Vehicle thermal management system and hybrid vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle thermal management system and a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle thermal management system comprises: a plate heat exchanger and a first heat generation apparatus, wherein the plate heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate can perform heat exchange, and the first heat exchange plate is used for the circulation of an air conditioner refrigerant; and when the temperature of a medium flowing through the first heat generation apparatus is within a first target temperature range, the first heat generation apparatus may be in communication with the second heat exchange plate, so as to form a first loop.

Description

Vehicle thermal management system and hybrid vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410539319.5, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on April 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of air conditioning and heating technology, specifically to a vehicle thermal management system and a hybrid vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] The vehicle's thermal management system can control the heating of the entire vehicle. The vehicle's engine generates a lot of heat during operation. When the water temperature in the engine circuit is high, the existing technology usually connects the engine circuit directly to the heating circuit, and the vehicle's air conditioning system can directly provide heating through the heating circuit. Technical issues

[0004] However, the above methods have high requirements for the temperature range of waste heat in the water system, and cannot effectively utilize the heat from some heat-generating devices with low heat output, resulting in waste of waste heat in the water system and increased heating energy consumption.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a thermal management system for vehicles and a hybrid vehicle to address potential technical risks. Technical solutions

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a vehicle thermal management system, comprising: a plate heat exchanger, the plate heat exchanger including a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate being capable of heat exchange, and the first heat exchange plate being used to circulate air conditioning refrigerant; and a first heat generating device, wherein when the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat generating device is within a first target temperature range, the first heat generating device is connected to the second heat exchange plate to form a first loop.

[0007] Secondly, this application provides a hybrid vehicle, including: the aforementioned vehicle thermal management system. Beneficial effects

[0008] The vehicle thermal management system provided in this application, by setting up a plate heat exchanger, enables the medium in the first heat-generating device to exchange heat with the plate heat exchanger when the temperature is within the first target temperature range, thereby realizing the coupling of the first heat-generating device and the air conditioning heat pump system. In practical applications, it reduces the temperature requirements for the utilization of waste heat in the water circuit of the first heat-generating device, improves the waste heat utilization rate, and reduces heating energy consumption.

[0009] The hybrid vehicle provided in this application uses the aforementioned thermal management system, which improves waste heat utilization and reduces heating energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The following drawings, illustrating embodiments of this application, are incorporated herein by reference and are used to understand this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this application and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of this application. In the drawings,

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle thermal management system provided in this application.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cooling circuit provided in this application;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in this application.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: First valve 1, Second valve 2, Motor module 3, First radiator 4, Second radiator 5, First heat exchange plate 6, Second heat exchange plate 7, Third heat exchange plate 8, Heater core 9, Engine 10, Thermostat 20, Intercooler 30, Third radiator 40, Auxiliary radiator 50, Plate heat exchanger 11, First heat generation device 12, Second heat generation device 13, Thermal management system A, Vehicle 60.

[0015] Implementation methods of this application

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this application provides a thermal management system A for a vehicle 60, including: a plate heat exchanger 11 and a first heat generation device 12. The plate heat exchanger 11 includes a first heat exchange plate 6 and a second heat exchange plate 7. The first heat exchange plate 6 and the second heat exchange plate 7 can exchange heat, and the first heat exchange plate 6 is used to circulate air conditioning refrigerant. When the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat generation device 12 is within a first target temperature range, the first heat generation device 12 can be connected to the second heat exchange plate 7 to form a first loop.

[0017] Specifically, in this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger 11 has a first heat exchange plate 6 and a second heat exchange plate 7, so that when the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat generating device 12 (e.g., water temperature) is within the first target temperature range, the first loop is connected to realize the heat exchange between the waste heat of the water circuit in the first loop where the first heat generating device 12 is located and the air conditioning refrigerant, thereby realizing the coupling between the heat pump system of the vehicle 60 air conditioning and the waste heat of the water circuit of the first heat generating device 12.

[0018] During the heat exchange process described above, the air conditioning refrigerant has a low temperature requirement for the waste heat in the water circuit. For example, a water temperature of 40°C cannot meet the heating needs of the passenger compartment. However, the air conditioning heat pump system can still absorb heat from the first circuit and supply it to the passenger compartment through the plate heat exchanger 11, so that the heat in the water circuit of the first heat generation device 12 can be utilized more fully, improving the waste heat utilization rate and reducing heating energy consumption.

[0019] In practical applications, the first heat-generating device 12 can be an engine 10, or a motor, electronic control device, or other heat-generating equipment; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. Furthermore, the use of a plate heat exchanger 11 allows the vehicle 60's air conditioning heat pump system to be coupled with the waste heat from the water circuit of the first heat-generating device 12, resulting in high integration, easy layout, and reduced production costs. Specifically, when the first heat-generating device 12 is an engine 10, the first target temperature range can be 10℃ to 60℃ (excluding 60℃). When the first heat-generating device 12 is a motor, the second target temperature range can be 10℃ to 50℃ (excluding 50℃), and the specific range can be set according to the type of the first heat-generating device 12; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0020] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes a second heat generation device 13, and the plate heat exchanger 11 further includes a third heat exchange plate 8. The first heat exchange plate 6 can exchange heat with the third heat exchange plate 8. When the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat generation device 13 is within the second target temperature range, the second heat generation device 13 can be connected to the third heat exchange plate 8 to form a second loop.

