Temperature control device, temperature control program, and temperature control method

Abstract

A temperature adjustment system (100) comprises: a first circulation circuit capable of changing between flow paths (11b, 11c) of a first heat medium; a heat pump (130) having a pressure converter for changing the temperature of a second heat medium by compressing or expanding the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium; and a temperature control device (140). The temperature adjustment system adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into a first heat exchanger to cause heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. The temperature control device (140) comprises: a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a decision has been made to change the flow path of the first circulation circuit, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount, due to the change of the flow path, of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger; and a flow path control unit (144) that performs control to change the flow path on the basis of the predicted result from the temperature prediction unit.

Description

Temperature control device, temperature control program, and temperature control method CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2023-218677, filed on December 25, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been temperature adjustment systems that adjust the temperature of a desired target device by cooling or heating the device by switching a flow path through which a refrigerant flows. Such a system is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent No. 5983187

[0005] Incidentally, it has been considered to use a heat pump in such a temperature adjustment system to transfer heat between the low-temperature water circuit and the high-temperature water circuit.

[0006] However, when the flow path is switched in either the low-temperature water circuit or the high-temperature water circuit, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through one circuit may change suddenly, exceeding the capacity of the heat pump and potentially affecting the heat medium flowing through the other circuit. For example, if the temperature of the heat medium in the low-temperature water circuit suddenly drops due to the switching of the flow path, the refrigerant temperature of the heat pump may drop beyond the capacity of the heat pump's temperature control function, and the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature water circuit may drop. In this case, for example, the temperature of a heater connected to the high-temperature water circuit may drop.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method that can prevent a sudden temperature change of a heat medium.

[0008] A first means for solving the above problem is a temperature control device for a temperature adjustment system comprising: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium; and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger and has a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium, the temperature control device causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control device comprising: a temperature prediction unit that, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit, predicts a predicted temperature or an amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; and a flow path control unit that performs control to change the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

[0009] In this way, the predicted temperature or temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to a change in the flow path is predicted, and the flow path change control is performed based on the result, thereby preventing sudden temperature changes of the heat medium.

[0010] A second means for solving the above problem includes: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium; and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger and has a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium, wherein a temperature control program executed by a temperature control device of a temperature adjustment system causes the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control program including, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is decided, a temperature prediction step of predicting a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, and a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on a prediction result of the temperature prediction step.

[0011] In this way, the predicted temperature or temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to a change in the flow path is predicted, and the flow path change control is performed based on the result, thereby preventing sudden temperature changes of the heat medium.

[0012] A third means for solving the above problem is a temperature control method performed by a temperature control device of a temperature adjustment system comprising: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium; and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger and has a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change the temperature of the second heat medium, the temperature control method comprising: causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium; the temperature control method comprising: a temperature prediction step of predicting, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit, a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; and a flow path control step of performing control to change the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction step.

[0013] In this way, the predicted temperature or temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to a change in the flow path is predicted, and the flow path change control is performed based on the result, thereby preventing sudden temperature changes of the heat medium.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature regulation system, Fig. 2 is a graph of a function f(X, Xmin, Xmax), Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a flow path control process, Fig. 4 is a block diagram explaining the function of an ECU in a second embodiment, Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an instruction process in the second embodiment, Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature regulation system in the second embodiment, Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a flow path control process in a third embodiment, Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a flow path control process in a fourth embodiment, Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature regulation system in a modified example, and Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a temperature regulation system in the modified example.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of a temperature control device, a temperature control program, and a temperature control method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the temperature control device, the temperature control program, and the temperature control method according to the present disclosure are applied to a vehicle (including an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.). Note that in the following embodiments, parts that are identical or equivalent to each other are assigned the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0016] (First embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1 , a temperature adjustment system 100 includes a low-temperature circuit section 110, a high-temperature circuit section 120, a heat pump 130 disposed between the low-temperature circuit section 110 and the high-temperature circuit section 120, and an ECU 140 as a temperature control device that controls the temperature adjustment system 100.

[0017] The low-temperature circuit unit 110 includes a first circulation circuit 11 through which a first heat medium, such as a low-temperature coolant, circulates, and serves to cool components mounted on the vehicle that are to be cooled, such as a rechargeable storage battery 12, a battery heater 13, an inverter 14, a motor 15, and a radiator 16.

[0018] The first circulation circuit 11 of the low-temperature circuit section 110 is provided with a first pump 17 for circulating the first heat medium and a chiller 31 as a first heat exchanger constituting the heat pump 130. In the first circulation circuit 11 of this embodiment, a first flow path 11a in which the chiller 31 and the first pump 17 are arranged in series is connected to a second flow path 11b in which the battery heater 13 and the storage battery 12 are arranged in series, and a third flow path 11c in which the inverter 14, the motor 15, and the radiator 16 are arranged in series are arranged in parallel to the first flow path 11a. In other words, the first flow path 11a branches into the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c midway. The first heat medium flowing out of the chiller 31 is sent to the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c by the first pump 17. In the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c of this embodiment, the side where the first pump 17 flows out from the first pump 17 is indicated as the upstream side, and the opposite side (the side where the flow in) is indicated as the downstream side. In the drawing, an arrow pointing from the upstream side to the downstream side is shown.

[0019] A switching valve 18 is provided downstream of the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c at the point where the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c join (the connection point). By switching the switching valve 18, either the second flow path 11b or the third flow path 11c can be connected to the first flow path 11a. In this embodiment, the state in which the second flow path 11b is connected to the first flow path 11a is referred to as a "second flow path switching state." Similarly, the state in which the third flow path 11c is connected to the first flow path 11a is referred to as a "third flow path switching state." The first circulation circuit 11 can be in either the second flow path switching state or the third flow path switching state. Components such as the battery heater 13 and the inverter 14, as well as the switching valve 18, are connected to and controlled by the ECU 140.

[0020] The high-temperature circuit section 120 includes a second circulation circuit 21 through which a third heat medium, which has a higher temperature than the first heat medium in the low-temperature circuit section 110, circulates, and serves to heat (or cool) target components among those installed in the vehicle 10. The third heat medium may be a coolant or a refrigerant gas. The target components include, for example, a heater core 22 that constitutes a car air conditioner (not shown). The heater core 22 is connected to and controlled by the ECU 140.

[0021] The second circulation circuit 21 of the high-temperature circuit section 120 is provided with a flow path 21a through which the third heat medium flows, a second pump 23 for circulating the third heat medium in the flow path 21a, and a water-cooled condenser 32 as a second heat exchanger constituting the heat pump 130. The third heat medium is circulated between the heater core 22 and the water-cooled condenser 32 by the second pump 23.

[0022] The heat pump 130 includes a flow path 30 through which a second heat medium such as carbon dioxide gas circulates, a chiller 31, a water-cooled condenser 32, a compressor 33, and an expansion valve 34. The chiller 31, the water-cooled condenser 32, the compressor 33, and the expansion valve 34 are arranged in the flow path 30 in the following order: chiller 31 → compressor 33 → water-cooled condenser 32 → expansion valve 34 → chiller 31, and the second heat medium circulates in this order. When the second heat medium is sent from the chiller 31 to the water-cooled condenser 32, the compressor 33 is capable of compressing the second heat medium to increase its temperature. Conversely, when the second heat medium is sent from the water-cooled condenser 32 to the chiller 31, the expansion valve 34 is capable of expanding the second heat medium to decrease its temperature. The compressor 33 and the expansion valve 34 are connected to and controlled by the ECU 140.

