Vehicle heat management system

Abstract

Disclosed in an embodiment is a vehicle heat management system comprising: a refrigerant circulation line for circulating a refrigerant; a coolant circulation line including a battery-side coolant circulation line in which a coolant passing through a battery is circulated and an electric component-side coolant circulation line in which a coolant passing through an electric component is circulated; and a heat exchanger which is disposed such that the refrigerant circulation line, the electronic component-side coolant circulation line and the battery-side coolant circulation line pass therethrough, and which allows heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, wherein the battery-side coolant circulation line is connected to a direction-switching valve so that the coolant selectively bypasses the heat exchanger according to an operation mode through a coolant connection line bypassing the heat exchanger.

Description

Thermal management system for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0002] Electric vehicles have recently been gaining attention in the automotive industry as a solution to issues such as energy depletion and the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies. Electric vehicles operate using motors powered by batteries or fuel cells, resulting in lower carbon emissions and quieter operation. Furthermore, electric vehicles are environmentally friendly because they utilize motors that are more energy efficient than conventional engines.

[0003] In these electric vehicles, battery thermal management is crucial because the power source, the battery, is affected by environmental factors such as ambient temperature. In particular, in low ambient temperatures, if there is a lack of heat absorption to increase the refrigerant temperature, heating performance deteriorates. Furthermore, in structures where heat absorption is achieved through a chiller, the battery temperature cannot be raised. Therefore, improvements are needed.

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle thermal management system capable of efficiently managing the thermal management of a battery and improving the heating performance of a vehicle.

[0005] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0006] A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a coolant circulation line including a coolant circulation line through which coolant is circulated, a battery-side coolant circulation line through which coolant passing through a battery is circulated, and an electrical component-side coolant circulation line through which coolant passing through electrical components is circulated, and a heat exchanger arranged so that the coolant circulation line, the electrical component-side coolant circulation line, and the battery-side coolant circulation line pass therethrough, and heat-exchanging the coolant and the coolant, wherein the battery-side coolant circulation line is connected to a direction changing valve and configured to allow the coolant to selectively bypass the heat exchanger and move according to an operating mode through a coolant connection line that bypasses the heat exchanger.

[0007] The above battery-side coolant circulation line may include a first pump for circulating coolant, a water heater for heating the coolant, an inlet-side directional change valve arranged at the front end of the inlet side of the heat exchanger, and an outlet-side directional change valve arranged at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger.

[0008] The above-mentioned coolant connection line may have one end connected to the inlet-side directional change valve, and the other end connected to the battery-side coolant circulation line between the outlet-side directional change valve and the heat exchanger.

[0009] The above inlet-side directional change valve and the above outlet-side directional change valve may be 3-way valves.

[0010] The above battery-side coolant circulation line may include a first pump for circulating coolant, a water heater for heating the coolant, and an outlet-side directional valve arranged at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger.

[0011] The above-mentioned cooling water connection line may have one end connected to the cooling water circulation line on the battery side between the water heater and the heat exchanger, and the other end connected to the outlet-side direction change valve.

[0012] The above outlet-side directional change valve may be a 4-way valve.

[0013] The above battery-side coolant circulation line further includes a radiator and a reservoir tank that cool the coolant heated by the battery, and the radiator and the reservoir tank can be installed in parallel with the battery and the water heater on the battery-side coolant circulation line.

[0014] The above-mentioned cooling water circulation line on the front part side may include a second pump that circulates cooling water and a first directional change valve arranged at the inlet side tip of the second pump.

[0015] The above-mentioned cooling water circulation line on the front component side can be arranged to pass through the above-mentioned radiator and the above-mentioned reservoir tank.

[0016] The above first directional change valve may be a three-way valve.

[0017] The above refrigerant circulation line includes a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an evaporator are installed, and a second refrigerant line connected to the first refrigerant line bypassing the evaporator, and the second refrigerant line can be arranged to pass through the heat exchanger.

