

[0022] Thus, the refrigerant contains a particularly large amount of heat, which can be transferred from the refrigerant to the cabin air via the third heat exchanger. This allows the interior to be heated effectively and efficiently.

[0023] A further embodiment is characterized by a fourth heat exchanger arranged in the refrigerant circuit and preferably provided in addition to the first, second, and third heat exchangers, which can be operated as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant. In other words, the fourth heat exchanger is or will be operated as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, in particular in the at least one operating mode and / or in a further operating mode and / or the third operating mode and / or the fourth operating mode of the temperature control device, which is or is operated in the fourth operating mode. Very preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth heat exchangers are arranged outside of one another when viewed in pairs. The cabin air can flow around and / or through the fourth heat exchanger.It is conceivable that, in particular during a first operation of the temperature control device, the cabin air flows around and / or through the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger on its way into the interior. Furthermore, it is conceivable, in particular during a second operation of the temperature control device, that the cabin air flows around and / or through exclusively the third heat exchanger with respect to the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger on its way into the interior. Furthermore, it is conceivable, in particular during a third operation of the temperature control device, that the cabin air flows around and / or through exclusively the fourth heat exchanger with respect to the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger on its way into the interior.Particularly when the fourth heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, heat is transferred from the cabin air to the refrigerant via the fourth heat exchanger, thereby cooling the cabin air. This allows the cabin air and thus the interior to be cooled and thus tempered effectively and efficiently. This also allows the electrical energy storage unit to be heated or warmed. Heat from the air for the interior, also referred to as the cabin, is absorbed at the evaporator, transferred to the second temperature control circuit via the second heat exchanger (WCC), and transferred to the first temperature control circuit and thus to the energy storage unit via the thermoelectric element.

[0024] In order to be able to realize particularly effective and efficient temperature control, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the temperature control device has an ambient air heat exchanger around which ambient air in an environment of the motor vehicle can flow, which is arranged in the second temperature control circuit. For example, the ambient air heat exchanger is, in particular in the at least one operating mode, outside the first temperature control circuit, i.e., not arranged in the first temperature control circuit and consequently does not have the first temperature control medium flowing through it or flowing through it. For example, when the motor vehicle is traveling forward, the ambient air heat exchanger is or will be flowed around by the ambient air from an environment of the motor vehicle, wherein, for example, the ambient air flowing around the ambient air heat exchanger is not introduced into the interior of the motor vehicle.Heat can be exchanged between the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit and the ambient air flowing around the ambient air heat exchanger via the ambient air heat exchanger. In particular, the ambient air heat exchanger can function, operate, or be operated as an ambient air cooler, so that the second temperature control medium is to be cooled or is cooled by means of the ambient air heat exchanger, in particular by transferring or being transferred via the ambient air heat exchanger from the second temperature control medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger to the ambient air flowing around the ambient air heat exchanger. This allows for effective and efficient temperature control.

[0025] It has proven particularly advantageous if the thermoelectric element is arranged in the second temperature control circuit downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the ambient air heat exchanger, whereby a particularly effective and efficient temperature control can be achieved.

[0026] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a temperature control device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0027] A third aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, and preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, which has a temperature control device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0028] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawing. The sole figure, Figure 1, shows a schematic representation of a temperature control device for a motor vehicle.

[0029] The sole Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a temperature control device 1 for a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, whose interior, also referred to as a passenger cell or passenger compartment, is formed by a structure of the motor vehicle, for example in the form of a self-supporting body. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The motor vehicle has the temperature control device 1. The temperature control device 1 has a refrigerant circuit 2 through which a coolant can flow. Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 has a first temperature control circuit 3 through which a temperature control medium different from the coolant and provided additionally thereto can flow. The temperature control medium is a liquid, i.e. fluid. The temperature control medium flowing through the temperature control circuit 3 is also referred to as the first temperature control medium.The temperature control device 1 also has a second temperature control circuit 4, through which a second temperature control medium can flow. It is conceivable that the second temperature control medium is the first temperature control medium, so that the first temperature control medium is the second temperature control medium, and vice versa. Thus, for example, temperature control circuits 3 and 4 can be flowed through by the same temperature control medium. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second temperature control medium is a different temperature control medium than the first temperature control medium and is provided additionally thereto.It is conceivable that in at least one operating mode of the temperature control device 1, which can be operated in the at least one operating mode or, in particular in a method for operating the temperature control device 1, in which at least one operating mode is operated, the temperature control circuits 3 and 4 can be or are flowed through independently of one another by the respective temperature control medium and are thus independent of one another, in particular in such a way that mixing of the first temperature control medium with the second temperature control medium and vice versa is avoided and / or in such a way that flow of the first temperature control medium from the first temperature control circuit 3 into the second temperature control circuit 4 is avoided and that flow of the second temperature control medium from the second temperature control circuit 4 into the first temperature control circuit 3 is avoided.