[0023] Next, a description will be given of the ECU 140. The ECU 140 is an electronic control unit equipped with a well-known microcomputer including a processor such as a CPU, and storage devices such as a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The ECU 140 is configured to be able to acquire various types of information.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the ECU 140 has various functions, such as a flow path determination unit 141, a temperature prediction unit 142, a determination unit 143, and a flow path control unit 144. The ECU 140 executes these various functions based on various acquired information. These functions are realized by a processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage memory) included in the ECU 140. This program corresponds to the program according to the present disclosure. The various functions may be realized by electronic circuits, which are hardware, or at least a portion of the functions may be realized by software, i.e., processing executed on a computer. The ECU 140 does not need to be configured as a single piece of hardware, but may be configured as multiple pieces of hardware that cooperate with each other to realize the various functions.

[0025] The various functions of the ECU 140 will be described below.

[0026] The flow path determination unit 141 has a function of determining the flow path of the first circulation circuit 11. For example, when the flow path switching state is in the third flow path switching state, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the second flow path 11b (change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b) if the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is outside a second allowable temperature range, which is an allowable range for the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b. For example, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the second flow path 11b if the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is higher than an upper limit value or lower than a lower limit value of the second allowable temperature. Here, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is detected by a second water temperature sensor SE2 and input to the ECU 140. The second water temperature sensor SE2 is located in the second flow path 11b between the switching valve 18 and the storage battery 12, but its position may be changed as desired within the second flow path 11b.

[0027] Similarly, in the second flow path switching state, the flow path determination unit 141 determines to switch to the third flow path 11c (change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c) when the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit or lower limit of a third allowable temperature that is allowable for the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c. Here, the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is detected by a third water temperature sensor SE3 and input to the ECU 140. The third water temperature sensor SE3 is located between the switching valve 18 and the radiator 16 in the third flow path 11c, but its position may be changed as desired as long as it is in the third flow path 11c.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second allowable temperature range and the third allowable temperature range are each predetermined, but may be configured to be changeable. For example, the second allowable temperature range and the third allowable temperature range may be changed depending on the condition of the vehicle or the condition of the components.

[0029] However, if there is a large temperature difference between the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b and the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c, switching between the flow paths 11b and 11c may result in a sudden increase or decrease in the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a. Even if the temperature suddenly changes, there is no problem as long as it does not exceed the performance of the heat pump 130. However, if the performance is exceeded, it may affect the water-cooled condenser 32, and as a result, it may be impossible to control the temperature of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21 to a desired value. This may affect the heater core 22 of the car air conditioner, and the vehicle interior may not be sufficiently heated or cooled. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c in the first circulation circuit 11, the flow path determination unit 141 predicts how the temperature of the first heat medium will change, and changes or does not change the flow path based on the prediction result. Various functions for this purpose are described below.

[0030] When the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c in the first circulation circuit 11, the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the amount of change in temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 due to the change in the flow paths 11b and 11c. The temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 is detected by a first water temperature sensor SE1 and input to the ECU 140. The first water temperature sensor SE1 is located in the first flow path 11a between the switching valve 18 and the chiller 31.

[0031] The prediction of the temperature change amount will be described in detail. When the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow paths 11b and 11c, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the temperature change amount dT1 / dt using the following (Equation 1). The temperature prediction unit 142 also calculates the temperature change amount dT2 / dt using the following (Equation 2). The temperature change amount dT3 / dt is calculated using the following (Equation 3). The temperature change amount dT4 / dt is calculated using the following (Equation 4).

[0032] Here, (Equation 1), (Equation 2), (Equation 3), and (Equation 4) are temperature prediction models for predicting the amount of temperature change. These temperature prediction models are stored in advance in the storage unit of the ECU 140.

[0033] The temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first water temperature sensor SE1 is "T1," the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second water temperature sensor SE2 is "T2," the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the third water temperature sensor SE3 is "T3," and the temperature of the third heat medium detected by the fourth water temperature sensor SE4 is "T4." These temperatures are referred to as medium temperatures T1 to T4. The detected medium temperatures T1 to T4 are stored in a memory unit of the ECU 140. In this embodiment, the fourth water temperature sensor SE4 is disposed in the flow path 21a of the second circulation circuit 21 downstream of the water-cooled condenser 32, between the water-cooled condenser 32 and the heater core 22, but its position may be changed as desired.

[0034] The amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the first water temperature sensor SE1 is "dT1 / dt," the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the second water temperature sensor SE2 is "dT2 / dt," the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium detected by the third water temperature sensor SE3 is "dT3 / dt," and the amount of temperature change of the third heat medium detected by the fourth water temperature sensor SE4 is "dT4 / dt." These amounts of temperature change are indicated as dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt. Note that the amounts of temperature change dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt are predicted values, not actually measured values.

[0035] The heat capacity of the first flow path 11a is "C1," the heat capacity of the second flow path 11b is "C2," the heat capacity of the third flow path 11c is "C3," and the heat capacity of the flow path 21a in the second circulation circuit is "C4." These heat capacities are indicated as C1 to C4, respectively. Each of the heat capacities C1 to C4 is measured by experiment, simulation, or the like, and is stored in the memory unit of the ECU 140.

[0036] Furthermore, the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the chiller 31 is "Qh1", and the heat exchange amount between the third heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32 is "Qh2". The heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12 is "Qbat", and the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13 is "Qbh". The heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the inverter 14 is "Qinv", the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the motor 15 is "Qmg", and the heat exchange amount between the first heat medium and the radiator 16 is "Qrd". The heat exchange amount between the third heat medium and the heater core 22 is "Qhc". These heat exchange amounts are indicated as Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, when the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, the amount of heat exchanged between the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b (or the third flow path 11c) to which the change is made is indicated as "Q1." When the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, the amount of heat exchanged between the second flow path 11b and the first flow path 11a is indicated as "Q2." When the flow paths 11b and 11c are changed, the amount of heat exchanged between the third flow path 11c and the first flow path 11a is indicated as "Q3." These amounts of heat exchange are indicated as Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively.

[0038] The calculation method for the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 differs depending on how the flow paths are changed. Here, the calculation method for the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 will be described. When the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 using (Equation 5), (Equation 6), and (Equation 7), respectively. Here, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a is denoted as "V." Hereinafter, this will be simply referred to as the flow rate V. The flow rate V can be estimated from the control amount and current amount of the first pump 17. Note that a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate V may be provided, and the flow rate may be acquired from the flow rate sensor. The adjustment coefficients are denoted as K1 to K3. These (Equation 5), (Equation 6), and (Equation 7) are prediction models (heat exchange amount prediction models) for the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 when changing from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b.

[0039] On the other hand, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 from (Equation 8), (Equation 9), and (Equation 10), respectively. These (Equations 8), (Equation 9), and (Equation 10) are prediction models (heat exchange amount prediction models) of the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 when changing from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c.

[0040] Further, a supplementary explanation will be given for the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc. Each heat exchange amount Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc varies depending on the heat generation or heat absorption amount of the heat medium and the component to be cooled or heated. Therefore, the temperature prediction unit 142 first predicts the heat generation or heat absorption amount of the component based on at least one of the component state and the control value controlling the component operation. The temperature prediction unit 142 then predicts the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc based on the predicted heat generation or heat absorption amount of each component. Note that instead of the component state, a value correlated with the component state may be acquired, and instead of the control value controlling the component operation, a value correlated with the control value controlling the component operation may be acquired.

[0041] More specifically, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires, from the ECU 140, values ​​correlating with the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the acquired values ​​into a prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qh1 (heat exchange amount prediction model) and predicts the heat exchange amount Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31.