[0018] The second refrigerant line may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line between the outdoor unit and the evaporator, and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0019] The first refrigerant line may further include a first expansion valve disposed between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and a second expansion valve disposed between the outdoor unit and the evaporator.

[0020] The second refrigerant line may further include a third expansion valve arranged at the inlet end of the heat exchanger.

[0021] The above indoor unit and the above evaporator can be installed in an air conditioning device.

[0022] The device may further include a first refrigerant connection line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line through a second directional change valve at the inlet end of the outdoor unit and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet end of the outdoor unit, and a second refrigerant connection line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line between the outdoor unit and the evaporator.

[0023] In the heating and battery temperature raising mode, the coolant of the coolant circulation line on the electrical component side is configured to move through the heat exchanger, the coolant of the coolant circulation line on the battery side is configured to move bypassing the heat exchanger through the coolant connection line, and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation line is discharged from the compressor, passes through the indoor unit and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with a heat medium, passes through the heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, exchanges heat with the coolant of the coolant circulation line on the electrical component side, and then moves to the compressor.

[0024] In the implantation heating and battery temperature raising mode, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the electrical component side is configured to move through the heat exchanger, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the battery side is configured to move bypassing the heat exchanger through the cooling water connection line, and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation line is discharged from the compressor, passes through the indoor unit along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with a heat medium, moves bypassing the outdoor unit through the first refrigerant connection line, passes through the heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, exchanges heat with the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the electrical component side, and then moves to the compressor.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system capable of efficiently managing the thermal management of a battery and improving the heating performance of a vehicle can be provided.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the operation of the vehicle thermal management system of Figure 1 in the heating and battery heating mode.

[0029] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the operation of the vehicle thermal management system of Figure 1 in the implantation heating and battery heating modes.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the operation of the vehicle thermal management system of Fig. 4 in the heating and battery heating mode.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the operation of the vehicle thermal management system of Fig. 4 in the implantation heating and battery heating mode.

[0033] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component may also be referred to as a second component. The term and / or includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0034] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0035] In the description of embodiments, when one component is described as being formed "on or under" another component, "on or under" includes both cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other or where one or more other components are formed indirectly between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "on or under," it can include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0036] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to the drawings, a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant circulation line (100) through which refrigerant circulates, a coolant circulation line (200) through which coolant circulates, and a heat exchanger (300) for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant.

[0041] The refrigerant circulation line (100) may include a first refrigerant line (101) and a second refrigerant line (102).

[0042] A compressor (110), an indoor unit (120), an outdoor unit (130), and an evaporator (140) may be installed in the first refrigerant line (101). In addition, an accumulator (150) may be further installed. The refrigerant may be discharged from the compressor (110) and sequentially pass through the indoor unit (120), the outdoor unit (130), the evaporator (140), and the accumulator (150) before being introduced back into the compressor (110). The refrigerant may move along a circulation loop implemented by the first refrigerant line (101).

[0043] A first expansion valve (171) may be arranged between the indoor unit (120) and the outdoor unit (130) in the first refrigerant line (101), and a second expansion valve (172) may be arranged between the outdoor unit (130) and the evaporator (140). Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first expansion valve (171) may be arranged at the inlet-side front end of the outdoor unit (130), and the second expansion valve (172) may be arranged at the inlet-side front end of the evaporator (140).

[0044] The compressor (110) can compress the refrigerant and discharge it into the first refrigerant line (101). The compressor (110) is driven by power from an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor, etc., and compresses the introduced refrigerant and discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state.

[0045] The indoor unit (120) can condense the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110). The indoor unit (120) is installed inside the air conditioning unit (1) and can exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat medium inside the air conditioning unit (1). The heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may be air flowing inside the air conditioning unit (1). The air is heated in the indoor unit (120) and flows into the vehicle to heat the vehicle interior.