[0030] A first pump 5 is arranged in the first temperature control circuit 3, by means of which the first temperature control medium can be conveyed or is conveyed through the first temperature control circuit 3. A second pump 6, provided in particular in addition to the pump 5, is arranged in the second temperature control circuit 4, by means of which the second temperature control medium can be conveyed or is conveyed through the second temperature control circuit. Preferably, the respective pump 5, 6 is an electric pump, i.e., an electrically operated pump.

[0031] A refrigerant compressor 7 is arranged in the refrigerant circuit 2, by means of which the refrigerant can be or is conveyed and compressed, whereby the refrigerant can be or is conveyed through the refrigerant circuit 2. The temperature control device 1 has a first heat exchanger 8, also referred to as a chiller, which is arranged both in the first temperature control circuit 3 and in the refrigerant circuit 2. In particular, it is provided that in the at least one operating mode, the first heat exchanger is arranged outside the second temperature control circuit 4 and consequently cannot be or is not flowed through by the second temperature control medium, so that, for example, in the at least one operating mode, with respect to the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium, only the first temperature control medium flows through the heat exchanger 8.Heat exchanger 8 can be operated as a first evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant. Heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant and the first temperature control medium via heat exchanger 8. If heat exchanger 8 is operated as the first evaporator, the refrigerant is evaporated by means of heat exchanger 8, whereby heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the refrigerant via heat exchanger 8. This heats the refrigerant and cools the first temperature control medium.

[0032] The temperature control device 1 also has a second heat exchanger 9 provided in addition to the first heat exchanger 8, which is arranged both in the refrigerant circuit 2 and in the second temperature control circuit 4. For example, the second heat exchanger 9 is arranged outside of the first temperature control circuit 3 in the at least one operating mode, so that in the at least one operating mode, the first temperature control medium cannot flow through or does not flow through the second heat exchanger 9. Thus, for example, in the at least one operating mode, with respect to the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium, only the second temperature control medium flows through the heat exchanger 9. The second heat exchanger 9 can be operated as a condenser for cooling and condensing the refrigerant.If the heat exchanger 9 is operated as the aforementioned condenser, the refrigerant is cooled by means of the heat exchanger 9 and thereby condensed, and thus liquefied, in particular in such a way that heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the second temperature control medium via the heat exchanger 9.

[0033] The temperature control device 1, and thus the motor vehicle, also has an electrical energy storage device 10 in which electrical energy is to be stored, in particular electrochemically. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the electrical energy storage device 10 is a high-voltage component, so that the electrical energy storage device 10 is also referred to as a high-voltage storage device. The high-voltage storage device is arranged in the first temperature control circuit 3 and is therefore to be temperature-controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the first temperature control medium.For example, it is provided that in the at least one operating mode, the electrical energy store 10 is arranged outside the second temperature control circuit 4, that is to say is not arranged in the second temperature control circuit 4 and consequently is not able to be or is not flowed through by the second temperature control medium, so that, for example, in the at least one operating mode, with respect to the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium, only the first temperature control medium flows through the energy store 10.

[0034] From Fig. 1 it can be seen that, for example, the heat exchanger 9 is one of several components 11 which are arranged in the second temperature control circuit 4. For example, in the at least one operating mode the components are arranged outside the first temperature control circuit 3 and consequently the first temperature control medium cannot flow through or does not flow through it. Thus, for example, in the at least one operating mode, with respect to the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium, only the second temperature control medium flows through the components 11. The heat exchanger 9 is thus a first of the components 11. A second of the components 11 is an electrical machine designated 12, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. Thus, preferably (also) the electrical machine 12 is a high-voltage component, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically.A third of the components 11 is, for example, an electronic computing device, designated 13, also referred to as a control unit, by means of which, for example, the electric machine 12 and / or the electrical energy storage device 10 can be controlled and thus operated. The electric machine 12 and the electronic computing device 13 can be temperature-controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the second temperature-control medium.