[0042] When controlling the chiller 31, the ECU 140 measures the temperature of the second heat medium and controls the aperture of the expansion valve 34 so that the measured temperature of the second heat medium becomes a target temperature, thereby controlling the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. The temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as a value correlating with the temperature of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31. The temperature prediction unit 142 also acquires a control value for controlling the aperture of the expansion valve 34 as a value correlating with the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31.

[0043] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires from the ECU 140 values ​​correlating with the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the acquired values ​​into a prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qh2 (heat exchange amount prediction model) to predict the heat exchange amount Qh2 between the first heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32.

[0044] When controlling the water-cooled condenser 32, the ECU 140 measures the temperature of the second heat medium and controls the discharge pressure of the compressor 33 and the like so that the measured temperature of the second heat medium becomes a target temperature, thereby controlling the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. The temperature prediction unit 142 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as a value correlating with the temperature of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32. The temperature prediction unit 142 also acquires a control value for controlling the discharge pressure of the compressor 33 as a value correlating with the flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32.

[0045] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires from the ECU 140 the charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 12, which indicates a value correlated with the state of the storage battery 12. Then, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the charge / discharge amount into a prediction model of the heat exchange amount Qbat (heat exchange amount prediction model) and predicts the heat exchange amount Qbat between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12. The charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 12 may be acquired from a current sensor.

[0046] The temperature prediction unit 142 also acquires the temperature of the battery heater 13 as the state of the battery heater 13. The temperature prediction unit 142 then inputs the acquired value into a prediction model (heat exchange amount prediction model) for the heat exchange amount Qbh to predict the heat exchange amount Qbh between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13. The temperature of the battery heater 13 may be acquired from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery heater 13, if such a temperature sensor is available. Alternatively, the temperature of the battery heater 13 (current temperature or target temperature) may be acquired from a control device (such as the ECU 140) that controls the battery heater 13 or from the battery heater 13. In this case, a value (control value) for controlling the temperature of the battery heater 13 is acquired, and the heat exchange amount Qbh is predicted based on the control value.

[0047] Furthermore, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the operation of the inverter 14, inputs the acquired control value to a prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qinv (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qinv between the first heat medium and the inverter 14. The control value for controlling the operation of the inverter 14 may be, for example, any or all of the input voltage, input current amount, and operation period (switching period of the switch constituting the inverter 14) to the inverter 14.

[0048] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 acquires a control value for controlling the operation of the motor 15, inputs the acquired control value into a prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qmg (heat exchange amount prediction model), and predicts the heat exchange amount Qmg between the first heat medium and the motor 15. The control value for controlling the operation of the motor 15 may be any one of the rotation speed, output torque, input voltage, and input current amount to the motor 15, or a combination of these, or all of them.

[0049] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 inputs the temperature of the radiator 16 into a prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qrd (heat exchange amount prediction model) and predicts the heat exchange amount Qrd between the first heat medium and the radiator 16. The temperature of the radiator 16 may be obtained from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the radiator 16, for example.

[0050] Next, the determination unit 143 will be described. The determination unit 143 determines whether or not to permit a change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142. More specifically, the determination unit 143 permits a change of the flow path when the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range. A specific description will be given below.

[0051] The determination unit 143 of this embodiment inputs the prediction results into an evaluation function model, performs model predictive control (optimal predictive control) using the evaluation function model, and determines whether or not to permit a change in the flow path based on the results. Model predictive control is a control technique that performs optimization while predicting future responses at each time. The evaluation function model Φ is shown in the following (Equation 11). Note that Φth is an evaluation term related to temperature and is shown in (Equation 12), and Φthvar is an evaluation term related to temperature change and is shown in (Equation 13).

[0052] Here, "T4a" is the target temperature of the third heat medium and is set by the ECU 140. The determination unit 143 acquires the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium from the ECU 140. Furthermore, "L1min" is a value indicating the lower limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the first heat medium in the first circulation circuit 11, and "L1max" is a value indicating the upper limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the first heat medium in the first circulation circuit 11. These values ​​are determined in advance based on the configuration (capacity, etc.) of the flow paths in the first circulation circuit 11, the specifications of each component, and the like. Similarly, "L2min" is a value indicating the lower limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21, and "L2max" is a value indicating the upper limit of the allowable range of the temperature change amount of the third heat medium in the second circulation circuit 21. These values ​​are determined in advance based on the configuration (capacity, etc.) of the flow paths in the second circulation circuit 21, the specifications of each component, and the like.

[0053] The function f(X, Xmin, Xmax) used in (Equation 13) is shown in (Equation 14). The formula to be used is divided into cases depending on the value of X. This (Equation 14) is shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, when the value of X (argument) input to function f is within a predetermined range (X1 < X < X2), the output value (return value) is zero or a value close to zero. Also, even if the value of X input to function f is within the allowable range (Xmin < X < Xmax), the output value exponentially increases as it approaches the upper or lower limit. Also, when it is outside the allowable range (X < X1, X2 < X), the output value approaches zero as it approaches the upper or lower limit, and exponentially increases as it moves away from the upper or lower limit.

[0055] As described above, according to (Equation 12), the smaller the difference between the temperature of the third heat medium and the target temperature, the smaller the value of Φth. In other words, according to (Equation 12), if the difference between the temperature of the third heat medium and the target temperature is within a predetermined range, the value of Φth will be sufficiently small. Furthermore, according to (Equation 13) and (Equation 14), if the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range, the value of Φthvar will be sufficiently small.

[0056] The determination unit 143 then permits the change (switching) of the flow paths 11b and 11c when the output value (return value) of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (for example, equal to or less than 1). On the other hand, when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 143 does not permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0057] When the determination unit 143 permits the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c, the flow path control unit 144 controls the switching valve 18 to change the flow paths 11b and 11c in accordance with the decision of the flow path decision unit 141.

[0058] Next, a flow path control process related to flow path control will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing. For example, the flow path control process may be executed at predetermined intervals. Execution of the flow path control process realizes the temperature control method of this embodiment.

[0059] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 functions as the flow path determination unit 141 and determines whether to change the flow paths 11b, 11c of the first circulation circuit 11 (step S101). That is, when the ECU 140 is in the third flow path switching state, if the medium temperature T2 is outside the second allowable temperature range, the ECU 140 determines to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, and if the medium temperature T2 is within the second allowable temperature range, the ECU 140 determines not to change. On the other hand, when the ECU 140 is in the second flow path switching state, if the medium temperature T3 is outside the third allowable temperature range, the ECU 140 determines to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c, and if the medium temperature T3 is within the third allowable temperature range, the ECU 140 determines not to change.

[0060] If the determination result of step S101 is negative (if it is determined not to change the flow path), the ECU 140 terminates the flow path control process. If the determination result of step S101 is positive (if it is determined to change the flow path), the ECU 140 performs the function of the temperature prediction unit 142, acquires the state and control value of each component (step S102), and calculates each heat exchange amount Q1, Q2, Q3, Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc (step S103). Then, the ECU 140 calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt (step S104). The calculation method is as described above. In this embodiment, step S104 corresponds to the temperature prediction step.