[0046] The outdoor unit (130) can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the heat medium. In an embodiment, the outdoor unit (130) can include an air-cooled condenser, and the heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant can include outside air.

[0047] The evaporator (140) is installed inside the air conditioner (1) together with the indoor unit (120) and can exchange heat with the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) and a heat medium. The heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may be air flowing inside the air conditioner (1), and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is introduced into the vehicle to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0048] Additionally, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater (2) may be installed inside the air conditioner (1). The PTC heater (2) is installed inside the air conditioner (1) together with the indoor unit (120) and is used as a means of heating air, and may be used as a means of supplementing the temperature required for vehicle air conditioning when the indoor unit (120) does not meet the temperature.

[0049] The first expansion valve (171) and the second expansion valve (172) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant line (101). In an embodiment, the first expansion valve (171) can be a full-open type electronic expansion valve, and the second expansion valve (172) can be a solenoid type mechanical expansion valve.

[0050] The second refrigerant line (102) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) by bypassing the evaporator (140). In an embodiment, the second refrigerant line (102) may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the outdoor unit (130) and the evaporator (140), and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the evaporator (140) and the compressor (110). Accordingly, the refrigerant may move through the evaporator (140) along the first refrigerant line (101) or may move by bypassing the evaporator (140) along the second refrigerant line (102). The movement to the second refrigerant line (102) may be controlled by the second expansion valve (172). That is, the movement of the refrigerant to the evaporator may be blocked by the second expansion valve (172).

[0051] The second refrigerant line (102) may be arranged to pass through a heat exchanger (300). The refrigerant may move along the second refrigerant line (102) and exchange heat with cooling water in the heat exchanger (300). Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger (300) may move again along the first refrigerant line (101) to the compressor (110).

[0052] A third expansion valve (180) may be arranged at the inlet end of the heat exchanger (300) in the second refrigerant line (102). In an embodiment, the third expansion valve (180) may be an electronic two-way expansion valve. The third expansion valve (180) may block the refrigerant from passing through the heat exchanger (300) along the second refrigerant line (102). With the third expansion valve (180) blocked, the refrigerant may move through the second expansion valve (172) and the evaporator (140) along the first refrigerant line (101).

[0053] In an embodiment, the refrigerant circulation line (100) may further include a first refrigerant connection line (103) and a second refrigerant connection line (104). The first refrigerant connection line (103) and the second refrigerant connection line (104) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) so that the refrigerant moves by bypassing the outdoor unit (130).

[0054] The first refrigerant connection line (103) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at one end through the second directional change valve (160) at the inlet end of the outdoor unit (130), and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at the rear end at the outlet end of the outdoor unit (130). Specifically, one end of the first refrigerant connection line (103) may be connected to the second directional change valve (160) arranged between the first expansion valve (171) and the outdoor unit (130), and the other end may be connected between the connection point of the second refrigerant line (102) with the first refrigerant line (101) and the outdoor unit (130).

[0055] The second refrigerant connection line (104) may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the indoor unit (120) and the outdoor unit (130), and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the outdoor unit (130) and the evaporator (140). Specifically, one end of the second refrigerant connection line (104) may be connected between the second directional change valve (160) and the first expansion valve (171), and the other end may be connected between the evaporator (140) and the second expansion valve (172). A two-way valve (190) that performs an opening and closing function of the refrigerant may be arranged in the second refrigerant connection line (104).

[0056] Depending on the operating mode, the refrigerant may circulate along the first refrigerant line (101), bypass the evaporator (140) along the second refrigerant line (102), or bypass the outdoor unit (130) along the first refrigerant connection line (103) or the second refrigerant connection line (104).

[0057] The coolant circulation line (200) may include a battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) through which coolant passing through the battery (211) is circulated, and an electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) through which coolant passing through the electrical component (221) is circulated. In addition, the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) may be arranged to pass through a heat exchanger (300).

