Vehicle heat management system

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a vehicle heat management system comprising: a cooling water circulation line through which cooling water moves; a refrigerant circulation line through which a refrigerant discharged from a compressor moves to an indoor unit; and a heat exchanger disposed to allow the refrigerant circulation line and the cooling water circulation line to pass therethrough, and enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water, wherein the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger, exchanges heat with the cooling water in the heat exchanger, and is then introduced into the indoor unit.

Description

Thermal management system for vehicles

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

[0002] Vehicle air conditioning systems use heat pump systems that can selectively cool and heat the vehicle's interior using a refrigerant cycle.

[0003] Heat pump systems for battery-powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles, are designed to improve heat pump system performance by recovering both electrical and battery waste heat through heat exchange between refrigerant and coolant. These heat pump systems have a simple configuration, and their performance varies depending on the control of the flow of refrigerant and coolant. Therefore, methods to improve performance and efficiency are in demand, and research into these areas is ongoing.

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

[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 through which coolant moves, a refrigerant circulation line through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor moves to an indoor unit, and a heat exchanger arranged so that the refrigerant circulation line and the coolant circulation line pass through and heat-exchange the refrigerant and the coolant, and the refrigerant may be configured to pass through the heat exchanger after being discharged from the compressor, and to be introduced into the indoor unit after heat-exchanging with the coolant in the heat exchanger.

[0007] The above heat exchanger can be placed between the compressor and the indoor unit in the refrigerant circulation line.

[0008] The above heat exchanger may be provided in a structure that forms an integral part with the compressor.

[0009] The above refrigerant circulation line may include a first refrigerant line in which a first expansion valve, an outdoor unit, a second expansion valve, an evaporator, and an accumulator are installed together with the compressor, the heat exchanger, and the indoor unit; and a second refrigerant line connected in parallel to the first refrigerant line and in which a third expansion valve and a chiller are installed.

[0010] The outdoor unit may have a first port arranged in the direction of the first expansion valve and a second port arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve, and the evaporator may have a third port arranged in the direction of the accumulator and a fourth port arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve.

[0011] The device may further include a first bypass line, one end of which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the indoor unit and the first expansion valve, and the other end of which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the accumulator; and a second bypass line, one end of which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the first expansion valve and the outdoor unit, and the other end of which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the accumulator.

[0012] A fourth expansion valve may be installed in the above first bypass line.

[0013] A two-way valve may be installed between the evaporator and the accumulator of the second bypass line and the first refrigerant line, respectively.

[0014] The third bypass line may further include a first end connected to the first refrigerant line between the compressor and the heat exchanger and a second end connected to the second bypass line, and a fifth expansion valve may be installed in the third bypass line.

[0015] In the cooling mode, the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve are blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, exchanges heat with the cooling water in the heat exchanger, and then passes through the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and is expanded in the second expansion valve and then passes through the evaporator and the accumulator to flow into the compressor, and the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator can each operate as an inlet, and the second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator can each operate as an outlet.

[0016] In the first heating mode, the first expansion valve is blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit, and then flows into the evaporator through the fourth expansion valve via the first bypass line, and a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator is expanded in the second expansion valve along the first refrigerant line, passes through the outdoor unit, passes through the second bypass line, and passes through the accumulator, and the remainder is expanded in the third expansion valve along the second refrigerant line, passes through the chiller, and passes through the accumulator to flow into the compressor.

[0017] The second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator can each operate as an inlet, and the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator can each operate as an outlet.

[0018] In the second heating mode, the fourth expansion valve is blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit along the first refrigerant line, is expanded in the first expansion valve, passes through the outdoor unit and the second expansion valve, passes through the third expansion valve and the chiller along the second refrigerant line, and passes through the accumulator to be introduced into the compressor, and the first port and the second port of the outdoor unit can operate as an inlet and an outlet, respectively.

[0019] In the first dehumidification mode, the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve are blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger, the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and is configured to be expanded in the second expansion valve and then sequentially passes through the evaporator and the accumulator and flows into the compressor, and the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator can each operate as an inlet, and the second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator can each operate as an outlet.

