Temperature regulation system and control method of temperature regulation system

Abstract

Provided is a temperature regulation system (100) comprising a switching unit that can switch between a heat pump mode, in which a heat medium (HM) circulates independently in a first circulation flow path (CI1) and a second circulation flow path (CI2), and a heating start-up mode, in which the heat medium (HM) is circulated in the second circulation flow path (CI2) without being circulated in the first circulation flow path (CI1). A control unit (30) controls a heat medium circuit (20) so that, in the heat pump mode, a first pump (21) pressure-feeds the heat medium (HM) to an indoor air conditioning unit (25) and a second pump (22) pressure-feeds the heat medium (HM) to an outdoor heat exchanger (23), and, in the heating start-up mode, both the first pump (21) and the second pump (22) pressure-feed the heat medium (HM) to an outdoor heat exchanger (23) via a first communication flow path (CO1) and a second communication flow path (CO2).

Description

Temperature control system and method for controlling the temperature control system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature control system suitable for use in a vehicle and a method for controlling a temperature control system.

[0002] In vehicles such as electric vehicles and so-called hybrid vehicles that obtain driving force for vehicle operation from an engine and an electric motor, heat sources such as exhaust heat from the engine tend to be in short supply, and in addition to the air conditioning functions required for vehicles such as heating and cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation, there is a need for thermal management of on-board equipment such as the battery and utilization of exhaust heat.As a vehicle thermal management system that can cope even when there is a shortage of heat sources, a system has been proposed that includes a primary loop in which a refrigerant circulates according to a refrigeration cycle and a secondary loop in which a heat medium (such as water) is transported to an interior air conditioning unit by a pump (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat pump mode in which a low-pressure side circuit (circulation flow path) is formed between a low-pressure side heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger that form a refrigerant circuit, and a high-pressure side circuit (circulation flow path) is formed between a high-pressure side heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger that form the refrigerant circuit, and the heat medium is circulated by a pump. Patent Document 1 also discloses a start-up mode in which, when the outdoor air temperature is significantly below 0°C, the outdoor heat exchanger transfers heat absorbed from the outdoor air to the heat medium to the refrigerant, thereby preventing the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant from becoming lower than the outdoor air temperature.

[0004] Patent No. 7361178

[0005] In the temperature control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pump is provided in each of the low-pressure side circuit and the high-pressure side circuit to circulate the heat medium independently in each of the low-pressure side circuit and the high-pressure side circuit. However, when executing the startup mode, only one pump is used to circulate the heat medium in the low-pressure side circuit, and there is room for improvement in order to shorten the time required to heat the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to a desired temperature.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to improve COP in a temperature control system and a control method thereof that has circulation flow paths corresponding to a temperature control device and an outdoor heat exchanger, by increasing the flow rate of the heat medium pressurized to the outdoor heat exchanger in an operating mode in which the heat medium is not circulated through the temperature control device.

[0007] a first upstream position on the first circulation flow path upstream of the first pump and a second upstream position on the second circulation flow path upstream of the second pump; and a second upstream position on the second circulation flow path upstream of the second pump. a first communication flow path that communicates the first circulation flow path with a first downstream position downstream of the first pump and a second downstream position downstream of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; and a switching unit that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a second operation mode in which both the first pump and the second pump circulate the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, and the control unit controls the heat medium circuit so that in the first operation mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, and so that in the second operation mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressure-feed the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path.

[0008] In a control method for a temperature adjustment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature adjustment system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the heat medium circuit includes a temperature adjustment device that heats a temperature adjustment target using the heat medium, a first circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the temperature adjustment device, a first pump that is disposed in the first circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the heat medium, a second circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, a second pump that is disposed in the second circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium, and a first upstream position on the upstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path and a second upstream position on the upstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path. a first communication flow path that communicates a first downstream position of the first circulation flow path downstream of the first pump with a second downstream position of the second circulation flow path downstream of the second pump; and a switching unit that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a second operation mode in which both the first pump and the second pump circulate the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, and the heat medium circuit is controlled so that in the first operation mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the second operation mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressure-feed the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in a temperature control system and a control method thereof that have circulation flow paths corresponding to a temperature control device and an outdoor heat exchanger, the COP can be improved by increasing the flow rate of the heat medium pressurized to the outdoor heat exchanger in an operating mode in which the heat medium is not circulated through the temperature control device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a heat pump mode is being executed; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a heater mode is being executed; FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a heating startup mode is being executed; FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a temperature control system according to a modified embodiment of an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cooling mode is being executed;

[0011] A temperature control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The vehicle temperature control system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle that does not have an engine and obtains driving force for running the vehicle from an electric motor, or a so-called hybrid vehicle that obtains driving force for running the vehicle from an engine and an electric motor.