[0058] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) may include a first pump (213) for circulating coolant, a water heater (212) for heating coolant, an inlet-side directional change valve (214) arranged at the front end of the inlet side of the heat exchanger (300), and an outlet-side directional change valve (215) arranged at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger (300). In addition, it may further include a radiator (230) and a reservoir tank (240) for cooling coolant heated by the battery (211).

[0059] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) may be composed of a first battery line (201), a second battery line (202), and a coolant connection line (203).

[0060] The first battery line (201) can implement a circulation loop in which coolant circulates by passing through a heat exchanger (300). A first pump (213), a battery (211), a water heater (212), an inlet-side directional change valve (214), and an outlet-side directional change valve (215) can be installed in the first battery line (201).

[0061] The inlet-side directional change valve (214) and the outlet-side directional change valve (215) may be positioned at the inlet-side front end and the outlet-side rear end of the heat exchanger (300), respectively, in a state where the first battery line (201) passes through the heat exchanger (300). In an embodiment, the inlet-side directional change valve (214) and the outlet-side directional change valve (215) may be three-way valves.

[0062] The coolant connection line (203) can be connected to the first battery line (201) to bypass the heat exchanger (300). Specifically, one end of the coolant connection line (203) can be connected to the inlet-side directional change valve (214), and the other end can be connected to the first battery line (201) between the outlet-side directional change valve (215) and the heat exchanger (300).

[0063] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) can be configured to allow the coolant to selectively bypass the heat exchanger (300) depending on the operating mode, through the first battery line (201) passing through the heat exchanger (300) and the coolant connection line (203) bypassing the heat exchanger (300). That is, the coolant can pass through the heat exchanger (300) and exchange heat with the refrigerant, or bypass the heat exchanger (300) and not exchange heat with the refrigerant.

[0064] The second battery line (202) may be branched from the first battery line (201) to implement a circulation loop in which coolant introduced from the first battery line (201) circulates. In an embodiment, one end of the second battery line (202) may be connected between the connection point of the coolant connection line (203) with the first battery line (201) and the heat exchanger (300), and the other end may be connected to the outlet-side direction change valve (215).

[0065] A radiator (230) and a reservoir tank (240) for cooling coolant heated by the battery (211) may be installed in the second battery line (202). That is, the radiator (230) and the reservoir tank (240) may be installed in parallel with the battery (211) and the water heater (212) on the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A).

[0066] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) can be configured so that, depending on the operating mode, the coolant passes through the heat exchanger (300) and then moves along the second battery line (202), passes through the radiator (230) and reservoir tank (240), and then moves again along the first battery line (201).

[0067] The cooling water circulation line (200B) on the front part side may include a second pump (222) that circulates cooling water and a first direction change valve (223) arranged at the inlet side tip of the second pump (222).

[0068] The cooling water circulation line (200B) on the electric component side can be composed of a first electric component line (204) and a second electric component line (205).

[0069] The first electric component line (204) can implement a circulation loop in which cooling water circulates through a heat exchanger (300). A second pump (222), an electric component (221), and a first directional change valve (223) can be installed in the first electric component line (204). In an embodiment, the first directional change valve (223) can be a three-way valve.

[0070] The second electrical component line (205) may be branched from the first electrical component line (204) to implement a circulation loop in which the cooling water introduced from the first electrical component line (204) circulates. In an embodiment, one end of the second electrical component line (205) may be connected between the electrical component (221) and the heat exchanger (300), and the other end may be connected to the first directional change valve (223).

[0071] The second electrical component line (205) may be arranged to pass through the radiator (230) and the reservoir tank (240). Accordingly, the electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) may be configured so that, depending on the operating mode, the coolant moves along the second electrical component line (205), passes through the radiator (230) and the reservoir tank (240), and then moves along the first electrical component line (204).

[0072] The heat exchanger (300) can be arranged so that the refrigerant circulation line (200), the electrical component side coolant circulation line (200B), and the battery side coolant circulation line (200A) pass through it.