[0020] In the second dehumidification mode, the first expansion valve and the third expansion valve are blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit, expands in the fourth expansion valve through the first bypass line, and then flows into the evaporator. After passing through the evaporator, it may be configured to flow through the second expansion valve and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and then passes through the accumulator through the second bypass line and flows into the compressor.

[0021] In the defrost mode, the fourth expansion valve is blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor and passes through the heat exchanger, the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and after being expanded in the second expansion valve, passes through the third expansion valve and the chiller along the second refrigerant line, and passes through the accumulator and is configured to flow into the compressor.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system capable of improving cooling and heating performance and efficiency can be provided.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the operation of a vehicle thermal management system in cooling mode.

[0026] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the operation in the first heating mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0027] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the operation in the second heating mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0028] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the operation in the first dehumidification mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0029] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the operation in the second dehumidification mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0030] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the operation of a vehicle thermal management system in the defrost mode.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the operation in the first hot gas mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0033] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the operation of a vehicle thermal management system in the second hot gas mode.

[0034] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the operation in the third hot gas mode of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle thermal management system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to the drawings, a vehicle thermal management system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may largely include a refrigerant circulation line (100) through which refrigerant moves, a coolant circulation line (200) through which coolant moves, and a heat exchanger (120) through which the refrigerant circulation line (100) and the coolant circulation line (200) pass and exchange heat between the refrigerant and the coolant.

[0043] The refrigerant circulation line (100) may be configured to allow the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) to move and circulate to the indoor unit (130). In an embodiment, the refrigerant circulation line (100) may include a first refrigerant line (101), a second refrigerant line (102), a first bypass line (103), and a second bypass line (104).

[0044] A compressor (110), a heat exchanger (120), an indoor unit (130), a first expansion valve (191), an outdoor unit (140), a second expansion valve (192), an evaporator (150), and an accumulator (160) may be installed in the first refrigerant line (101). In addition, a two-way valve (195) may be installed between the evaporator (150) and the accumulator (160) in the first refrigerant line (101).

[0045] In the first refrigerant line (101), the refrigerant can sequentially move through the compressor (110) and the heat exchanger (120) and then through the indoor unit (130). Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor unit (130) may, depending on the operating mode, pass through the outdoor unit (140), the evaporator (150), and the accumulator (160) and then flow back into the compressor (110), or may pass through the evaporator (150), the outdoor unit (140), and the accumulator (160) through the first bypass line (103) and then flow back into the compressor (110).

[0046] The compressor (110) receives power from a power source such as an engine or motor and operates to compress the introduced refrigerant and then discharge it into the first refrigerant line (101) in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state.

[0047] The indoor unit (130) can condense the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110). The indoor unit (130) is installed inside the air conditioning unit (300) and can exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat medium inside the air conditioning unit (300). The heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may be air flowing inside the air conditioning unit (300). The air is heated in the indoor unit (130) and flows into the vehicle to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0048] A heat exchanger (120) may be placed between the compressor (110) and the indoor unit (130) in the first refrigerant line (101). The heat exchanger (120) may be configured to be connected to a coolant circulation line (200) so that the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the coolant flows into the indoor unit (130). Here, the coolant may be coolant that has passed through an electrical component (not shown) of the vehicle. That is, the refrigerant may be discharged from the compressor (110), pass through the heat exchanger (120), and, after heat exchange with the coolant in the heat exchanger (120), flow into the indoor unit (130).

[0049] In this way, the heat exchanger (120) exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) so that it flows into the indoor unit (130) with a reduced temperature. Through this, thermal deformation and heat pick-up phenomenon of the air conditioning unit (300) can be minimized.

[0050] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger (120) may be provided as a separate configuration separate from the compressor (110). In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger (120) is illustrated as being formed separately from the compressor (110), but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat exchanger (120) may be provided as a structure integrally formed with the compressor (110).

[0051] The outdoor unit (140) can exchange heat with the introduced refrigerant and a heat medium. In an embodiment, the heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may include outside air. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air may be condensed.