[0012] The temperature adjustment system 100 is responsible for air conditioning such as heating and cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation of the passenger compartment, as well as heat management and exhaust heat recovery for on-board devices such as the battery device (power supply device) installed in the vehicle, the electric motor for driving, and heat-generating electronic devices. Conditioning the air to an appropriate temperature and humidity, and maintaining on-board devices at an appropriate temperature, are collectively referred to as "thermal management."

[0013] The temperature adjustment system 100 and the electrically powered devices and electronic devices provided in the on-board devices are supplied with power stored in an on-board battery device. The on-board battery device is charged from an external power source when the vehicle is stopped.

[0014] The temperature adjustment system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant RF, a heat medium circuit 20 configured to circulate a heat medium HM that transfers heat to and from the refrigerant RF, and a control unit 30 that sets the temperature adjustment system 100 to a predetermined operation mode and controls the operation state of the temperature adjustment system 100 in accordance with the operation mode. The temperature adjustment system 100 includes sensors (not shown), such as a sensor that detects the outside air temperature and a sensor that detects the temperature of conditioned air blown into the vehicle compartment.

[0015] The temperature adjustment system 100 can execute one of a plurality of operation modes selected by the occupant or the control unit 30. In this embodiment, the operation modes of the temperature adjustment system 100 are exemplified by a heat pump mode (FIG. 1), a heating start-up mode (FIG. 2), and a cooling mode (FIG. 3).

[0016] <Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit 10> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses the refrigerant RF, a condenser (high-pressure side heat exchanger) 12, an expansion valve (pressure reducing section) 13, and an evaporator (low-pressure side heat exchanger) 14. The refrigerant RF circulates through the refrigerant circuit 10 according to a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant RF charged into the refrigerant circuit 10 can be a single refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant. For example, HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants such as R410A and R32, HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) refrigerants such as R1234ze and R1234yf, or hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants such as propane and isobutane can be used. In particular, R1234yf is preferably used as the refrigerant in this embodiment.

[0017] When the above-listed fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon refrigerants are used, a subcritical refrigeration cycle is configured in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. When carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the refrigerant, a transcritical refrigeration cycle is configured in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Even in this case, the refrigerant dissipates heat through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, as in the condenser 12 of this embodiment, and absorbs heat through the low-pressure side heat exchanger, as in the evaporator 14 of this embodiment. Therefore, refrigerants that configure a transcritical refrigeration cycle, such as carbon dioxide refrigerants, can also be used in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0018] The compressor 11 is, for example, an electric compressor equipped with an electric motor (not shown). The rotation speed of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control unit 30. The compressor 11 may be, for example, a scroll compressor or a rotary compressor.

[0019] The condenser 12 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF discharged from the compressor 11 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20 .

[0020] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 13, an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be controlled based on commands from the control unit 30, or a thermostatic expansion valve can be used. Note that a capillary tube may be used instead of the expansion valve 13. Also, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 13. Also, electromagnetic on-off valves (not shown) may be provided before and after the expansion valve 13.

[0021] The evaporator 14 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF flowing out of the expansion valve 13 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20. The refrigerant RF evaporated by the evaporator 14 is guided to the suction side of the compressor 11. An accumulator (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the evaporator 14 and the compressor 11.

[0022] The expansion valve 15 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 15, an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be controlled based on commands from the control unit 30, or a thermostatic expansion valve can be used. Note that a capillary tube may be used instead of the expansion valve 15. Also, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 15. Also, electromagnetic on-off valves (not shown) may be provided before and after the expansion valve 13.

[0023] The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the evaporator 14, the expansion valve 15, and the refrigerant piping connecting these elements are installed, for example, outside the passenger compartment.

[0024] <Configuration of Heat Medium Circuit 20> The heat medium circuit 20 is configured to circulate a heat medium HM capable of transferring heat to and from the refrigerant RF via the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14. The heat medium HM is used to cool or heat at least one temperature control target. In this embodiment, the temperature control target is air that is supplied to the vehicle interior for air conditioning. The temperature control target may also be an on-board battery device.

[0025] The heat medium HM sealed in the heat medium circuit 20 is a liquid such as water or brine that is maintained in a liquid phase and circulates through the heat medium circuit 20. Examples of the brine include a mixture of water and propylene glycol, or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0026] The heat medium circuit 20 includes a first pump 21, a second pump 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an indoor air-conditioning unit (temperature control device) 25, a three-way valve (flow path branching unit) 26, a three-way valve (flow path switching unit) 27, a three-way valve (flow path switching unit) 28, a reserve tank 29, a first circulation flow path CI1, a second circulation flow path CI2, a first communication flow path CO1, a second communication flow path CO2, and a third communication flow path CO3. Note that the flow path switching unit is not limited to a three-way valve, and an integrated valve may be used.