[0021] Specifically, in this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger 11 also has a third heat exchange plate 8, so that when the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat generation device 13 is within the second target temperature range, the second circuit is connected to realize the heat exchange between the waste heat of the water circuit in the second circuit where the second heat generation device 13 is located and the air conditioning refrigerant, thereby realizing the coupling between the heat pump system of the vehicle 60 air conditioning and the waste heat of the water circuit of the second heat generation device 13.

[0022] During the aforementioned heat exchange process, the air conditioning refrigerant has lower temperature requirements for the waste heat in the water circuit of the second loop, allowing for more efficient utilization of the water heat in the second heat-generating device 13, further improving waste heat utilization and reducing heating energy consumption. Furthermore, the three-layer plate heat exchanger 11 enables the air conditioning heat pump system to simultaneously couple with both loops, meaning it can simultaneously absorb waste heat from the water circuits of the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat-generating device 13, resulting in higher integration.

[0023] In the above embodiments, the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat-generating device 13 can be the engine 10 and the motor, respectively. This enables the utilization of waste heat from the water circuit of the engine 10 circuit or the motor circuit, providing more options for the heating path of the air conditioning heat pump system and greatly reducing the heating energy consumption of the vehicle 60. Specifically, when the first heat-generating device 12 is the engine 10 and the second heat-generating device 13 is the motor, the first target temperature range can be 10℃ to 60℃ (excluding 60℃), and the second target temperature range can be 10℃ to 50℃ (excluding 50℃). The specific settings can be determined according to the types of the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat-generating device 13.

[0024] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes a first valve 1; when the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat-generating device 12 is within the first target temperature range, the first valve 1 is used to connect the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat exchange plate 7 to form a first loop, and the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange plate 6.

[0025] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first valve 1 can control the connection and disconnection of the first circuit, and when the first circuit is connected, the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange plate 6, so that the air conditioning heat pump system can absorb the waste heat of the water circuit in the first circuit, thereby improving the automation capability of the thermal management system A.

[0026] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A also includes a second valve 2; when the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device 13 is within the second target temperature range, the second valve 2 is used to connect the second heat-generating device 13 and the third heat exchange plate 8 to form a second loop, and the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange plate 6.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second valve 2 can control the connection and disconnection of the second circuit. When the second circuit is connected, the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the second heat exchange plate 7, enabling the air conditioning heat pump system to absorb the waste heat of the water circuit in the second circuit, further improving the automation capability of the thermal management system A and reducing heating energy consumption.

[0028] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, when the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat-generating device 12 is within the first target temperature range, and when the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device 13 is within the second target temperature range, the first heat-generating device 12 is connected to the second heat exchange plate 7 to form a first circuit, and the second heat-generating device 13 is connected to the third heat exchange plate 8 to form a second circuit.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device 13 is within the second target temperature range and the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat-generating device 12 is within the first target temperature range, both the first circuit and the second circuit are connected. This allows the waste heat from the water circuits of the first circuit where the first heat-generating device 12 is located and the second circuit where the second heat-generating device 13 is located to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant simultaneously. This enables the heat pump system of the vehicle 60 air conditioning to be coupled with the waste heat from the water circuits of the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat-generating device 13, thereby improving the heat absorption power of the air conditioning refrigerant and enhancing the comfort of heating.

[0030] In the above embodiments, the first heat-generating device 12 and the second heat-generating device 13 can be an engine 10 and a motor, respectively, enabling simultaneous utilization of waste heat from the water circuits of the engine 10 circuit and the motor circuit. Specifically, when the first heat-generating device 12 is the engine 10 and the second heat-generating device 13 is the motor, the first target temperature range can be 10℃ to 60℃ (excluding 60℃), and the second target temperature range can be 10℃ to 50℃ (excluding 50℃).

[0031] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes: a heater core 9, and a first heat-generating device 12, which is an engine 10; when the temperature of the medium flowing through the engine 10 is within the third target temperature range, the engine 10 can be connected to the heater core 9 to form a third circuit, wherein the minimum value of the third target temperature range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the first target temperature range.

[0032] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the first heat-generating device 12 is an engine 10, since the engine 10 may generate a large amount of heat during operation, when the heat generated by the engine 10 causes the medium temperature of the first circuit to reach the third target range, the engine 10 is directly connected to the heater core 9 to form a third circuit. The heating of the vehicle 60 can be directly achieved through the heater core 9, improving the heat utilization efficiency. The first target temperature range is typically 10℃ to 60℃ (excluding 60℃), while the minimum value of the third target temperature range is greater than the maximum value of the first target temperature range. Therefore, the third target temperature range is typically 60℃ to 100℃ (excluding 100℃), and can be set according to actual conditions.