[0052] The outdoor unit (140) may be provided with a first port (141) arranged in the direction of the first expansion valve (191) and a second port (142) arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve (192). The refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit (140) through the first port (141) along the first refrigerant line (101) and may be discharged from the outdoor unit (140) through the second port (142). In addition, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit (140) through the second port (142) along the first refrigerant line (101) and may be discharged from the outdoor unit (140) through the first port (141). That is, the first port (141) and the second port (142) may operate as an inlet and an outlet, or as an outlet and an inlet, respectively.

[0053] The evaporator (150) is installed inside the air conditioner (300) together with the indoor unit (130) and can exchange heat with the introduced refrigerant and a heat medium. The heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may be air flowing inside the air conditioner (300), and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied to the inside of the vehicle to cool the inside of the vehicle.

[0054] The evaporator (150) may be provided with a third port (151) arranged in the direction of the accumulator (160) and a fourth port (152) arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve (192). The refrigerant may flow into the evaporator (150) through the third port (151) along the first refrigerant line (101) and may flow out of the evaporator (150) through the fourth port (152). In addition, the refrigerant may flow into the evaporator (150) through the fourth port (152) along the first refrigerant line (101) and flow out of the evaporator (150) through the third port (151). That is, the third port (151) and the fourth port (152) may operate as an inlet and an outlet, or as an outlet and an inlet, respectively.

[0055] A temperature control door (310) may be provided between the indoor unit (130) and the evaporator (150) inside the air conditioner (300) to control the amount of air bypassing the indoor unit (130) and the amount of air passing through the indoor unit (130). In addition, an electric heater (not shown) for heating the air may be further installed inside the air conditioner (300).

[0056] When refrigerant flows in along the first refrigerant line (101), the accumulator (160) can separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid and supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (110).

[0057] In an embodiment, an internal heat exchanger (180) may be further installed in the first refrigerant line (101). The internal heat exchanger (180) may mutually exchange heat with the refrigerant moving through the first refrigerant line (101).

[0058] A first expansion valve (191) may be arranged between the indoor unit (130) and the outdoor unit (140) in the first refrigerant line (101), and a second expansion valve (192) may be arranged between the outdoor unit (140) and the evaporator (150). The first expansion valve (191) and the second expansion valve (192) may 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 (191) and the second expansion valve (192) may be electronic expansion valves of a full open type.

[0059] The second refrigerant line (102) may be connected in parallel to the first refrigerant line (101) so that the refrigerant bypasses the evaporator (150). In an embodiment, the second refrigerant line (102) may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the second expansion valve (192) and the evaporator (150), and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the evaporator (150) and the accumulator (160). Specifically, the other end of the second refrigerant line (102) may be connected between the two-way valve (195) and the accumulator (160).

[0060] A chiller (170) and a third expansion valve (193) may be installed in the second refrigerant line (102). The refrigerant may branch from the first refrigerant line (101), pass through the third expansion valve (193) and the chiller (170) along the second refrigerant line (102), and then join the first refrigerant line (101) and flow into the compressor (110) via the accumulator (160).

[0061] The third expansion valve (193) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant line (102). In an embodiment, the third expansion valve (193) can be a fully open type electronic expansion valve.

[0062] The chiller (170) may be configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant line (102) and a heat medium. Here, the heat medium may include coolant passing through a battery (not shown) along a coolant circulation line (200).

[0063] The first bypass line (103) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at one end between the indoor unit (130) and the first expansion valve (191), and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the evaporator (150) and the accumulator (160). Specifically, the other end of the first bypass line (103) may be connected between the evaporator (150) and the 2-way valve (195).

[0064] A fourth expansion valve (194) may be installed in the first bypass line (103). The refrigerant may branch from the first refrigerant line (101), pass through the fourth expansion valve (194) along the first bypass line (103), and then join the first refrigerant line (101) to be introduced into the evaporator (150).

[0065] The fourth expansion valve (194) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant moving along the first bypass line (103). In an embodiment, the fourth expansion valve (194) can be a fully open type electronic expansion valve.

[0066] The second bypass line (104) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at one end between the first expansion valve (191) and the outdoor unit (140), and may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at the other end between the evaporator (150) and the accumulator (160). Specifically, the other end of the second bypass line (104) may be connected between the accumulator (160) and the 2-way valve (195).