[0035] The temperature control device 1 has a third heat exchanger 14, which is also referred to or can be operated as a heating condenser, for example. Air can flow around and / or through the heat exchanger 14, which air can be introduced or is introduced into the interior of the motor vehicle and is therefore also referred to as interior air or cabin air. Heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the cabin air via the heat exchanger 14, in particular in such a way that heat can be transferred or is transferred from the coolant to the cabin air via the heat exchanger 14. As a result, the coolant is cooled and thus, for example, condensed, and the cabin air is heated. Since the cabin air is introduced into the interior, the interior can be heated by means of the heated cabin air, i.e., warmed and thus advantageously tempered.In the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 2, the heat exchanger 14 is arranged downstream of the refrigerant compressor 7 and upstream of the heat exchanger 9.

[0036] The temperature control device 1 has a fourth heat exchanger 15, which is arranged in the refrigerant circuit 2. The heat exchanger 15 can be operated as a second evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant. The cabin air can flow around and / or through the heat exchanger 15. In particular, when the refrigerant is evaporated by the heat exchanger 15, heat is transferred from the cabin air to the refrigerant via the heat exchanger 15, thereby cooling the cabin air. Since the cabin air is introduced into the interior, the interior can be cooled as a result.For example, the cabin air can optionally flow around and / or through the heat exchangers 14 and 15, in particular one after the other, or, with respect to the heat exchangers 14 and 15, exclusively through the heat exchanger 14, or, with respect to the heat exchangers 14 and 15, exclusively through the heat exchanger 15, so that, for example, the cabin air can be tempered optionally by means of the heat exchangers 14 and 15, or, with respect to the heat exchangers 14 and 15, exclusively through the heat exchanger 14, or, with respect to the heat exchangers 14 and 15, exclusively through the heat exchanger 15. This allows for demand-based temperature control of the interior to be achieved.

[0037] From Fig. 1 it can be seen that the chiller (heat exchanger 8) is arranged in a first branch Z1 of the refrigerant circuit 2 and the heat exchanger 15 is arranged in a second branch Z2 of the refrigerant circuit 2. The branches Z1 and Z2 can be switched or are switched in parallel to one another in terms of flow. A first expansion valve EX1, by means of which the refrigerant can be expanded, is arranged in branch Z1. A second expansion valve EX2, by means of which the refrigerant can be expanded, is arranged in branch Z2. The respective expansion valve EX1, EX2 can be switched, for example, between at least one release state and at least one blocking state. In the blocking state, the respective branch Z1, Z2, in which the respective expansion valve EX1, EX2 is arranged, is fluidically blocked by means of the respective expansion valve EX1, EX2, such that the refrigerant cannot flow through the respective, fluidically blocked second branch Z1, Z2.In the respective release state, the respective expansion valve EX1, EX2 releases the respective branch Z1, Z2, in which the respective expansion valve EX1, EX2 is arranged, so that the refrigerant can flow through the respective released branch Z1, Z2.

[0038] Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 has a fifth heat exchanger as an internal heat exchanger 16. The internal heat exchanger 16 is arranged in the refrigerant circuit 2, specifically at both a first location S1 and a second location S2. The first location S1 is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 9 and upstream of the heat exchangers 8 and 15, and the second location S2 is arranged downstream of the heat exchangers 8 and 15 and upstream of the refrigerant compressor 7. Via the internal heat exchanger 16, heat can be transferred between the refrigerant flowing from the heat exchanger 9 to the respective heat exchanger 8, 15 and the refrigerant flowing from the respective heat exchanger 8, 15 to the refrigerant compressor 7, thus enabling particularly efficient operation.

[0039] The temperature control device 1 has, as a sixth heat exchanger, an ambient air heat exchanger 17, around which air from the environment of the motor vehicle can flow. The air flowing around the ambient air heat exchanger 17 and originating from the environment of the motor vehicle is also referred to as ambient air. In particular, it is provided that the ambient air flowing around the ambient air heat exchanger 17 is not introduced into the interior. Heat can be exchanged between the second temperature control medium and the ambient air via the ambient air heat exchanger 17. It can be seen that, for example, in the at least one operating mode, the ambient air heat exchanger 17 is arranged outside the first temperature control circuit 3 and therefore cannot be or is not flowed through by the first temperature control medium.The ambient air heat exchanger 17 is assigned a fan 18, in particular an electrically operated fan, by means of which the ambient air can be conveyed in order to thereby supply the ambient air heat exchanger 17 with the ambient air.