[0073] The heat exchanger (300) can heat-exchange the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation line (200) with the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) and the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A). That is, the heat exchanger (300) can function as a type of integrated chiller that heat-exchanges the refrigerant and the coolant. In this case, the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) and the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) can be configured to be separated and heat-exchanged with the refrigerant. That is, the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) and the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) can be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant, or either of the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) and the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) can be selected to heat-exchange with the refrigerant.

[0074] In an embodiment, the refrigerant and cooling water in the heat exchanger (300) may be configured to exchange heat while flowing in opposite directions.

[0075] Below, the operation according to the operating mode of the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0076] Figure 2 shows the operation in heating and battery heating mode.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 2, the compressor (110) operates and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) moves along the first refrigerant line (101). Then, the refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the air conditioning device (1) while passing through the indoor unit (120), and the heated air is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0078] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (120) expands (throttles) while passing through the first expansion valve (171), and flows into the outdoor unit (130) to exchange heat with the outside air. Then, the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102) and flows into the heat exchanger (300) through the third expansion valve (180).

[0079] In the heat exchanger (300), the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the coolant circulation lines (200) (heat absorption), and, having recovered the waste heat of the electrical component (221) through heat exchange with the coolant, is fed back into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (150). Then, by repeating this process, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant circulation line (100).

[0080] Meanwhile, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line (200B) on the electric component side of the cooling water circulation line (200) is controlled to move through the heat exchanger (300) along the first electric component line (204). The cooling water heated while passing through the electric component (221) is cooled (heat dissipation) through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (300).

[0081] On the other hand, the coolant of the coolant circulation line (200A) on the battery side, which is the coolant circulation line (200), is controlled to move bypassing the heat exchanger (300). That is, the coolant sequentially flows from the first battery line (201) through the first pump (213), the battery (211), the water heater (212), and the inlet-side directional change valve (214), and then moves along the coolant connection line (203) bypassing the heat exchanger (300) and then flows back into the first pump (213) through the outlet-side directional change valve (215).

[0082] In this way, the heating performance can be improved by recovering the waste heat of the electric component (221) through the heat exchanger (300) and configuring the external air heat absorption through the outdoor unit (130).

[0083] In addition, by configuring the coolant passing through the battery (211) to bypass the heat exchanger (300) and not exchange heat with the coolant, the heat of the coolant is prevented from being taken away by the coolant, thereby raising the temperature of the battery (211).

[0084] Figure 3 shows the operation in implantation heating and battery heating modes.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, the compressor (110) operates to discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (110). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) moves along the first refrigerant line (101). Then, the refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the air conditioning unit (1) while passing through the indoor unit (120), and the heated air is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0086] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (120) expands (throttles) while passing through the first expansion valve (171), and moves through the second directional change valve (160) along the first refrigerant connection line (103) to bypass the outdoor unit (130). Then, the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102) and flows into the heat exchanger (300) through the third expansion valve (180). That is, by bypassing the outdoor unit (130) and preventing heat exchange with the outside air, frosting is prevented from occurring in the outdoor unit (130). This is because, when the outside temperature is low, such as in winter, frosting occurs in the outdoor unit (130) during the heat exchange process between the refrigerant and the outside air, and if this frosting continues to expand, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the system decrease, which lowers the temperature of the air supplied to the inside of the vehicle, thereby reducing the heating performance.

[0087] In the heat exchanger (300), the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the coolant circulation lines (200) (heat absorption), and, having recovered the waste heat of the electrical component (221) through heat exchange with the coolant, is fed back into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (150). Then, by repeating this process, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant circulation line (100).

[0088] Meanwhile, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the cooling water circulation lines (200) is controlled to move through the heat exchanger (300) along the first electrical component line (204). The cooling water heated while passing through the electrical component (221) is cooled (heat dissipation) through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (300).