[0027] The first circulation flow path CI1 is a flow path that circulates the heat medium HM between the condenser 12 and the indoor air-conditioning unit 25. The second circulation flow path CI2 is a flow path that circulates the heat medium HM between the evaporator 14 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0028] The first communication flow path CO1 is a flow path that guides the heat medium HM from a second upstream position Pu2 upstream of the second pump 22 of the second circulation flow path CI2 to a first upstream position Pu1 upstream of the first pump 21 of the first circulation flow path CI1. The second communication flow path CO2 is a flow path that guides the heat medium from a first downstream position Pd1 downstream of the first pump 21 of the first circulation flow path CI1 to a second downstream position Pd2 downstream of the second pump 22 of the second circulation flow path CI2. The third communication flow path CO3 is a flow path that guides the heat medium HM from a second branch position Pb2 upstream of the second upstream position Pu2 to a first branch position Pb1 upstream of the first upstream position Pu1.

[0029] The control unit 30 controls the start and stop and rotation speed of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 .

[0030] The first pump 21 is disposed in the first circulation flow path CI1 upstream of the three-way valve 26 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM and downstream of the first upstream position Pu1 in the flow direction, and is a device for pumping the heat medium HM along the flow direction. The second pump 22 is disposed in the second circulation flow path CI2 upstream of the three-way valve 28 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM and downstream of the second upstream position Pu2 in the flow direction, and is a device for pumping the heat medium HM along the flow direction.

[0031] The exterior heat exchanger 23 is a device that exchanges heat between the heat medium HM and the outside air outside the vehicle cabin. The exterior heat exchanger 23 is disposed, for example, near an air inlet of the vehicle. The outside air supplied to the exterior heat exchanger 23 by the vehicle running and the operation of the exterior heat exchanger fan 23a radiates or absorbs heat based on the temperature difference between the outside air and the heat medium. The exterior heat exchanger 23 has an exterior air temperature detection unit 23b that detects the temperature of the outside air introduced to the exterior heat exchanger 23.

[0032] The interior air-conditioning unit 25 is a device that heats air, the temperature of which is to be controlled, using a heat medium HM. The interior air-conditioning unit 25 includes an interior air-conditioning fan 25a, a first interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b, a second interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c, and a damper 25d. The interior air-conditioning unit 25 provides conditioned air to the vehicle cabin by exchanging heat between the air blown by the interior air-conditioning fan 25a and the heat medium. The interior air-conditioning fan 25a is driven by an electric motor based on commands from the control unit 30, and blows air from the vehicle cabin (interior air), outside air, or a mixture of the interior air and outside air toward the first interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b and the second interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c.

[0033] When the temperature control system 100 is operating in the heat pump mode, the damper 25d is positioned away from the second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c so that air blown from the indoor air conditioning fan 25a can circulate through the second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c.

[0034] The three-way valve 26 is disposed downstream of the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM, and is a device that branches the heat medium HM into at least one of a part of the first circulation flow path CI1 that leads the heat medium HM to the condenser 12 and a third communication flow path CO3 that leads the heat medium HM to the evaporator 14. The three-way valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction is switched depending on the operation mode.

[0035] The three-way valve 27 is disposed downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM, and is a device that branches the heat medium HM into at least one of a part of the second circulation flow path CI2 that guides the heat medium HM to the evaporator 14 and a third communication flow path CO3 that guides the heat medium HM to the condenser 12. The three-way valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction is switched depending on the operation mode.

[0036] The three-way valve 28 is positioned upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the flow direction of the heat medium HM, and is a device that switches between a state in which only the heat medium HM discharged from the second pump 22 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, a state in which both the heat medium HM discharged from the first pump 21 and the heat medium HM discharged from the second pump 22 are guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and a state in which neither the heat medium HM discharged from the first pump 21 nor the heat medium HM discharged from the second pump 22 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0037] The three-way valves 26, 27, and 28 function as a switching unit that can switch between a heating start-up mode (start-up mode) in which the heat medium HM is circulated through the second circulation flow path CI2 without circulating through the first circulation flow path CI1, and a heat pump mode in which the heat medium HM is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path CI1 and the second circulation flow path CI2.

[0038] The reserve tank 29 is a device disposed in the first communication flow path CO1 and stores the heat medium HM. When the heat medium HM sealed in the heat medium circuit 20 expands with an increase in temperature, the reserve tank 29 receives the heat medium HM in an amount that exceeds the capacity of the piping of the heat medium circuit 20.

[0039] Furthermore, when the volume of the heat medium HM decreases due to a drop in temperature, the heat medium HM is replenished from the reserve tank 29 to the first communication passage CO1, so that the first communication passage CO1 is maintained filled with the heat medium HM. In other words, the reserve tank 29 can prevent the internal pressure of the first communication passage CO1 from becoming excessively high or the first communication passage CO1 from becoming negative pressure. The interior of the reserve tank 29 is open to the atmosphere. The reserve tank 29 may be sealed and adjusted to a desired constant pressure.