[0040] The previous and following statements regarding the electrical machine 12 can readily be applied to the electronic computing device 13 and vice versa. In order to achieve particularly effective and efficient temperature control, i.e., cooling and / or heating of at least the electrical energy storage device 10, the temperature control device 1 also has at least one thermoelectric element 19. The thermoelectric element 19 is arranged both in the first temperature control circuit 3 and in the second temperature control circuit 4 and, as a result, can be flowed around and / or through by both the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium. By means of the thermoelectric element 19, heat can be transferred either from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium or from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium.For this purpose, the thermoelectric element 19 can be actively switched between a first switching state and a second switching state, for example by means of the electronic computing device 13 and / or by means of a further electronic computing device not shown in Fig. 1. If the thermoelectric element 19 is in the first switching state, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element 19. If the thermoelectric element 19 is in the second switching state, heat is transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element 19, i.e. by means of the thermoelectric element 19.In the first switching state, for example, an electrical current is applied to the thermoelectric element 19 in such a way, i.e., for example, in the first switching state, the thermoelectric element 19 is supplied with the electrical current in such a way that, in the first switching state, the electrical current flows through the thermoelectric element 19 in a first flow direction. In the second switching state, for example, the electrical current is applied to the thermoelectric element 19 in such a way, i.e., for example, in the second switching state, the thermoelectric element 19 is supplied with the electrical current in such a way that, in the second switching state, the electrical current flows through the thermoelectric element 19 in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction.

[0041] From Fig. 1 it can be seen that the thermoelectric element 19 has a first partial region TB1 arranged in the first temperature control circuit 3, said first partial region having a first surface O1, which can be directly contacted and / or around by the first temperature control medium or has the first temperature control medium flowing against and / or around it. The thermoelectric element 19 also has a second partial region TB2 arranged in the second temperature control circuit 4, said second partial region having a second surface O2, which can be directly contacted and / or around by the second temperature control medium or has the second temperature control medium flowing against and / or around it. This ensures a particularly effective and efficient heat exchange between the thermoelectric element 19 and the respective temperature control medium.

[0042] The thermoelectric element 19 is arranged in the first temperature control circuit 3 downstream of the electrical energy storage device 10 and upstream of the first heat exchanger 8. Furthermore, the thermoelectric element 19 is arranged in the second temperature control circuit 4 downstream of the respective component 11 and upstream of the ambient air heat exchanger 17.

[0043] Heat that can be provided or is provided by the respective component 11, also referred to as waste heat, can be transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element 19, whereby the first temperature control medium and, via this, the electrical energy storage device 10 can be heated effectively and efficiently without the use of an auxiliary electrical heater. In this case, for example, the heat exchanger 8 is not operated as an evaporator. If, for example, the heat exchanger 8 is operated as an evaporator, by means of which the first temperature control medium and, via this, the electrical energy storage device 10 are cooled, this cooling of the electrical energy storage device 10 can be assisted by means of the thermoelectric element 19. For this purpose, heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the second temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element 19.For example, the ambient air heat exchanger 17 can effectively and efficiently cool the second temperature control medium heated thereby. This allows for demand-based temperature control of the electrical energy storage device 10.

[0044] The temperature control device 1 can be operated in heat pump mode and thus as a heat pump. Heat pump operation is also referred to as heat pump operating mode. For example, the heat pump operating mode is the aforementioned at least one operating mode or a further operating mode of the temperature control device 1. In heat pump mode, for example, the heat exchanger 8 is operated as an evaporator, whereby heat is transferred from the first temperature control medium to the coolant via the heat exchanger 8. Furthermore, for example, in heat pump mode, heat is transferred from the electric machine 12 and / or from the electronic computing device 13 to the second temperature control medium, whereby the second temperature control medium is heated. Furthermore, it is conceivable that in heat pump mode, the coolant is cooled by means of the heat exchanger 9, whereby the second temperature control medium is heated.For example, in heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the second temperature control medium to the first temperature control medium via the thermoelectric element 19, whereby the first temperature control medium is heated. Furthermore, it is conceivable that in heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the energy storage device 10 to the first temperature control medium. Thus, for example, in heat pump operation, the first temperature control medium is heated to a considerable extent, so that a large amount of heat is contained in the first temperature control medium. Via the heat exchanger 8, which is operated as an evaporator, a large amount of heat can be transferred from the first temperature control medium to the refrigerant in heat pump operation, so that a particularly large amount of heat is contained in the refrigerant, in particular when it flows into the heat exchanger 14. In addition, heating is achieved, for example, by the refrigerant being conveyed and compressed by means of the refrigerant compressor 7.Thus, in heat pump mode, a particularly large amount of heat contained in the refrigerant is available to the heat exchanger 14, so that in heat pump mode, the heat exchanger 14 is operated, for example, as a cooler, in particular a condenser, for cooling, in particular, condensing the refrigerant. Thus, in heat pump mode, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the cabin air via the heat exchanger 14, which can thereby be heated effectively and efficiently. Since the cabin air is introduced into the interior, the interior can thus be heated effectively and efficiently in heat pump mode, and in particular, an excessively high temperature of the energy storage device 10 can be avoided.Operation of the heat exchanger 9 as a cooler for cooling the refrigerant can be omitted in heat pump mode, or in heat pump mode, the heat exchanger 9 is operated as a cooler, in particular a condenser, for cooling, in particular condensing, the refrigerant. It can be seen that the heat exchanger 9 is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 14 and upstream of the refrigerant compressor 7 in the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 2, so that conversely, the heat exchanger 14 is arranged downstream of the refrigerant compressor 7 and upstream of the heat exchanger 9. This allows for particularly effective and efficient temperature control.