[0061] Thereafter, the ECU 140 performs the function of the determination unit 143 and determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142 (step S105). That is, as described above, the ECU 140 permits the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, equal to or less than 1). On the other hand, the determination unit 143 does not permit the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0062] If the determination result in step S105 is negative (the change between the flow paths 11b and 11c is not permitted), the ECU 140 terminates the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S105 is positive (the change between the flow paths 11b and 11c is permitted), the ECU 140 performs the function of the flow path control unit 144 and controls the switching valve 18 to switch between the flow paths 11b and 11c in accordance with the determination by the flow path determination unit 141 (step S106). That is, when the ECU 140 is in the third flow path switching state, the ECU 140 controls the switching valve 18 to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b. On the other hand, when the ECU 140 is in the second flow path switching state, the ECU 140 controls the switching valve 18 to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c. Then, the flow path control process terminates. In this embodiment, step S106 corresponds to the flow path control step.

[0063] As a result of the above configuration, the present embodiment has the following excellent effects.

[0064] The ECU 140 determines whether to change the flow paths 11b and 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142, and if the change is permitted, controls the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c. This prevents a sudden change in the temperature of the first heat medium that would occur if the flow paths 11b and 11c were changed. This prevents adverse effects on the temperature adjustment on the heat pump 130 and the second circulation circuit 21 side.

[0065] The ECU 140, functioning as the temperature prediction unit 142, acquires the temperature (medium temperature T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the chiller 31 before the change to the flow paths 11b and 11c and the temperatures (medium temperatures T2 and T3) of the first heat medium at the outlets of the flow paths 11b and 11c that will be connected to the chiller 31 after the change, and inputs these into a temperature prediction model to predict the temperature change dT1 / dt of the first heat medium. More specifically, when it is decided to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, the ECU 140 inputs the medium temperature T1 and the medium temperature T2 into (Equation 5) to calculate the heat exchange amount Q1, and inputs the heat exchange amount Q1 into (Equation 1) to predict (calculate) the temperature change dT1 / dt. This allows the temperature change dT1 / dt to be appropriately predicted, taking into account the influence of the change to the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0066] Furthermore, the ECU 140 as the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the amount of heat generated or absorbed from each component, inputs the predicted amount of heat generated or absorbed into a temperature prediction model, and predicts (calculates) the temperature change dT1 / dt. Specifically, the ECU 140 predicts the amount of heat exchanged Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31, inputs the amount of heat exchanged Qh1 into (Equation 1), and predicts (calculates) the temperature change dT1 / dt. This makes it possible to appropriately predict the temperature change dT1 / dt, taking into account the influence of the components.

[0067] Furthermore, the ECU 140 as the temperature prediction unit 142 predicts the amount of heat generated or absorbed from the component based on at least one of a value correlating with the state of the component and a value correlating with a control value that controls the operation of the component. In this embodiment, the ECU 140 acquires the measured temperature of the second heat medium as a value correlating with the state of the chiller 31. The ECU 140 also acquires the control value for controlling the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 as a value correlating with the operation of the chiller 31. This makes it possible to appropriately predict the amount of heat absorbed by the chiller 31 and the amount of temperature change dT1 / dt.

[0068] The ECU 140 has a function as a determination unit 143 that determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c based on the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium. Therefore, the ECU 140 can permit the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c in consideration of the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium, thereby suppressing adverse effects on the second circulation circuit 21 side.

[0069] More specifically, the ECU 140 acquires the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium and the current medium temperature T4, and permits the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c if the difference between the target temperature T4a and the current medium temperature T4, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range. If the difference between the target temperature T4a and the medium temperature T4 is small, the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c can be permitted, and the target temperature T4a can be maintained.

[0070] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described, in which the configuration of the temperature adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment is partially modified. In the first embodiment, if the determination result of step S105 is negative (if the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c is not permitted), the ECU 140 terminates the flow path control process. However, if this continues, there is a possibility that the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c will never be permitted. Therefore, the ECU 140 has a function as an instruction unit 145 that indicates control values ​​for controlling the operation of components, and if the determination result of step S105 is negative, the ECU 140 executes the following instruction process. This will be described in detail below.

[0071] First, the function of the instruction unit 145 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 , the ECU 140 has the function of the instruction unit 145. The instruction unit 145 can control the operation of each component by outputting a control value that controls the operation of each component. For example, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium flowing into the chiller 31 by outputting a control value that instructs the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 of the heat pump 130. In other words, the amount of heat generated and absorbed by the chiller 31 with respect to the first heat medium can be controlled.

[0072] Similarly, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium flowing into the water-cooled condenser 32 by outputting a control value that indicates the discharge pressure of the compressor 33 of the heat pump 130. In other words, the amount of heat generated and absorbed by the water-cooled condenser 32 relative to the third heat medium can be controlled. Furthermore, the instruction unit 145 can control the temperature of the battery heater 13 by outputting a control value that indicates the temperature of the battery heater 13. In other words, the amount of heat generated by the battery heater 13 relative to the first heat medium can be controlled.

[0073] Furthermore, the instruction unit 145 can control the motor 15, the inverter 14 that drives the motor 15, and the charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 12 that supplies power to the motor 15, by outputting a control value that indicates the rotation speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15. In other words, the instruction unit 145 can control the amount of heat generated by the motor 15 relative to the first heat medium, the amount of heat generated by the inverter 14, the amount of heat generated by the storage battery 12, and the like.

[0074] Next, the instruction process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The instruction process is executed by the ECU 140 when the determination result in step S105 is negative (when the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c is not permitted).

[0075] First, the ECU 140 determines whether the ECU 140 is in the third flow path switching state (step S201). That is, the ECU 140 determines whether the flow path determination unit 141 has determined to change from the third flow path 11c to the second flow path 11b, but the determination unit 143 has not permitted the change.

[0076] If the determination result is positive, the ECU 140 as the instruction unit 145 outputs a control value to decrease or increase at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13 so as to reduce the temperature change amount dT1 / dt (step S202). For example, if the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T2 is high, the ECU 140 outputs a control value instructing the temperature of the battery heater 13 so as to suppress the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13. Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 140 outputs a control value instructing the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to reduce the charge / discharge rate of the storage battery 12 in order to suppress the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12. Note that if an electrical load other than the motor 15 is connected to the storage battery 12, the ECU 140 may output a control value to suppress the operation (power consumption) of the electrical load.

[0077] That is, even if a change between the flow paths 11b and 11c is decided because the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is higher than the upper limit of the second allowable temperature, if the change is not permitted because the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is too high, the ECU 140 reduces the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b in step S202 by suppressing at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, making it easier to permit the change.

[0078] On the other hand, if the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T2 is low, the ECU 140 outputs a control value instructing the temperature of the battery heater 13 so as to increase the amount of heat generated by the battery heater 13. Additionally, or instead of this, the ECU 140 outputs a control value instructing the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to increase the charge / discharge rate of the storage battery 12 in order to increase the amount of heat generated by the storage battery 12. Note that, if an electrical load other than the motor 15 is connected to the storage battery 12, the ECU 140 may output a control value to increase the operation (power consumption) of the electrical load.

[0079] That is, even if a change to the flow paths 11b and 11c is decided because the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is lower than the lower limit of the second allowable temperature, if the change is not permitted because the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b is too low, the ECU 140 increases at least one of the heat generation amount of the storage battery 12 and the heat generation amount of the battery heater 13 in step S202 to raise the temperature of the first heat medium in the second flow path 11b. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, making it easier to permit the change.

[0080] On the other hand, if the determination result of step S201 is negative, the ECU 140 as the instruction unit 145 outputs a control value to increase or decrease at least one of the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 (step S203). That is, if the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change from the second flow path 11b to the third flow path 11c but the determination unit 143 does not permit the change, the ECU 140 outputs a control value to decrease or increase at least one of the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14.