[0089] On the other hand, the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) among the coolant circulation lines (200) is controlled to move bypassing the heat exchanger (300). That is, the coolant sequentially flows from the first battery line (201) through the first pump (213), the battery (211), the water heater (212), and the inlet-side directional change valve (214), and then moves along the coolant connection line (203) bypassing the heat exchanger (300) and then flows back into the first pump (213) through the outlet-side directional change valve (215).

[0090] In this way, the waste heat of the electric component (221) is recovered through the heat exchanger (300) and the outdoor unit (130) is bypassed to prevent frost formation in the outdoor unit (130), thereby improving the heating performance.

[0091] In addition, by configuring the coolant passing through the battery (211) to bypass the heat exchanger (300) and not exchange heat with the coolant, the heat of the coolant is prevented from being taken away by the coolant, thereby raising the temperature of the battery (211).

[0092] A vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The configuration of the vehicle thermal management system according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is substantially the same as the configuration of the vehicle thermal management system according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. However, since there is a difference in the configuration and structure of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A), the following description will focus on the differences.

[0094] Referring to the drawings, a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a coolant circulation line (100) through which coolant is circulated, a coolant circulation line (200) including a battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) through which coolant passing through a battery (211) is circulated, and an electrical component-side coolant circulation line (200B) through which coolant passing through an electrical component (221) is circulated, and a heat exchanger (300) for exchanging heat between the coolant and the coolant.

[0095] Among the coolant circulation lines (200), the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) may include a first pump (213) for circulating coolant, a water heater (212) for heating coolant, and an outlet-side directional valve (216) arranged at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger (300). In addition, a radiator (230) and a reservoir tank (240) for cooling coolant heated by the battery (211) may be further included.

[0096] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) may be composed of a first battery line (201), a second battery line (202), and a coolant connection line (203).

[0097] The first battery line (201) can implement a circulation loop in which coolant circulates by passing through a heat exchanger (300). A first pump (213), a battery (211), a water heater (212), and an outlet-side directional change valve (216) can be installed in the first battery line (201).

[0098] The outlet-side directional change valve (216) may be located at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger (300) so that the first battery line (201) passes through the heat exchanger (300). In an embodiment, the outlet-side directional change valve (216) may be a 4-way valve.

[0099] The coolant connection line (203) may be connected to the first battery line (201) to bypass the heat exchanger (300). Specifically, one end of the coolant connection line (203) may be connected to the first battery line (201) between the water heater (212) and the heat exchanger (300), and the other end may be connected to an outlet-side directional change valve (216). Accordingly, the coolant may pass through the first pump (213), the battery (211), and the water heater (212), and then move along the coolant connection line (203) to bypass the heat exchanger (300), and then move back to the first pump (213) along the first battery line (201) from the outlet-side directional change valve (216).

[0100] The second battery line (202) may be branched from the first battery line (201) to implement a circulation loop in which coolant introduced from the first battery line (201) circulates. In an embodiment, one end of the second battery line (202) may be connected between an outlet-side directional change valve (216) and a heat exchanger (300), and the other end may be connected to the outlet-side directional change valve (216). A radiator (230) and a reservoir tank (240) for cooling coolant heated by the battery (211) may be installed in the second battery line (202).

[0101] The battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) can be configured so that, depending on the operating mode, the coolant passes through the heat exchanger (300) and then moves along the second battery line (202), passes through the radiator (230) and reservoir tank (240), and then moves again along the first battery line (201).

[0102] Below, the operation according to the operating mode of the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0103] Figure 5 shows the operation in heating and battery heating mode.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 5, the compressor (110) operates and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) moves along the first refrigerant line (101). Then, the refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the air conditioning device (1) while passing through the indoor unit (120), and the heated air is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0105] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (120) expands (throttles) while passing through the first expansion valve (171), and flows into the outdoor unit (130) to exchange heat with the outside air. Then, the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102) and flows into the heat exchanger (300) through the third expansion valve (180).