[0067] A two-way valve (196) may be installed in the second bypass line (104). The refrigerant may branch from the first refrigerant line (101), pass through the two-way valve (196) along the second bypass line (104), and then join the first refrigerant line (101) to be introduced into the accumulator (160).

[0068] The coolant circulation line (200) may include a first coolant line (201) through which coolant passes through electrical components (not shown) and a second coolant line (202) through which coolant passes through a battery (not shown).

[0069] The first cooling water line (201) is connected to a heat exchanger (120), so that the cooling water of the first cooling water line (201) can exchange heat with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) in the heat exchanger (120). The second cooling water line (202) is connected to a chiller (170), so that the cooling water of the second cooling water line (202) can exchange heat with the refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant line (102) in the chiller (170).

[0070] The first coolant line (201) and the second coolant line (202) can implement independent circulation loops. Additionally, the first coolant line (201) and the second coolant line (202) can be connected to each other to implement an integrated circulation loop.

[0071] Below, the operation according to the operating mode of the vehicle thermal management system (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0072] Figure 2 shows the operation in cooling mode.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 2, in the cooling mode, the third expansion valve (193) and the fourth expansion valve (194) are blocked, and the two-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), heat-exchanged (radiated) with the cooling water of the first cooling water line (201) in the heat exchanger (120), and then moves to the indoor unit (130) along the first refrigerant line (101), and heat-exchanges with the air inside the air conditioner (300) while passing through the indoor unit (130). At this time, the temperature control door (310) blocks the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor unit (130) from being supplied to the interior of the vehicle.

[0074] The refrigerant passes through the fully opened first expansion valve (191) in a non-expanded state and then exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (140). At this time, the first port (141) of the outdoor unit (140) operates as an inlet, and the second port (142) operates as an outlet.

[0075] The refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit (140) expands in the second expansion valve (192) and flows into the evaporator (150) to exchange heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300). Accordingly, the cooled air can be supplied to the vehicle interior to perform cooling. At this time, the fourth port (152) of the evaporator (150) functions as an inlet, and the third port (151) functions as an outlet. The refrigerant passing through the evaporator (150) passes through the accumulator (160) and flows back into the compressor (110).

[0076] In this way, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) exchanges heat with the cooling water in the heat exchanger (120) and flows into the indoor unit (130) with the temperature lowered, thereby minimizing thermal deformation and heat pick-up phenomenon of the air conditioning device (300).

[0077] Figure 3 illustrates operation in the first heating mode. The first heating mode operates when the heating load is relatively large.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 3, in the first heating mode, the first expansion valve (191) is blocked, and the two-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, and then flows into the indoor unit (130). While passing through the indoor unit (130), it exchanges heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300). That is, primary heat dissipation is performed in the indoor unit (130). At this time, the temperature control door (310) is opened so that the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor unit (130) is supplied into the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the air heated by the refrigerant is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior, so that heating can be performed.

[0079] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (130) passes through the fully opened fourth expansion valve (194) in a non-expanded state along the first bypass line (103) and then flows into the evaporator (150). While passing through the evaporator (150), heat is exchanged with the air inside the air conditioning unit (300). That is, secondary heat dissipation occurs in the evaporator (150). At this time, the third port (151) of the evaporator (150) operates as an inlet, and the fourth port (152) operates as an outlet.

[0080] Some of the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator (150) moves along the first refrigerant line (101), expands in the second expansion valve (192), and exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (140) (heat absorption). At this time, the second port (142) of the outdoor unit (140) operates as an inlet, and the first port (141) operates as an outlet. The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (140) passes through the two-way valve (196) along the second bypass line (104), and flows into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (160) in the first refrigerant line (101).

[0081] The remainder of the refrigerant is branched off and moves along the second refrigerant line (102), is expanded in the third expansion valve (193), passes through the chiller (170) and the accumulator (160), and flows into the compressor (110). The refrigerant can recover waste heat from the battery and electrical components by exchanging heat with the cooling water in the chiller (170).