[0081] For example, if a change in flow path is not permitted because the medium temperature T3 is high, the ECU 140 outputs a control value indicating the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to reduce the amount of heat generated by the motor 15 and the inverter 14.

[0082] That is, even if a change between the flow paths 11b and 11c is decided because the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit of the third allowable temperature, if the change is not permitted because the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is too high, the ECU 140 reduces the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 in step S203 to lower the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, making it easier to permit the change.

[0083] On the other hand, if the flow path change is not permitted because the medium temperature T3 is low, the ECU 140 outputs a control value that indicates the rotational speed or output torque (regenerative torque) of the motor 15 so as to increase the heat generation of the motor 15 and the inverter 14.

[0084] That is, even if a change between the flow paths 11b and 11c is decided because the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is lower than the lower limit of the third allowable temperature, if the change is not permitted because the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c is too low, the ECU 140 increases the heat generation amount of the motor 15 and the heat generation amount of the inverter 14 in step S203 to raise the temperature of the first heat medium in the third flow path 11c. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, making it easier to permit the change.

[0085] After processing step S202 or step S203, the ECU 140 ends the instruction process. Note that changing the flow paths 11b and 11c is not permitted when the difference between the current temperature of the third heat medium and the target temperature is large, or when the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium is large. However, if the heat pump 130 is controlled normally, the current temperature of the third heat medium should approach the target temperature and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium should also decrease over time, so no special control is performed. In other words, general control is performed and time is allowed to pass.

[0086] The second embodiment provides the following effects.

[0087] When it is determined that the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c is not permitted, the ECU 140 includes an instruction unit 145 that outputs control values ​​for controlling the operation of components such as the motor 15 so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt approaches a predetermined range, i.e., so that it becomes smaller. As a result, when a sudden change in temperature of the first heat medium is predicted, the operation of the components is controlled to adjust the heat generation amount so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt approaches a predetermined range. This makes it possible to change the flow paths 11b, 11c while preventing a sudden change in temperature of the first heat medium.

[0088] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described, in which the configuration of the temperature adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment is partially modified. In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6 , a flow rate adjustment valve 50 is provided at the junction where the flow paths join, instead of the switching valve 18. The flow rate adjustment valve 50 is a valve that adjusts the ratio between the flow rate flowing from the second flow path 11b to the first flow path 11a and the flow rate flowing from the third flow path 11c to the first flow path 11a. The flow rate adjustment valve 50 is controlled by the ECU 140.

[0089] In accordance with this change, the flow path determination unit 141 has a function of determining a change in the flow rate ratio by the flow control valve 50. Specifically, when the medium temperature T2 of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is higher than the upper limit of the second allowable temperature, the flow path determination unit 141 determines a change in the flow rate ratio by the flow control valve 50 so as to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b. On the other hand, when the medium temperature T4 of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is higher than the upper limit of the third allowable temperature, the flow path determination unit 141 determines a change in the flow rate ratio by the flow control valve 50 so as to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c. On the other hand, when the medium temperature T2 is lower than the upper limit of the second allowable temperature and the medium temperature T3 is lower than the upper limit of the third allowable temperature, the flow path determination unit 141 determines not to change the flow rate ratio by the flow control valve 50.

[0090] Furthermore, when the flow path determination unit 141 determines to change the flow path ratio, it determines the changed flow rate ratio. At this time, how the flow rate ratio is changed may be set arbitrarily. For example, the flow rate may be changed so as to increase or decrease by a predetermined rate, or so as to increase or decrease by a rate according to the temperature difference from the second allowable temperature (or the third allowable temperature). In other words, if the temperature difference from the second allowable temperature (or the third allowable temperature) is large, the flow rate ratio may be changed so as to increase or decrease by a large amount.

[0091] Furthermore, in accordance with the above changes, the temperature prediction unit 142 calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 from (Equation 15), (Equation 16), and (Equation 17), respectively. Here, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 11b is indicated as "V2," and the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 11c is indicated as "V3." The flow rate V2 + the flow rate V3 is equal to the flow rate V of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 11a. Note that the flow rates V2 and V3 can also be calculated from the flow rate V and the flow rate ratio set by the flow rate adjustment valve 50 by the flow path determination unit 141. The flow rates V2 and V3 are the flow rates after the flow rate ratio has been changed.

[0092] The flow path control process of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing. For example, the flow path control process may be executed at predetermined intervals.

[0093] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 performs the function of the flow path determination unit 141 and determines whether or not to change the flow rate ratio (step S301). If the determination result of step S301 is negative (if it is determined not to change the flow rate ratio), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process.

[0094] If the determination result in step S301 is positive (if a change is determined), the ECU 140 determines how to change the flow rate ratio (step S302). Then, the ECU 140 performs the function of the temperature prediction unit 142, acquires the status and control values ​​of each component (step S303), and calculates the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, Q3, Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc (step S304). The calculation method for the heat exchange amounts Q1, Q2, and Q3 is as described above, and the calculation methods for the other heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc are the same as those in the first embodiment. Then, the ECU 140 calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt (step S305). The calculation method is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0095] Thereafter, the ECU 140 performs the function of the determination unit 143 and determines whether or not to permit a change in the flow rate ratio based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142 (step S306). That is, as described above, the ECU 140 permits a change in the flow rate ratio when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, equal to or less than 1). On the other hand, the determination unit 143 does not permit a change in the flow rate ratio when the output value of the evaluation function model Φ is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0096] If the determination result in step S306 is positive (if the change in the flow path ratio is permitted), the ECU 140 performs the function of the flow path control unit 144 and controls the flow rate adjustment valve 50 to change the flow path ratio according to the determination by the flow path determination unit 141 (step S307).Then, the flow path control process ends.

[0097] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S306 is negative (if the change in the flow path ratio is not permitted), the ECU 140 resets the flow path ratio (step S308). In step S308, the new flow path ratio is reset so that the change amount is smaller than the change amount of the previously set flow path ratio. For example, if the flow path ratio was set to be changed from 30% to 70% in step S302, the new flow path ratio is set to be changed from 30% to 50% in step S306. Thereafter, the ECU 140 executes the process from step S303 onwards again.

[0098] According to the third embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0099] The flow rate can be adjusted to keep the temperature change dT1 / dt within a predetermined range, and the flow rate can be precisely adjusted according to the state of each component and the temperature of the first heat medium (medium temperatures T1 to T3) in each flow path.

[0100] Furthermore, if the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is not within the predetermined range, the ECU 140 as the flow path determination unit 141 resets the flow rate ratio in step S306. Therefore, the flow rate ratio can be appropriately set so that the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is within the predetermined range.

[0101] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described, in which the configuration of the temperature adjustment system 100 of the first embodiment is partially modified. In the above embodiment, the ECU 140 as the determination unit 143 permitted a change (or a flow rate ratio) of the flow paths 11b and 11c when the difference between the target temperature T4a of the third heat medium and the current medium temperature T4, the temperature change dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change dT4 / dt of the third heat medium were each within a predetermined range. In the fourth embodiment, in addition to this, the ECU 140 determines whether to permit a change (or a flow rate ratio) of the flow paths 11b and 11c taking into account the state of the second heat medium in the heat pump 130.

[0102] When a refrigerant gas (gas) such as carbon dioxide gas is used as the second heat medium in the heat pump 130, if the temperature of the second heat medium changes significantly as a result of changing the flow paths 11b and 11c, the second heat medium may change state from gas to liquid. If the state of the second heat medium changes, the heat pump 130 may thereafter be unable to appropriately control the temperature and pressure of the second heat medium.