[0040] <Configuration of the control unit 30> The control unit 30 is a device that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 is configured, for example, with a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions is stored in a storage medium or the like in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM or the like and executes information processing and arithmetic operations to realize various functions. The program may be pre-installed in a ROM or other storage medium, provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0041] Next, the control of the temperature adjustment system 100 having the above configuration will be described.

[0042] <Heat Pump Mode: Figure 1> In heat pump mode, the temperature adjustment system 100 draws heat from outside air as a heat source to heat the vehicle interior. In the refrigerant circuit 10 shown in Figure 1, the parts through which the refrigerant RF flows are indicated by thick solid lines, and the parts through which the refrigerant RF does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in Figure 1, the parts through which the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed lines, and the parts through which the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0043] When the control unit 30 is instructed to execute a heat pump mode for heating the vehicle interior, if the temperature of the heat medium HM detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit CI1a is higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 30 controls the switching unit (three-way valves 26, 27, and 28) to execute the following heat pump mode.

[0044] The refrigerant circuit 10 is started in response to a command from the control unit 30. As a result, the refrigerant RF is compressed by the compressor 11, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF exchanges heat with the heat medium HM, thereby releasing heat and condensing the refrigerant RF into a liquid. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is decompressed by the expansion valve 13 and then supplied to the evaporator 14.

[0045] In the evaporator 14, the refrigerant RF exchanges heat with the heat medium HM to obtain latent heat of evaporation and evaporate, becoming low-pressure gaseous refrigerant RF. The refrigerant RF that has left the evaporator 14 is guided to the compressor 11 and repeats the above-described refrigeration cycle.

[0046] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided along the first circulation flow path CI1 to the interior air-conditioning unit 25 by the action of the first pump 21. The heat medium HM then provides heat to the air in the vehicle cabin (or outside air) guided from the interior air-conditioning fan 25a in the second interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c, thereby heating the vehicle. The heat medium HM cooled by providing heat is guided along the first circulation flow path CI1 to the three-way valve 26. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so that the heat medium HM guided to the three-way valve 26 is guided to the condenser 12 via the first circulation flow path CI1, rather than to the third communication flow path CO3.

[0047] The heat medium HM cooled by the refrigerant RF in the evaporator 14 is guided along the second circulation flow path CI2 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the action of the second pump 22. The heat medium HM is then heated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by absorbing heat from the outside air guided by the outdoor heat exchanger fan 23a. The heat medium HM that has absorbed heat from the outside air is guided along the second circulation flow path CI2 to the three-way valve 27. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 27 so that the heat medium HM guided to the three-way valve 27 is guided to the evaporator 14 via the second circulation flow path CI2 without being guided to the third communication flow path CO3.

[0048] As described above, in the heat pump mode, the control unit 30 controls the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the three-way valve 26, the three-way valve 27, and the three-way valve 28 of the heat medium circuit 20 so that the first pump 21 circulates the heat medium HM through the first circulation flow path CI1 and the second pump 22 circulates the heat medium HM through the second circulation flow path CI2.

[0049] <Heater Mode: Figure 2> The heater mode (third operation mode) is suitable for heating when the heat medium HM cannot absorb heat from the outside air due to low outside air temperature. In the heater mode, the heat medium HM transports an amount of heat corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source to the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c while avoiding heat radiation from the heat medium HM to the outside air. This ensures heating capacity even when the outside air temperature is significantly below 0°C. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in Figure 2, the areas where the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed lines, and the areas where the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0050] The refrigerant circuit 10 is started in response to a command from the control unit 30. As a result, the refrigerant RF is compressed by the compressor 11, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF exchanges heat with the heat medium HM, thereby releasing heat and condensing the refrigerant RF into a liquid. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is decompressed by the expansion valve 13 and then supplied to the evaporator 14.

[0051] In the evaporator 14, the refrigerant RF exchanges heat with the heat medium HM to obtain latent heat of evaporation and evaporate, becoming low-pressure gaseous refrigerant RF. The refrigerant RF that has left the evaporator 14 is guided to the compressor 11 and repeats the above-described refrigeration cycle.

[0052] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided to the second interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c via the first upstream position Pu1 and the first downstream position Pd1 by the action of the first pump 21. Then, in the second interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c, the heat medium HM provides heat to the air in the vehicle cabin (or outside air) guided from the interior air-conditioning fan 25a, thereby heating the vehicle. The heat medium HM cooled by providing heat is guided to the three-way valve 26.

[0053] The control unit 30 causes the heat medium HM to branch at the three-way valve 26 arranged at the first branch position Pb1, and guides one branch to the condenser 12 and the other branch via the three-way valve 27 arranged at the second branch position Pb2 to the evaporator 14. The heat medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 14 is guided from the second upstream position Pu2 to the first upstream position Pu1 via the first communication flow path CO1.