[0106] In the heat exchanger (300), the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the coolant circulation lines (200) (heat absorption), and, having recovered the waste heat of the electrical component (221) through heat exchange with the coolant, is fed back into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (150). Then, by repeating this process, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant circulation line (100).

[0107] Meanwhile, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the cooling water circulation lines (200) is controlled to move through the heat exchanger (300) along the first electrical component line (204). The cooling water heated while passing through the electrical component (221) is cooled (heat dissipation) through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (300).

[0108] On the other hand, the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) among the coolant circulation lines (200) is controlled to move bypassing the heat exchanger (300). That is, the coolant sequentially flows from the first battery line (201) through the first pump (213), the battery (211), and the water heater (212), and then moves along the coolant connection line (203) bypassing the heat exchanger (300), and then flows back into the first pump (213) through the outlet-side directional change valve (216).

[0109] In this way, the heating performance can be improved by recovering the waste heat of the electric component (221) through the heat exchanger (300) and configuring the external air heat absorption through the outdoor unit (130).

[0110] In addition, by configuring the coolant passing through the battery (211) to bypass the heat exchanger (300) and not exchange heat with the coolant, the heat of the coolant is prevented from being taken away by the coolant, thereby raising the temperature of the battery (211).

[0111] Figure 6 shows the operation in implantation heating and battery heating modes.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 6, the compressor (110) operates and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) moves along the first refrigerant line (101). Then, the refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the air conditioning device (1) while passing through the indoor unit (120), and the heated air is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0113] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (120) expands (throttles) while passing through the first expansion valve (171), and moves bypassing the outdoor unit (130) along the first refrigerant connection line (103) through the second directional change valve (160). Then, the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102) and flows into the heat exchanger (300) through the third expansion valve (180). That is, by bypassing the outdoor unit (130) and preventing heat exchange with the outside air, frost formation is prevented in the outdoor unit (130).

[0114] In the heat exchanger (300), the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the coolant circulation lines (200) (heat absorption), and, having recovered the waste heat of the electrical component (221) through heat exchange with the coolant, is fed back into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (150). Then, by repeating this process, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant circulation line (100).

[0115] Meanwhile, the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line (200B) on the electrical component side among the cooling water circulation lines (200) is controlled to move through the heat exchanger (300) along the first electrical component line (204). The cooling water heated while passing through the electrical component (221) is cooled (heat dissipation) through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (300).

[0116] On the other hand, the coolant of the battery-side coolant circulation line (200A) among the coolant circulation lines (200) is controlled to move bypassing the heat exchanger (300). That is, the coolant sequentially flows from the first battery line (201) through the first pump (213), the battery (211), and the water heater (212), and then moves along the coolant connection line (203) bypassing the heat exchanger (300), and then flows back into the first pump (213) through the outlet-side directional change valve (216).

[0117] In this way, the waste heat of the electric component (221) is recovered through the heat exchanger (300) and the outdoor unit (130) is bypassed to prevent frost formation in the outdoor unit (130), thereby improving the heating performance.

[0118] In addition, by configuring the coolant passing through the battery (211) to bypass the heat exchanger (300) and not exchange heat with the coolant, the heat of the coolant is prevented from being taken away by the coolant, thereby raising the temperature of the battery (211).

[0119] While the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims below. Furthermore, any differences resulting from such modifications and variations should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Refrigerant circulation line through which refrigerant circulates; A coolant circulation line including a battery-side coolant circulation line through which coolant passing through the battery is circulated and an electrical component-side coolant circulation line through which coolant passing through the electrical component is circulated; and A heat exchanger arranged so that the above refrigerant circulation line, the above electric component side coolant circulation line, and the above battery side coolant circulation line pass through, and which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the coolant; Includes, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the battery-side coolant circulation line is connected to a direction change valve and configured to selectively bypass the heat exchanger and move the coolant according to the operating mode through a coolant connection line that bypasses the heat exchanger.