[0045] List of reference symbols

[0046] 1 temperature control device

[0047] 2 Refrigerant circuit

[0048] 3 first temperature control circuit

[0049] 4 second temperature control circuit

[0050] 5 Pump

[0051] 6 Pump

[0052] 7 Cold medium compressor

[0053] 8 first heat exchanger

[0054] 9 second heat exchanger

[0055] 10 electrical energy storage

[0056] 11 components

[0057] 12 electric machine

[0058] 13 electronic computing device

[0059] 14 third heat exchanger

[0060] 15 fourth heat exchanger

[0061] 16 internal heat exchanger

[0062] 17 Ambient air heat exchangers

[0063] 18 fans

[0064] 19 thermoelectric element

[0065] EX1 expansion valve

[0066] EX2 expansion valve

[0067] 01 first surface

[0068] 02 second surface

[0069] S1 position

[0070] S2 position

[0071] TB1 first section

[0072] TB2 second section

[0073] Z1 branch

[0074] Z2 branch

Claims

Patent claims 1. Temperature control device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a refrigerant circuit (2) through which a refrigerant can flow; - a first temperature control circuit (3) through which a temperature control medium can flow; - a second temperature control circuit (4) through which the temperature control medium can flow; - a first heat exchanger (8) arranged both in the refrigerant circuit (2) and in the first temperature control circuit (3) and operable as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, via which heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant and the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (3); - a second heat exchanger (9) arranged both in the refrigerant circuit (2) and in the second temperature control circuit (4) and operable as a cooler for cooling the refrigerant, via which heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant and the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4); and - an electrical energy store (10) designed to store electrical energy, which is arranged in the first temperature control circuit (3) and is to be temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (3); characterized by at least one thermoelectric element (19) arranged in the temperature control circuits (3, 4), by means of which heat can be transferred selectively from the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (3) to the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4) or heat from the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4) to the temperature control medium flowing through the first temperature control circuit (3).

2. Temperature control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (19) comprises: - a first partial area (TB1) arranged in the first temperature control circuit (3) with a first surface (01) which is directly connected to the first The temperature control medium flowing through the temperature control circuit (3) can flow towards and / or around it; and - a second partial area (TB2) arranged in the second temperature control circuit (4) with a second surface (02) which can be directly contacted and / or around by the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4).

3. Temperature control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (19) is arranged in the first temperature control circuit (3) downstream of the electrical energy storage device (10) and upstream of the first heat exchanger (8).

4. Tempering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one electric machine (12) by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, wherein the electric machine (12) is arranged in the second tempering circuit (4) and is to be tempered by means of the tempering medium flowing through the second tempering circuit (4).

5. Temperature control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a third heat exchanger (14) arranged in the refrigerant circuit (2) and through which air, which is to be introduced into an interior of the motor vehicle, can flow around and / or through, via which heat can be exchanged between the air and the refrigerant.

6. Temperature control device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by a fourth heat exchanger (15) arranged in the refrigerant circuit (2), which can be operated as an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant and can be flowed around and / or through by the air to be introduced into the interior.

7. Temperature control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a temperature control device (1) arranged in the second temperature control circuit (4) and supplied with ambient air ambient air heat exchanger (17) which can flow around an environment of the motor vehicle and via which heat can be exchanged between the temperature control medium flowing through the second temperature control circuit (4) and the ambient air.

8. Tempering device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (19) is arranged in the second tempering circuit (4) downstream of the second heat exchanger (9) and upstream of the ambient air heat exchanger (17).

9. Method for operating a temperature control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Motor vehicle, with a temperature control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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