[0054] The heat medium HM flowing to the condenser 12 absorbs heat from the refrigerant RF flowing through the condenser 12 and liquefies the refrigerant RF. The heat medium HM flowing to the evaporator 14 imparts latent heat of evaporation to the refrigerant RF flowing through the evaporator 14, causing the refrigerant RF to evaporate.

[0055] The three-way valve 26 is configured to be able to adjust a first flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the condenser 12 and a second flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the evaporator 14. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate, for example, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to reduce the second flow rate when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14. The control unit 30 may reduce the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the evaporator 14 by, for example, reducing the rotation speed of the first pump 21.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate, for example, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12. When the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12 is to be reduced, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to increase the first flow rate. The control unit 30 may increase the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the condenser 12, for example, by increasing the rotation speed of the first pump 21. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may control the rotation speed of the compressor 11 based on the temperature of the heat medium HM flowing into the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c.

[0057] <Heating Start-Up Mode: FIG. 3> The heating start-up mode (start-up mode) is a mode in which the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air to the heat medium HM is increased by increasing the heat medium flow rate in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the amount of heat exchanged from the heat medium HM to the refrigerant RF is increased by increasing the heat medium flow rate in the evaporator 14. The temperature adjustment system 100 executes the heating start-up mode when the heat medium temperature detection unit CI1a of the first circulation flow path CI1 is below a predetermined temperature, and switches the heating start-up mode to the heat pump mode or the heater mode when the heat medium temperature, refrigerant pressure, or refrigerant temperature of the condenser 12 becomes higher than a predetermined value.

[0058] When an instruction to execute a heat pump mode or a heater mode for heating the vehicle interior is given, if the temperature of the heat medium HM detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit CI1a of the first circulation flow path CI1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 30 executes a heating start-up mode instead of the heat pump mode or the heater mode. In the heating start-up mode, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 not to circulate the heat medium HM through the first circulation flow path CI1. On the other hand, in the heating start-up mode, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 27 and 28 to circulate the heat medium HM through the second circulation flow path CI2.

[0059] In addition, in the heating start-up mode, the control unit 30 controls the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the three-way valve 26, the three-way valve 27, and the three-way valve 28 of the heat medium circuit 20 so that the first pump 21 pressurizes the heat medium HM, which is guided from the second upstream position Pu2 to the first upstream position Pu1 via the first communicating flow path CO1, from the first downstream position Pd1 to the second downstream position Pd2.

[0060] As described above, in the heating start-up mode, the control unit 30 controls the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the three-way valve 26, the three-way valve 27, and the three-way valve 28 of the heat medium circuit 20 so that the first pump 21 pressurizes the heat medium HM, which is guided from the second upstream position Pu2 to the first upstream position Pu1 via the first communicating flow path CO1, from the first downstream position Pd1 to the second downstream position Pd2.

[0061] <Cooling Mode: FIG. 4> In the cooling mode, the interior air conditioning unit 25 supplies cool air to the vehicle interior.

[0062] In response to a command from the control unit 30, the expansion valve 13 is closed and the refrigerant circuit 10 is started. As a result, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 11, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF is condensed and liquefied by heat exchange with the heat medium HM. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is decompressed by the expansion valve 15 and then supplied to the first interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b. In the first interior air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b, the air inside the vehicle cabin (or outside air) guided from the interior air-conditioning fan 25a is cooled by the refrigerant RF. As a result, the vehicle cabin is cooled to a desired temperature.

[0063] In the cooling mode, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so as not to circulate the heat medium HM through the first circulation flow path CI1. In addition, in the cooling mode, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 27 and 28 so as to circulate the heat medium HM through the second circulation flow path CI2. The control unit 30 can switch to the cooling mode in which the heat medium HM guided from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the second branch position Pb2 is guided to the first branch position Pb1 via the third communication flow path CO3 and passes through the condenser 12.

[0064] In addition, in the cooling mode, the control unit 30 controls the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the three-way valve 26, the three-way valve 27, and the three-way valve 28 of the heat medium circuit 20 so that the second pump 22 pressure-feeds the heat medium HM, which is guided from the first upstream position Pu1 to the second upstream position Pu2 via the first communication flow path CO1, from the second upstream position Pu2 to the second downstream position Pd2.

[0065] As described above, in the cooling mode, the control unit 30 controls the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the three-way valves 26, 27, and the three-way valves 28 of the heat medium circuit 20 so that the second pump 22 pumps the heat medium HM, which is guided from the first upstream position Pu1 to the second upstream position Pu2 via the first communication flow path CO1, from the second upstream position Pu2 to the second downstream position Pd2. Furthermore, in the cooling mode, if the required cooling capacity is small and the impact of the pump power consumption on the COP is large, it is possible to operate only one of the pumps rather than operating both the first pump and the second pump.