[0082] Figure 4 illustrates operation in the second heating mode. The second heating mode operates when the heating load is relatively small compared to the first heating mode.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 4, in the second heating mode, the fourth expansion valve (194) is blocked, and the two-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101) and the two-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, and then flows into the indoor unit (130), and exchanges heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300) while passing through the indoor unit (130). That is, heat dissipation occurs in the indoor unit (130). At this time, the temperature control door (310) is opened so that the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor unit (130) is supplied into the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the air heated by the refrigerant is supplied as warm air into the vehicle interior, so that heating can be performed.

[0084] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (130) expands in the first expansion valve (191) along the first refrigerant line (101) and flows into the outdoor unit (140) to exchange heat with the outside air (heat absorption). At this time, the first port (141) of the outdoor unit (140) operates as an inlet, and the second port (142) operates as an outlet. The refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit (140) passes through the fully opened second expansion valve (192) and third expansion valve (193) in a non-expanded state, passes through the chiller (170) and the accumulator (160), and flows into the compressor (110).

[0085] According to an embodiment, the refrigerant may pass through the fully opened first expansion valve (191) in a non-expanded state and be expanded in the second expansion valve (192). In this case, the refrigerant may not exchange heat (absorb heat) with the outside air in the outdoor unit (140). In addition, the refrigerant may exchange heat with the cooling water in the chiller (170) to recover waste heat from the battery and electrical components.

[0086] Figure 5 shows the operation in the first dehumidification mode.

[0087] Referring to Fig. 5, in the first dehumidification mode, the third expansion valve (193) and the fourth expansion valve (194) are blocked, and the two-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water along the first refrigerant line (101), and flows into the indoor unit (130) to exchange heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300).

[0088] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (130) passes through the fully opened first expansion valve (191) in a non-expanded state and then flows into the outdoor unit (140), and exchanges heat with the outside air while passing through the outdoor unit (140). At this time, the first port (141) of the outdoor unit (140) operates as an inlet, and the second port (142) operates as an outlet.

[0089] The refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit (140) is expanded in the second expansion valve (192), sequentially passes through the evaporator (150) and the accumulator (160), and then flows into the compressor (110). At this time, the fourth port (152) of the evaporator (150) operates as an inlet, and the third port (151) operates as an outlet.

[0090] Figure 6 shows the operation in the second dehumidification mode.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 6, in the second dehumidification mode, the first expansion valve (191) and the third expansion valve (193) are blocked, and the two-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, and flows into the indoor unit (130) to exchange heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300).

[0092] The refrigerant passing through the indoor unit (130) moves along the first bypass line (103), expands in the fourth expansion valve (194), and then flows into the evaporator (150). While passing through the evaporator (150), it exchanges heat with the air inside the air conditioning unit (300). At this time, the fourth expansion valve (194) can adjust the opening amount according to the dehumidification load. In addition, the third port (151) of the evaporator (150) operates as an inlet, and the fourth port (152) operates as an outlet.

[0093] The refrigerant passing through the evaporator (150) passes through the fully opened second expansion valve (192) and the outdoor unit (140) along the first refrigerant line (101), moves along the second bypass line (104), passes through the accumulator (160), and is introduced into the compressor (110).

[0094] Figure 7 shows the operation in the freezing mode.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 7, in the defrost mode, the fourth expansion valve (194) is blocked, and the two-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101) and the two-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) may also be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110) and moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, and passes through the indoor unit (130) and the fully opened first expansion valve (191) in a non-expanded state before being introduced into the outdoor unit (140). At this time, the first port (141) of the outdoor unit (140) operates as an inlet, and the second port (142) operates as an outlet.

[0096] The refrigerant passes through the outdoor unit (140), rapidly defrosts, expands in the second expansion valve (192), and then passes through the third expansion valve (193) and the chiller (170), which are fully opened, along the second refrigerant line (102). At this time, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the cooling water passing through the chiller (170) (heat absorption). The refrigerant passing through the chiller (170) passes through the accumulator (160) and then flows back into the compressor (110).