[0103] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a flow path control process is executed as shown in Fig. 8. This flow path control process is executed by the ECU 140 at a predetermined timing, as described above.

[0104] When the flow path control process is executed, the ECU 140 performs the function of the flow path determination unit 141, similar to the above-mentioned step S101, and determines whether or not to switch the flow paths 11b and 11c of the first circulation circuit 11 (step S401).

[0105] If the determination result in step S401 is negative (if it is determined not to change the flow path), the ECU 140 ends the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S401 is positive (if it is determined to change the flow path), the ECU 140 performs the function of the temperature prediction unit 142 and calculates the temperature change amounts dT1 / dt to dT4 / dt, similarly to steps S102 to S104 (steps S402 to S404).

[0106] Thereafter, the ECU 140 performs the function of the determination unit 143 and determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow paths 11b, 11c based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit 142, similarly to step S105 (step S405).

[0107] If the determination result in step S405 is negative, the ECU 140 terminates the flow path control process. If the determination result in step S405 is positive, the ECU 140 predicts the state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the chiller 31 (step S406). Specifically, the ECU 140 inputs the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, the temperature of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31 before the flow path change, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 34 into a state prediction model for predicting the state of the second heat medium. The opening degree of the expansion valve 34 is a control value correlated with the pressure or flow rate of the second heat medium. The state of the second heat medium is, for example, refrigerant humidity.

[0108] Next, the ECU 140 determines whether the predicted state of the second heat medium is appropriate (step S407). That is, the ECU 140 makes a positive determination if the predicted state of the second heat medium is gas, and makes a negative determination if the predicted state of the second heat medium is liquid (including partially liquefied).

[0109] If the determination result of step S407 is negative, the ECU 140 does not change the flow paths 11b and 11c and ends the flow path control process. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S407 is positive, the ECU 140 performs the function of the flow path control unit 144, as in step S106, and controls the switching valve 18 to switch between the flow paths 11b and 11c in accordance with the determination of the flow path determination unit 141 (step S408). Then, the flow path control process ends.

[0110] As a result of the above-described configuration, the third embodiment has the following excellent effects.

[0111] The flow path can be changed taking into consideration the state of the second heat medium in the heat pump 130, and it is possible to prevent abnormalities in temperature adjustment on the side of the heat pump 130 or the second circulation circuit 21. (Modifications) Modifications in which part of the configuration of the temperature adjustment system 100 in each of the above embodiments is changed are described below.

[0112] In the above embodiment, when calculating Φth, if the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the value of Φth may be set to zero, i.e., there may be no difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. Note that if the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the temperature of the heater core 22 will rise. However, it is generally possible to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner by mixing outside air. Therefore, if the current temperature of the third heat medium is equal to or higher than the target temperature, there may be no difference between the current temperature and the target temperature.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the control value for controlling the operation of the compressor 33 may be the rotation speed or the amount of current of the compressor 33 .

[0114] In the fourth embodiment, the state of the second heat medium may be determined by the pressure value.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the temperature prediction unit 142 may predict the temperature of the first heat medium in each of the flow paths 11a to 11c and the temperature of the third heat medium in the flow path 21a. In this case, if the temperature change amount dT1 / dt is necessary, it can be calculated from the predicted temperature of the first heat medium in the first flow path 11a and the medium temperature T1. Note that the predicted temperature may be used instead of the temperature change amount to determine whether to allow a flow path change.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the judgment unit 143 may determine whether to allow changes to the flow paths 11b and 11c based on whether the amount of temperature change (or predicted temperature) predicted by the temperature prediction unit 142 is within a predetermined range.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 143 does not need to use an evaluation function model. The determination unit 143 may simply permit the flow path to be changed when the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature change amount dT1 / dt of the first heat medium, and the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range.

[0118] In the above embodiment, in addition to the above conditions, the determination unit 143 may also permit the change of the flow path if the temperature change amount dT2 / dt and the temperature change amount dT3 / dt are each within a predetermined range.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 143 takes into account the difference between the medium temperature T4 of the third heat medium and the target temperature T4a, and inputs this into the evaluation function model. However, the difference between the medium temperature T4 and the target temperature T4a may not be taken into account. Similarly, the determination unit 143 takes into account the temperature change amount dT4 / dt of the third heat medium, and inputs this into the evaluation function model. However, the temperature change amount dT4 / dt may not be taken into account. In other words, the determination unit 143 may take into account only the temperature change amount dT1 / dt, that is, input this into the evaluation function model, and determine whether or not to permit the change of the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the types and number of components arranged in the first circulation circuit 11 may be changed arbitrarily. The types and number of components arranged in the second flow path 11b and the third flow path 11c may be changed arbitrarily. The types and number of components arranged in the second circulation circuit 21 may be changed arbitrarily. The arrangement of these components may be changed arbitrarily.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the branching of the flow paths of the first circulation circuit 11 may be changed as desired. For example, the flow path configurations shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be used. In FIG. 9, the flow paths branch in the high-temperature circuit section 120, and the flow rate ratio can be changed by a flow rate adjustment valve 50. In FIG. 10, the flow paths 11c, 11d, and 11e are connected in parallel and are switchable by a switching valve 18b. The connectors of the flow paths 11c, 11d, and 11e are connected in parallel to the second flow path 11b and are switchable to the first flow path 11a by a switching valve 18a. In FIG. 10, the first to fifth water temperature sensors SE1 to SE5 are disposed in the flow paths 11a to 11e, respectively. Note that in FIGS. 9 and 10, "component 150" refers to a component, and the type and number of components may be changed as desired.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the flow path determination unit 141 may determine which of the flow paths 11b and 11c to change to, taking into account both the medium temperature T2 and the medium temperature T3. For example, when the medium temperature T2 is higher than the second allowable temperature and the medium temperature T3 is higher than the third allowable temperature, the flow path determination unit 141 may compare the difference between the upper limit of the second allowable temperature and the medium temperature T2 with the difference between the upper limit of the third allowable temperature and the medium temperature T3, and determine to change to the flow path 11b or 11c with the larger difference.

[0123] In the above embodiment, in order to prevent the flow paths 11b and 11c from being changed too frequently, when the flow path determination unit 141 decides to change the flow paths 11b and 11c, it may decide again after a predetermined time has elapsed whether to change the flow paths 11b and 11c.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the upper and lower limits of the second allowable temperature may be changed depending on the state of the components arranged in the second flow path 11b, the state of the vehicle, etc. Examples of the vehicle state include the outside air temperature and the vehicle temperature. Specifically, when the temperature of the storage battery 12 or the vehicle is low (in the case of a cold start), the lower limit of the second allowable temperature may be increased to assist in increasing the temperature of the storage battery 12. Similarly, the upper and lower limits of the third allowable temperature may be changed depending on the state of the components arranged in the third flow path 11c, the state of the vehicle, etc.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the temperature prediction model is a mathematical formula obtained by experiment or simulation, but a map may be generated by experiment or simulation and prediction may be performed based on the map. Alternatively, learning may be performed by deep learning to build an inference model, and the inference model may be used as the temperature prediction model.

[0126] Similarly, the heat exchange amount prediction model may be a mathematical formula obtained by experiment or simulation, or may be a prediction model based on a map generated by experiment or simulation. Alternatively, an inference model may be constructed by deep learning, and the inference model may be used as the heat exchange amount prediction model.