[0066] The temperature adjustment system 100 of the present embodiment described above has the following actions and effects. According to the temperature adjustment system 100 of the present embodiment, in the heat pump mode in which the heat medium HM circulates independently through the first circulation path CI1 and the second circulation path CI2, the first pump 21 pressure-feeds the heat medium HM to the interior air-conditioning unit 25, and the second pump 22 pressure-feeds the heat medium HM to the exterior heat exchanger 23, so that the exterior heat exchanger 23 draws heat from the outside air as a heat source, and the interior of the vehicle cabin can be heated by the interior air-conditioning unit 25.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the temperature adjustment system 100 of the present embodiment, in the heating start-up mode, both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 pump the heat medium HM through the first communication flow path CO1 and the second communication flow path CO2 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, thereby increasing the flow rate of the heat medium HM pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 compared to when the heat medium HM is pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by only the first pump 21. Therefore, in the temperature adjustment system 100 including the first circulation flow path CI1 and the second circulation flow path CI2 corresponding to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23, respectively, in an operation mode in which the heat medium HM is not circulated through the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, the flow rate of the heat medium HM pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be increased, thereby improving the COP.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the temperature adjustment system 100 of this embodiment, in the cooling mode, both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 can be used to pressure-feed the heat medium HM to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Therefore, compared to the case where only the first pump 21 is used to pressure-feed the heat medium HM to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, when the cooling mode is performed, the heat of the refrigerant RF in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be sufficiently transferred to the heat medium HM and dissipated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0069] According to the temperature adjustment system 100 of this embodiment, by executing the heating start-up mode when the temperature of the heat medium HM detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit CI1a is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, it is possible to increase the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air to the heat medium HM by the exterior heat exchanger 23. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium HM detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit CI1a is higher than the predetermined temperature, the heating start-up mode can be switched to the heat pump mode or the heater mode to heat the vehicle interior.

[0070] According to the temperature control system 100 of this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection unit 23b is lower than a predetermined outside air temperature, the heater mode (third operation mode) is selected in which the heat medium HM is not circulated through the second circulation flow path CI2 but is circulated through the first circulation flow path CI1, thereby making it possible to heat the vehicle interior using the power of the compressor 11 of the refrigerant circuit 10 with the interior air conditioning unit 25.

[0071] [Other Embodiments] In the above description, the first pump 21 is arranged downstream of the condenser 12 in the first circulation flow path CI1, and the second pump 22 is arranged downstream of the evaporator 14 in the second circulation flow path CI2, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, as shown in a modified example in Fig. 5, the first pump 21 may be arranged upstream of the condenser 12 in the first circulation flow path CI1, and the second pump 22 may be arranged upstream of the evaporator 14 in the second circulation flow path CI2.

[0072] According to the temperature adjustment system 100 shown in the modified example of FIG. 5, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be further increased, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated from the outside air to the heat medium HM.

[0073] The temperature regulation system and the control method for the temperature regulation system described in each of the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0074] A temperature control system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a refrigerant (RF) circulates through a compressor (11), a high-pressure side heat exchanger (12), a pressure reducing section (13) and a low-pressure side heat exchanger (14), a heat medium circuit (20) in which a heat medium (HM) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, and a control section (30) that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit, and the heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device (25) that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, and a control section (30) that controls the high-pressure side heat exchanger. a first circulation flow path (CI1) that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the temperature control device; a first pump (21) that is arranged in the first circulation flow path and that pumps the heat medium; an outdoor heat exchanger (23) that exchanges heat between outside air and the heat medium; a second circulation flow path (CI2) that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a second pump (22) that is arranged in the second circulation flow path and that pumps the heat medium; and a first upstream position (Pu1) on the first circulation flow path upstream of the first pump. a first communication flow path (CO1) that communicates between the first circulation flow path and a second upstream position (Pu2) on the upstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; a second communication flow path (CO2) that communicates between a first downstream position (Pd1) on the downstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path and a second downstream position (Pd2) on the downstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; a first mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently in the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path; and a switching unit (26, 28) that can switch between a first operating mode in which the heat medium is circulated to the outdoor heat exchanger via a communicating flow path and a second operating mode in which the heat medium is circulated to the outdoor heat exchanger via a communicating flow path, and the control unit controls the heat medium circuit so that in the first mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the second mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressure-feed the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communicating flow path and the second communicating flow path.

[0075] According to the temperature control system of the first aspect of the present disclosure, in a first operating mode in which the heat medium circulates independently in the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, the first pump pressurizes the heat medium to the temperature control device and the second pump pressurizes the heat medium to the exterior heat exchanger, so that the exterior heat exchanger draws heat from the outside air as a heat source, and the temperature control device can heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the temperature control system of the first aspect of the present disclosure, in the second operating mode, both the first pump and the second pump pump the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, thereby increasing the flow rate of the heat medium pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger compared to when the heat medium is pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger by only the second pump. Therefore, in a temperature control system including circulation flow paths corresponding to a temperature control device and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a control method thereof, the flow rate of the heat medium pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger can be increased in an operating mode in which the heat medium is not circulated through the temperature control device, thereby improving the COP.