2. In paragraph 1, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the above battery-side coolant circulation line includes a first pump for circulating coolant, a water heater for heating the coolant, an inlet-side directional change valve arranged at the inlet-side front end of the heat exchanger, and an outlet-side directional change valve arranged at the outlet-side rear end of the heat exchanger.

3. In paragraph 2, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that one end of the above-mentioned coolant connection line is connected to the inlet-side directional change valve, and the other end is connected to the battery-side coolant circulation line between the outlet-side directional change valve and the heat exchanger.

4. In paragraph 2, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the inlet-side directional change valve and the outlet-side directional change valve are 3-way valves.

5. In paragraph 1, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the above battery-side coolant circulation line includes a first pump for circulating coolant, a water heater for heating the coolant, and an outlet-side directional valve arranged at the rear end of the outlet side of the heat exchanger.

6. In paragraph 5, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that one end of the above-mentioned coolant connection line is connected to the battery-side coolant circulation line between the water heater and the heat exchanger, and the other end is connected to the outlet-side direction change valve.

7. In paragraph 5, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the above outlet-side directional change valve is a 4-way valve.

8. In paragraph 2 or paragraph 5, The above battery-side coolant circulation line further includes a radiator and a reservoir tank that cool the coolant heated by the battery. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the radiator and the reservoir tank are installed in parallel with the battery and the water heater on the battery-side coolant circulation line.

9. In paragraph 8, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the above-mentioned electrical component-side coolant circulation line includes a second pump for circulating coolant and a first directional change valve arranged at the inlet-side tip of the second pump.

10. In paragraph 8, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the above-mentioned electric component side coolant circulation line is arranged to pass through the above-mentioned radiator and the above-mentioned reservoir tank.

11. In paragraph 9, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the first directional change valve is a 3-way valve.

12. In paragraph 1, The above refrigerant circulation line includes a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an evaporator are installed, and a second refrigerant line connected to the first refrigerant line bypassing the evaporator. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the second refrigerant line is arranged to pass through the heat exchanger.

13. In paragraph 12, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that one end of the second refrigerant line is connected to the first refrigerant line between the outdoor unit and the evaporator, and the other end is connected to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

14. In paragraph 12, A vehicle thermal management system further comprising a first expansion valve disposed between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in the first refrigerant line and a second expansion valve disposed between the outdoor unit and the evaporator.

15. In paragraph 12, A vehicle thermal management system further comprising a third expansion valve disposed at the inlet end of the heat exchanger in the second refrigerant line.

16. In paragraph 12, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the indoor unit and the evaporator are installed in an air conditioning device.

17. In paragraph 12, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that it further comprises a first refrigerant connection line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line through a second directional change valve at an inlet end of the outdoor unit and is connected to the first refrigerant line at a rear end of the outlet end of the outdoor unit, and a second refrigerant connection line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and is connected to the first refrigerant line between the outdoor unit and the evaporator at an end.

18. In paragraph 17, In heating and battery warm-up mode, The cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the above-mentioned electric component side is configured to move through the heat exchanger, and the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the battery side is configured to move bypassing the heat exchanger through the cooling water connection line. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation line is discharged from the compressor, passes through the indoor unit and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with a heat medium, passes through the heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, exchanges heat with the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line, and then moves to the compressor.

19. In paragraph 17, In implantation heating and battery heating mode, The cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the above-mentioned electric component side is configured to move through the heat exchanger, and the cooling water of the cooling water circulation line on the battery side is configured to move bypassing the heat exchanger through the cooling water connection line. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation line is discharged from the compressor, passes through the indoor unit along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with a heat medium, moves bypassing the outdoor unit through the first refrigerant connection line, passes through the heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, exchanges heat with the coolant of the electrical component-side coolant circulation line, and then moves to the compressor.

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