[0127] Similarly, the state prediction model may be a mathematical formula obtained by experiment or simulation, or may be a model that predicts using a map generated by experiment or simulation. Alternatively, learning may be performed using deep learning to build an inference model, and the inference model may be used as the state prediction model.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc of the components may be predetermined values.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc of the components vary depending on the flow rate of the heat medium, the temperature of the heat medium, the temperature difference between the heat medium and the target component, the amount of heat generated (or the amount of heat absorbed) by the component, etc. Therefore, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input these variables to predict the heat exchange amounts Qh1, Qh2, Qbat, Qbh, Qinv, Qmg, Qrd, and Qhc.

[0130] For example, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T1, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the chiller 31, and the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qh1, and predict the heat exchange amount Qh1 between the first heat medium and the chiller 31. Note that the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the chiller 31 is equal to the flow rate V of the first flow path 11a. The temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the chiller 31 may be measured by providing a sensor, or may be estimated from the control amount (opening degree, etc.) of the expansion valve 34. Furthermore, the types and number of the above variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qh1 may be changed as desired.

[0131] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T4, the flow rate of the third heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32, and the temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qh2 to predict the heat exchange amount Qh2 between the third heat medium and the water-cooled condenser 32. The flow rate of the third heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 is equal to the flow rate of the third heat medium flowing through the flow path 21a. Therefore, as with the flow rate V, the flow rate of the third heat medium may be estimated from the control variable and current amount of the second pump 23. Note that a flow rate sensor may be provided to measure the flow rate of the third heat medium, and the flow rate may be acquired from the flow rate sensor. The temperature and flow rate of the second heat medium passing through the water-cooled condenser 32 may be measured by a sensor or may be estimated from the control variable (e.g., target temperature) of the compressor 33. The types and number of the variables described above for predicting the heat exchange amount Qh2 may be changed as desired.

[0132] The temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T2, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12, the temperature of the storage battery 12, and the amount of current flowing through the storage battery 12 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qbat to predict the heat exchange amount Qbat between the first heat medium and the storage battery 12. When the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b are connected, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12 is equal to the flow rate V. When the first flow path 11a and the second flow path 11b are not connected, the flow rate is zero. The temperature and current of the storage battery 12 are acquired from a temperature sensor and a current sensor (not shown). Therefore, the amount of heat generated changes depending on the state of the storage battery 12 (battery temperature and current), and the amount of heat exchange Qbat also increases or decreases. Specifically, when the amount of heat generated is estimated to be high based on the battery temperature and current of the storage battery 12, the heat exchange amount Qbat is likely to be high. The types and numbers of the variables used to predict the heat exchange amount Qbat may be changed arbitrarily. A temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12, and the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor may be used instead of the medium temperature T2.

[0133] The temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T2, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13, and the temperature (or controlled variable) of the battery heater 13 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qbh to predict the heat exchange amount Qbh between the first heat medium and the battery heater 13. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the storage battery 12. The temperature of the battery heater 13 is estimated based on the controlled variable (e.g., target temperature) of the battery heater 13. Therefore, the heat exchange amount Qbh also increases or decreases depending on the controlled variable of the battery heater 13. Specifically, if the controlled variable of the battery heater 13 indicates that the amount of heat generated is high, the heat exchange amount Qbh is likely to be large. A sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery heater 13 may be provided and the temperature of the battery heater 13 may be obtained from the sensor. The types and number of the variables used to predict the heat exchange amount Qbh may be changed as desired. Furthermore, a temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the battery heater 13, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used instead of the medium temperature T2.

[0134] The temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14, and the temperature (or controlled variable) of the inverter 14 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qinv to predict the heat exchange amount Qinv between the first heat medium and the inverter 14. When the first flow path 11a and the third flow path 11c are connected, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14 is equal to the flow rate V. When they are not connected, the flow rate is zero. The temperature of the inverter 14 may be obtained from a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the inverter 14, or may be estimated based on the controlled variable of the inverter 14. The controlled variable of the inverter 14 is a value that correlates with the amount of current to the inverter 14, the switching period of the switch that constitutes the inverter 14, etc. The types and number of the variables used to predict the heat exchange amount Qinv may be changed as desired. A temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0135] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15, and the temperature (or controlled variable) of the motor 15 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qmg to predict the heat exchange amount Qmg between the first heat medium and the motor 15. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14. The temperature of the motor 15 may be obtained from a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the motor 15, or may be estimated based on the controlled variable of the motor 15, for example. The controlled variable of the motor 15 refers to a target value such as the rotational speed or output torque of the motor 15. The temperature of the motor 15 may be estimated based on the controlled variable of the motor 15. Note that the temperature of the motor 15 may also be estimated based on the amount of current to the motor 15, for example. The heat generation amount may be used instead of the temperature of the motor 15. The types and number of the variables described above for predicting the heat exchange amount Qmg may be changed as desired. Furthermore, a temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the motor 15, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0136] Similarly, the temperature prediction unit 142 may input the medium temperature T3, the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16, and the temperature of the radiator 16 into a heat exchange amount prediction model for the heat exchange amount Qrd, and predict the heat exchange amount Qrd between the first heat medium and the radiator 16. The flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16 is the same as the flow rate of the first heat medium passing through the inverter 14. The types and number of the variables for predicting the heat exchange amount Qrd may be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, a temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the first heat medium passing through the radiator 16, and the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used instead of the medium temperature T3.

[0137] The controller and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the controller and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor configured with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the controller and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0138] The following describes characteristic configurations extracted from the above-described embodiments.

[0139] [Configuration 1] A temperature control system (100) including: a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; and a heat pump (130) that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32), the heat pump having a pressure converter (33, 34) that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium, thereby changing the temperature of the second heat medium; wherein a temperature control device (140) of a temperature control system (100) causes the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, thereby adjusting the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control device (140) including: a temperature prediction unit (142) that, when a change of the flow path in the first circulation circuit is decided, predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path; A temperature control device comprising: a flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

[0140] [Configuration 2] The temperature control device according to Configuration 1, wherein the temperature prediction unit obtains a temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path that is to be connected to the first heat exchanger after the change, and inputs these into a temperature prediction model to predict a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium.

[0141] [Configuration 3] The temperature control device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein one or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) to be cooled or heated by the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit, and the temperature prediction unit predicts the amount of heat generated from or the amount of heat absorbed by each of the components and inputs the predicted amount of heat generated or the amount of heat absorbed into the temperature prediction model.

[0142] [Configuration 4] The temperature control device according to Configuration 3, wherein the amount of heat generated or absorbed from the component is predicted based on at least one of a value correlated to a state of the component and a value correlated to a control value that controls the operation of the component.

[0143] [Configuration 5] A temperature control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a determination unit (143) that determines whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on whether or not the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount predicted by the temperature prediction unit is within a predetermined range, and the flow path control unit performs change control of the flow path when the determination result of the determination unit is positive.

[0144] [Configuration 6] The temperature control device according to Configuration 5, further comprising: a component to be cooled or heated by the first heat medium is disposed in each flow path of the circulation circuit; the determination unit determines that a change in the flow path is not permitted if a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount is outside a predetermined range; and an instruction unit (145) that, when the determination unit determines that switching of the flow path is not permitted, indicates a control value for controlling operation of the component so that the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount approaches the predetermined range.

[0145] [Configuration 7] The temperature control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the temperature adjustment system further comprises a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates, the heat pump is configured to thermally connect the third heat medium flowing from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, thereby performing heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium to adjust the temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature prediction unit is configured to predict an amount of temperature change of the third heat medium, and the temperature control device further comprises a determination unit that determines whether to allow the flow path to be changed based on the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium and the amount of temperature change of the third heat medium.