[0077] A temperature adjustment system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect, further including the following configuration: That is, the heat medium circuit includes a third communication flow path (CO3) that connects a first branch position (Pb1) upstream of the first upstream position and a second branch position (Pb2) upstream of the second upstream position, the second operation mode is a cooling mode in which the heat medium guided from the outdoor heat exchanger to the second branch position is guided to the first branch position via the third communication flow path and passes through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, and the control unit is configured to, in the cooling mode, cause the first pump to pump the heat medium from the first upstream position to the second downstream position via the first downstream position, and cause the second pump to pump the heat medium guided from the first upstream position to the second upstream position via the first communication flow path to the second downstream position.

[0078] According to the temperature control system of the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the cooling mode, the heat medium can be pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger using both the first pump and the second pump. Therefore, when performing the cooling mode, the heat of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be sufficiently transferred to the heat medium and dissipated in the outdoor heat exchanger, compared to when the heat medium is pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger using only the first pump.

[0079] A temperature control system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect, further including the following configuration: That is, the second operation mode is a start-up mode in which the heat medium is guided from the outdoor heat exchanger to pass through the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the control unit, in the start-up mode, causes the first pump to pressure-feed the heat medium, which is guided from the second upstream position to the first upstream position via the first communication flow path, so as to guide it from the first downstream position to the second downstream position via the second communication flow path, and causes the second pump to pressure-feed the heat medium from the second upstream position to the second downstream position.

[0080] According to the temperature adjustment system of the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the startup mode, the heat medium can be pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger using both the first pump and the second pump, which reduces the time required to perform the startup mode, which heats the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to a desired temperature, compared to when only the second pump is used to pump the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0081] A temperature control system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the third aspect, further comprising the following configuration: a heat medium temperature detection unit (CI1a) that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the first circulation flow path, and the control unit controls the switching unit to switch to the startup mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

[0082] According to the temperature control system of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, by switching to the startup mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature detector is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, heat absorbed from outside air by the exterior heat exchanger is transferred to the refrigerant, and the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant can be prevented from becoming lower than the outside air temperature. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium that has passed through the exterior heat exchanger is higher than the predetermined heat medium temperature, the startup mode is switched to the first operating mode, and heat is drawn from the outside air as a heat source to heat the vehicle interior.

[0083] A temperature control system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the temperature control system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including the following configuration: That is, the temperature control system includes an outdoor air temperature detection unit (23b) that detects the temperature of outdoor air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the control unit controls the switching unit to select the first operating mode when the temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined outdoor air temperature, and to select a third operating mode in which the heat medium is circulated through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the temperature control device without circulating the heat medium through the outdoor heat exchanger when the temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined outdoor air temperature.

[0084] According to the temperature control system of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, when the temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection unit is lower than a predetermined outside air temperature, the third operating mode is selected in which the heat medium is not circulated through the outdoor heat exchanger but is circulated through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the temperature control equipment, thereby making it possible to heat the vehicle interior using the power of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit using the temperature control equipment.

[0085] A temperature control system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including the following configuration: the first pump is disposed downstream of the high-pressure side heat exchanger in the first circulation flow path, and the second pump is disposed downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path.

[0086] According to the temperature control system of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the amount of heat dissipated from the outside air to the heat medium can be increased by further increasing the heat medium flow rate flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger, and the amount of heat exchanged from the heat medium to the refrigerant can be increased by increasing the heat medium flow rate of the low-pressure side heat exchanger or the high-pressure side heat exchanger.

[0087] A temperature control system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further including the following configuration: the first pump is disposed upstream of the high-pressure heat exchanger in the first circulation flow path, and the second pump is disposed upstream of the low-pressure heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path.

[0088] According to the temperature adjustment system according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the amount of heat dissipated from the outside air to the heat medium can be increased by further increasing the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0089] In a control method for a temperature adjustment system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature adjustment system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the heat medium circuit includes a temperature adjustment device that heats a temperature adjustment target using the heat medium, a first circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the temperature adjustment device, a first pump that is disposed in the first circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the heat medium, a second circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, a second pump that is disposed in the second circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium, and a first upstream position (Pu1) on the upstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path and a second upstream position (Pu2) on the upstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path. a first communication flow path that communicates a first downstream position downstream of the first pump in the first circulation flow path with a second downstream position downstream of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; and a switching unit that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a second operation mode in which both the first pump and the second pump circulate the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, and the heat medium circuit is controlled so that in the first operation mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the second operation mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressure-feed the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path.