[0097] In the embodiment, when performing a defrost on the outdoor unit (140), the active air flap and fan (not shown) positioned in front of the outdoor unit (140) may not be operated. This can prevent the outdoor air from exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor unit (140), thereby allowing frost formed on the outdoor unit (140) to be quickly melted by the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0098] In addition, according to an embodiment, the refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve (192) may be configured to pass through the evaporator (150) while the two-way valve (195) is open, and the refrigerant may exchange heat with the air inside the air conditioner (300) in the evaporator (150) (heat absorption).

[0099] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a vehicle thermal management system (2) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The vehicle thermal management system (2) according to the present embodiment differs from the vehicle thermal management system (1) according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 in that it further includes a third bypass line (105). The differences will be mainly explained below.

[0101] The third bypass line (105) is configured to allow a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) to branch off and move bypassing the indoor unit (130), the outdoor unit (140), the evaporator (150), and the chiller (170), and a fifth expansion valve (197) may be installed. In an embodiment, the fifth expansion valve (197) may be a fully open type electronic expansion valve.

[0102] The third bypass line (105) may be connected at one end to the first refrigerant line (101) between the compressor (110) and the heat exchanger (120), and at the other end to the second bypass line (104). Specifically, the other end of the third bypass line (105) may be connected between the other end of the second bypass line (104) connected to the first refrigerant line (101) and the 2-way valve (196).

[0103] Some of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) may branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) and move along the third bypass line (105) and pass through the fifth expansion valve (197). Then, it may join the first refrigerant line (101) at the inlet end of the accumulator (160) and flow into the compressor (110) through the accumulator (160).

[0104] Figure 9 shows the operation of the first hot gas mode of the thermal management system (2).

[0105] Referring to Fig. 9, in the first hot gas mode, the second expansion valve (192), the third expansion valve (193), the fourth expansion valve (194), and the 2-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101) can be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), and some of it moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, passes through the indoor unit (130), is expanded in the first expansion valve (191), and then moves along the second bypass line (104) to be introduced into the accumulator (160). The remainder of the refrigerant may branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) and travel along the third bypass line (105), expand in the fifth expansion valve (197), and then join the second bypass line (104) to be introduced into the accumulator (160). At this time, the refrigerant may be expanded to an intermediate pressure in the fifth expansion valve (197). The refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator (160) is introduced into the compressor (110).

[0106] By configuring the system so that a portion of the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) is expanded and then introduced back into the compressor (110), the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant before compression can be increased overall.

[0107] Figure 10 shows the operation of the second hot gas mode of the thermal management system (2).

[0108] Referring to Fig. 10, in the second hot gas mode, the first expansion valve (191), the second expansion valve (192), the third expansion valve (193), and the 2-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) can be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), and some of it moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, passes through the indoor unit (130), moves along the first bypass line (103), is expanded in the fourth expansion valve (194), and passes through the 2-way valve (195) in the first refrigerant line (101) and then flows into the accumulator (160). The remainder of the refrigerant may branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) and travel along the third bypass line (105), and after being expanded in the fifth expansion valve (197), join the second bypass line (104) and flow into the accumulator (160). The refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator (160) flows into the compressor (110).

[0109] Figure 11 shows the operation in the third hot gas mode of the thermal management system (2).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 11, in the third hot gas mode, the first expansion valve (191), the second expansion valve (192), the two-way valve (195) of the first refrigerant line (101), and the two-way valve (196) of the second bypass line (104) can be blocked. The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), and some of it moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the heat exchanger (120) without exchanging heat with the cooling water, passes through the indoor unit (130), moves along the first bypass line (103), is expanded in the fourth expansion valve (194), passes through the evaporator (150) in the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the fully opened third expansion valve (193) and the chiller (170) in the second refrigerant line (102), and then can be introduced into the accumulator (160). At this time, the third port (151) of the evaporator (150) operates as an inlet, and the fourth port (152) operates as an outlet. The remainder of the refrigerant may branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) and travel along the third bypass line (105), and after being expanded in the fifth expansion valve (197), join the second bypass line (104) and flow into the accumulator (160). The refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator (160) flows into the compressor (110).