[0146] [Configuration 8] The temperature control device according to Configuration 7, which is configured to acquire a target temperature and a current temperature of the third heat medium, wherein the determination unit permits the change of the flow path when at least a difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, an amount of temperature change of the first heat medium, and an amount of temperature change of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range.

[0147] [Configuration 9] The temperature control device according to any of Configurations 1 to 8, wherein a flow rate adjustment valve (50) is provided at a confluence where two or more of the flow paths converge, and wherein a flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing from each of the flow paths into an inlet of the first heat exchanger is changed by controlling the flow rate adjustment valve, and when it is decided to change the flow rate ratio, the temperature prediction unit predicts a heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, and inputs the heat exchange amount into a temperature prediction model to predict a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger, and when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range, the flow path control unit controls the flow rate adjustment valve to change the flow path ratio, and when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within the predetermined range, the flow path determination unit resets the flow rate ratio until the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range.

[0148] [Configuration 10] The temperature control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, comprising: a state prediction unit that predicts a state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger from the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; and a determination unit (143) that determines whether to allow the change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction unit.

[0149] [Configuration 11] The temperature control device according to Configuration 10, wherein the state prediction unit predicts the state of the second heat medium by inputting the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit, the temperature of the second heat medium before the change, and a pressure control amount that commands the operation of the pressure converter into a state prediction model that predicts the state of the second heat medium.

[0150] [Configuration 12] A temperature control system comprising: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium; and a heat pump that circulates a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the heat pump having a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change a temperature of the second heat medium, wherein the temperature control system causes the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control program being executed by a temperature control device, the temperature control system comprising: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium;

[0151] [Configuration 13] A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device of a temperature adjustment system comprising: a first circulation circuit through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path of the first heat medium; and a heat pump circulating a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the heat pump having a pressure converter that compresses or expands the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium to change a temperature of the second heat medium, the temperature control method including: causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control method comprising: a temperature prediction step of predicting a predicted temperature or an amount of temperature change of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change of the flow path, when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; and a flow path control step of implementing control to change the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

[0152] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A temperature control system (100) comprising: a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; and a heat pump (130) for circulating a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32), the heat pump having a pressure converter (33, 34) for compressing or expanding the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium, and for adjusting a temperature of the second heat medium by causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and exchanging heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, the temperature control system (140) comprising: a temperature prediction unit (142) for predicting a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change in the flow path when a change in the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined; A flow path control unit (144) that performs change control of the flow path based on a prediction result of the temperature prediction unit.

2. A temperature control device as described in claim 1, wherein the temperature prediction unit obtains the temperature (T1) of the first heat medium at the inlet of the first heat exchanger before the change of the flow path and the temperatures (T2, T3) of the first heat medium at the outlet of the flow path that is to be connected to the first heat exchanger after the change, and inputs these into a temperature prediction model, thereby predicting the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium.

3. A temperature control device as described in claim 2, wherein one or more components (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) that are to be cooled or heated by the first heat medium are arranged in each flow path of the first circulation circuit, and the temperature prediction unit predicts the amount of heat generated from or the amount of heat absorbed by each of the components and inputs the predicted amount of heat generated or the amount of heat absorbed into the temperature prediction model.

4. The temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of heat generated or absorbed from the component is predicted based on at least one of a value correlated to a state of the component and a value correlated to a control value that controls the operation of the component.

5. A temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a judgment unit (143) that judges whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on whether or not the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change predicted by the temperature prediction unit is within a predetermined range, and the flow path control unit performs change control of the flow path when the judgment result of the judgment unit is positive.

6. A temperature control device as described in claim 5, wherein a component to be cooled or heated by the first heat medium is arranged in each flow path of the circulation circuit, the judgment unit judges that changing of the flow path is not permitted if the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change is outside a predetermined range, and an instruction unit (145) is provided that, when the judgment unit judges that switching of the flow path is not permitted, instructs a control value that controls the operation of the component so that the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change approaches the predetermined range.

7. A temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature adjustment system further comprises a second circulation circuit (21) through which a third heat medium circulates, the heat pump is configured to thermally connect the third heat medium flowing from the second circulation circuit to the second heat exchanger, thereby performing heat exchange between the second heat medium and the third heat medium to adjust the temperature of the third heat medium, the temperature prediction unit is configured to predict an amount of change in temperature of the third heat medium, and comprises a judgment unit that judges whether or not to allow a change in the flow path based on the amount of change in temperature of the first heat medium and the amount of change in temperature of the third heat medium.

8. A temperature control device as described in claim 7, configured to acquire a target temperature and a current temperature of the third heat medium, and the judgment unit permits the change of the flow path when at least the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the third heat medium, the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium, and the amount of temperature change of the third heat medium are each within a predetermined range.

9. A flow control valve (50) is provided at a junction where two or more of the flow paths join, and the flow control valve is controlled to change a flow rate ratio of the first heat medium flowing from each of the flow paths into the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the device is provided with a flow path determination unit that determines the flow path ratio of each flow path, and when a change in the flow rate ratio is determined, the temperature prediction unit predicts a heat exchange amount (Q1) between the first heat exchanger and the first heat medium based on the flow rate ratio and the temperature of the first heat medium in each flow path, inputs the heat exchange amount into a temperature prediction model, and predicts a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger, and the flow path control unit controls the flow control valve to change the flow path ratio when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within a predetermined range, The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is not within a predetermined range, the flow path determination unit resets the flow rate ratio until the predicted temperature or the temperature change amount of the first heat medium is within the predetermined range.

10. A temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a state prediction unit that predicts a state of the second heat medium thermally connected to the first heat medium via the first heat exchanger from the predicted temperature or the amount of temperature change of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit when it is decided to change the flow path in the first circulation circuit; and a judgment unit (143) that judges whether or not to permit the change of the flow path based on the prediction result of the temperature prediction unit and the state of the second heat medium predicted by the state prediction unit.

11. A temperature control device as described in claim 10, wherein the state prediction unit predicts the state of the second heat medium by inputting the predicted temperature or temperature change amount of the first heat medium predicted by the temperature prediction unit, the temperature of the second heat medium before the change, and a pressure control amount that commands the operation of the pressure converter into a state prediction model that predicts the state of the second heat medium.

12. A temperature control system (100) comprising: a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; and a heat pump (130) for circulating a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32), the heat pump having a pressure converter (33, 34) for compressing or expanding the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium, the temperature control system causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control program being executed by a temperature control device (140) of the temperature control system (100), the temperature control program comprising: a temperature prediction step of predicting a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change in the flow path when a change in the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on a prediction result of the temperature prediction step; and a temperature control program for executing the flow path control step.

13. A temperature control method implemented by a temperature control device (140) of a temperature adjustment system (100) comprising: a first circulation circuit (11) through which a first heat medium circulates, the first circulation circuit being capable of changing a flow path (11b, 11c) of the first heat medium; and a heat pump (130) for circulating a second heat medium between a first heat exchanger (31) and a second heat exchanger (32), the heat pump having a pressure converter (33, 34) for compressing or expanding the second heat medium when circulating the second heat medium, the temperature control method comprising: causing the first heat medium to flow from the first circulation circuit into the first heat exchanger, and performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium, the temperature control method comprising: a temperature prediction step of predicting a predicted temperature or a temperature change amount of the first heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger due to the change in the flow path when a change in the flow path in the first circulation circuit is determined; a flow path control step of performing change control of the flow path based on a prediction result of the temperature prediction step.

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