[0090] According to the control method for a temperature adjustment system according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in a first operating mode in which the heat medium circulates independently in the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, the first pump pressurizes the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressurizes the heat medium to the exterior heat exchanger, so that the exterior heat exchanger draws heat from the outside air as a heat source, and the temperature adjustment device can heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the control method for a temperature control system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second operating mode, both the first pump and the second pump pump the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, thereby increasing the flow rate of the heat medium pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger compared to when the heat medium is pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger by only the second pump. Therefore, in a temperature control system including circulation flow paths corresponding to a temperature control device and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a control method thereof, the flow rate of the heat medium pumped to the outdoor heat exchanger can be increased in an operating mode in which the heat medium is not circulated through the temperature control device, thereby improving the COP.

[0092] REFRIGERATION VALVE 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Compressor 12 Condenser (high-pressure side heat exchanger) 13 Expansion valve 14 Evaporator (low-pressure side heat exchanger) 15 Expansion valve 20 Heat medium circuit 21 First pump 22 Second pump 23 Outdoor heat exchanger 23a Outdoor heat exchanger fan 23b Outdoor air temperature detection unit 25 Indoor air conditioning unit 25a Indoor air conditioning fan 25b First indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c Second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25d Damper 26 Three-way valve (switching unit) 27 Three-way valve (switching unit) 28 Three-way valve (switching unit) 29 Reserve tank 30 Control unit 100 Temperature control system CI1 First circulation flow path CI2 Second circulation flow path CO1 First communication flow path CO2 Second communication flow path CO3 Third communication flow path HM Heat medium RF Refrigerant

Claims

1. A refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger; and a control section that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit, wherein the heat medium circuit comprises: a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium; a first circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the temperature control device; a first pump that is disposed in the first circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium; an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the heat medium; a second circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second pump that is disposed in the second circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium. a first communication flow path that communicates a first upstream position on the upstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path with a second upstream position on the upstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; a second communication flow path that communicates a first downstream position on the downstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path with a second downstream position on the downstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; and a switching unit that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a second operation mode in which both the first pump and the second pump circulate the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, wherein the control unit is configured to: in the first operation mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature adjustment device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, a temperature control system that controls the heat medium circuit so that, in the second operating mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressurize the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path.

2. The temperature control system of claim 1, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a third communication flow path that connects a first branch position upstream of the first upstream position with a second branch position upstream of the second upstream position, the second operating mode is a cooling mode in which the heat medium led from the outdoor heat exchanger to the second branch position is led to the first branch position via the third communication flow path and passes through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, and the control unit is configured such that in the cooling mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium from the first upstream position to the second downstream position via the first downstream position, and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium led from the first upstream position to the second upstream position via the first communication flow path to the second downstream position.

3. The temperature control system described in claim 1, wherein the second operating mode is a start-up mode in which the heat medium is guided from the outdoor heat exchanger and passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the control unit is configured in such a way that in the start-up mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium guided from the second upstream position to the first upstream position via the first communicating flow path so that the heat medium is guided from the first downstream position to the second downstream position via the second communicating flow path, and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium from the second upstream position to the second downstream position.

4. A temperature control system as described in claim 3, further comprising a heat medium temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the first circulation flow path, and wherein the control unit controls the switching unit to switch to the startup mode when the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

5. A temperature control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an outdoor air temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of outdoor air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the control unit controls the switching unit to switch to the first operating mode when the temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined outdoor air temperature, and to switch to a third operating mode in which the heat medium is circulated through the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and the temperature control equipment without circulating the heat medium through the outdoor heat exchanger when the temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined outdoor air temperature.

6. A temperature control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first pump is arranged downstream of the high-pressure side heat exchanger in the first circulation flow path, and the second pump is arranged downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path.

7. A temperature control system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first pump is arranged upstream of the high-pressure side heat exchanger in the first circulation flow path, and the second pump is arranged upstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path.

8. A control method for a temperature control system, wherein the temperature control system comprises: a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium circulates that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, wherein the heat medium circuit comprises: a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium; a first circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the temperature control device; a first pump that is disposed in the first circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium; an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the heat medium; a second circulation flow path that circulates the heat medium between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a second pump that is disposed in the second circulation flow path and pressurizes the heat medium. a first communication flow path that communicates a first upstream position on the upstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path with a second upstream position on the upstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; a second communication flow path that communicates a first downstream position on the downstream side of the first pump in the first circulation flow path with a second downstream position on the downstream side of the second pump in the second circulation flow path; and a switching unit that is capable of switching between a first operation mode in which the heat medium is circulated independently through the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a second operation mode in which both the first pump and the second pump circulate the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path, a control step of controlling the heat medium circuit so that, in the first operation mode, the first pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the temperature control device and the second pump pressure-feeds the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the second operation mode, both the first pump and the second pump pressure-feed the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger via the first communication flow path and the second communication flow path.

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