[0111] 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. Coolant circulation line through which coolant moves; A refrigerant circulation line in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor moves to the indoor unit; and A heat exchanger is arranged so that the refrigerant circulation line and the cooling water circulation line pass through it, and includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the cooling water. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger, exchanges heat with the cooling water in the heat exchanger, and then flows into the indoor unit.

2. In paragraph 1, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the heat exchanger is disposed between the compressor and the indoor unit in the refrigerant circulation line.

3. In paragraph 2, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the heat exchanger is provided as an integral structure with the compressor.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above refrigerant circulation line, A first refrigerant line in which a first expansion valve, an outdoor unit, a second expansion valve, an evaporator, and an accumulator are installed together with the compressor, the heat exchanger, and the indoor unit; and A second refrigerant line connected in parallel to the first refrigerant line and having a third expansion valve and a chiller installed therein; A thermal management system for a vehicle comprising:

5. In paragraph 4, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the outdoor unit has a first port arranged in the direction of the first expansion valve and a second port arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve, and the evaporator has a third port arranged in the direction of the accumulator and a fourth port arranged in the direction of the second expansion valve.

6. In paragraph 5, A first bypass line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the indoor unit and the first expansion valve at one end and connected to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the accumulator at the other end; and A second bypass line, which is connected to the first refrigerant line between the first expansion valve and the outdoor unit at one end and to the first refrigerant line between the evaporator and the accumulator at the other end; A vehicle thermal management system further comprising:

7. In paragraph 6, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that a fourth expansion valve is installed in the first bypass line.

8. In paragraph 6, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that a two-way valve is installed between the evaporator and the accumulator of the second bypass line and the first refrigerant line, respectively.

9. In paragraph 6, First, a third bypass line is connected to the first refrigerant line between the compressor and the heat exchanger, and the other end is connected to the second bypass line. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that a fifth expansion valve is installed in the third bypass line.

10. In paragraph 7, In the cooling mode, the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve are blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, exchanges heat with the cooling water in the heat exchanger, and then passes through the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and is expanded in the second expansion valve and then passes through the evaporator and the accumulator and flows into the compressor. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator each operate as an inlet, and the second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator each operate as an outlet.

11. In paragraph 7, In the first heating mode, the first expansion valve is blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit, and then flows into the evaporator through the fourth expansion valve via the first bypass line. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that a portion of the refrigerant passing through the evaporator is expanded in the second expansion valve along the first refrigerant line, passes through the outdoor unit, passes through the second bypass line, and passes through the accumulator, and the remainder is expanded in the third expansion valve along the second refrigerant line, passes through the chiller, and passes through the accumulator to be introduced into the compressor.

12. In paragraph 11, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator each operate as an inlet, and the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator each operate as an outlet.

13. In paragraph 7, In the second heating mode, the fourth expansion valve is blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit along the first refrigerant line, expands in the first expansion valve, passes through the outdoor unit and the second expansion valve, passes through the third expansion valve and the chiller along the second refrigerant line, and passes through the accumulator to be introduced into the compressor. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the first port and the second port of the outdoor unit operate as an inlet and an outlet, respectively.

14. In paragraph 7, In the first dehumidification mode, the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve are blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger, the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, and is configured to be expanded in the second expansion valve and then sequentially passes through the evaporator and the accumulator and then flows into the compressor. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the first port of the outdoor unit and the fourth port of the evaporator each operate as an inlet, and the second port of the outdoor unit and the third port of the evaporator each operate as an outlet.

15. In paragraph 7, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that in the second dehumidification mode, the first expansion valve and the third expansion valve are blocked, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the heat exchanger and the indoor unit, expands in the fourth expansion valve through the first bypass line, and then flows into the evaporator, and after passing through the evaporator, passes through the second expansion valve and the outdoor unit along the first refrigerant line, passes through the accumulator through the second bypass line, and flows into the compressor.

16. In paragraph 7, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that in the defrost mode, the fourth expansion valve is blocked, and the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor and passes through the first refrigerant line through the heat exchanger, the indoor unit, the first expansion valve, and the outdoor unit, and then expands in the second expansion valve and then passes through the third expansion valve and the chiller along the second refrigerant line and the accumulator and flows into the compressor.

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