[0033] The heating method of the heater core 9 enables the heat in the water circuit of the first circuit to be reduced in a timely manner and effectively utilized, thus preventing the engine 10 from overheating and affecting its working efficiency.

[0034] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes a thermostat 20 and a first radiator 4, the first radiator 4 being connected to the engine 10 via the thermostat 20; when the temperature of the medium flowing through the engine 10 is greater than the maximum value of the third target temperature range, the thermostat 20 is in the open state, enabling the first radiator 4 to dissipate heat from the engine 10.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the water temperature in the first circuit where the engine 10 is located is too high, for example, exceeding 100°C, the heat pump system of the air conditioner is insufficient to absorb heat or lower the temperature to a suitable level through the heater core 9, which will affect the working state of the engine 10. In this case, the first radiator 4 can be installed to dissipate heat. The thermostat 20 controls the first radiator 4 to be connected to the engine 10, enabling the first radiator 4 to dissipate heat from the engine 10 and ensure the working state of the engine 10.

[0036] The thermostat 20 is usually an electronic thermostat 20 or a wax thermostat 20. Both control the on / off of the circuit through the wax pack inside, so its temperature sensing is relatively reliable. It opens when the temperature is reached, which improves the reliability of the first radiator 4.

[0037] In addition, when the water temperature flowing through the engine 10 is greater than or equal to 60°C and less than 100°C, the heat pump system can absorb the heat and lower the temperature to a suitable level, so the first radiator 4 can be stopped from working, thus avoiding a double waste of heat and energy.

[0038] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes: a second radiator 5, and a second heat generation device 13 is a motor module 3; when the temperature of the medium flowing through the motor module 3 is within the fourth target temperature range, the motor module 3 can be connected to the second radiator 5 to form a fourth circuit, and the minimum value of the fourth target temperature range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second target temperature range.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, if the water temperature in the second circuit where the motor module 3 is located is too high, it will affect its working state. When the temperature of the second circuit where the motor module 3 is located is high, for example, greater than or equal to 50°C, a fourth circuit can be formed by connecting the motor module 3 with the second radiator 5 to achieve heat dissipation of the motor circuit.

[0040] When the water temperature in the second circuit containing motor module 3 is below 50℃, motor module 3 does not require cooling, and the fourth circuit can be disconnected. Motor module 3 typically includes a motor, electronic control components, etc. The motor drives the vehicle at 60 degrees Celsius, and the electronic control controls the motor's operation.

[0041] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system A further includes a control module, which is connected to the first valve 1 and the second valve 2 respectively, and is used to control the opening and closing of each interface of the first valve 1 and the second valve 2. The first valve 1 and the second valve 2 can both have their interfaces opened and closed by the control module, making the control of the entire thermal management system A more convenient and reliable.

[0042] Furthermore, the control module can control the connection and disconnection of each interface of the first valve 1 and the second valve 2 based on the medium temperature of the first and second loops, respectively. The medium temperature can be acquired using a temperature sensor or temperature acquisition device, which improves the accuracy and reliability of the control module's control of the first and second valves, and further enhances the waste heat utilization rate of the first and second loops, reducing heating energy consumption. Moreover, for ease of control, the first valve 1 and the second valve 2 can be three-way valves.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, when the first heat-generating device 12 is an engine 10 and the second heat-generating device 13 is a motor module 3, when ports a and b of the first valve 1 are open, the first circuit is connected; when ports a and c of the first valve 1 are open, the third circuit is connected. When ports a and b of the second valve 2 are open, the fourth circuit is connected; when ports a and c of the second valve 2 are open, the third circuit is connected.

[0044] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the thermal management system A also includes an intercooler 30, a third radiator 40, and two auxiliary radiators 50. The intercooler 30, the third radiator 40, and the two auxiliary radiators 50 are connected in series to form an intercooler circuit. The intercooler circuit is connected to the engine 10 through the intercooler 30, and each of the auxiliary radiators 50 is equipped with a fan.

[0045] Specifically, in practical applications, hybrid vehicles typically use a turbocharged engine 10. The intake air of the engine 10 is at a high temperature after being pressurized, and the intercooler circuit is used to cool down the intake air. In this intercooler circuit, in addition to the original third radiator 40, two auxiliary radiators 50 with electric fans are connected in series, which increases the heat dissipation capacity of the intercooler circuit and further reduces the intake air temperature of the engine 10.

[0046] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, when the first circuit is in a connected state, the second circuit is in a connected state, and the water temperature of the medium flowing through the engine 10 is less than the minimum value of the first target temperature range, and the water temperature of the medium flowing through the motor module 3 is less than the minimum value of the second set target temperature (e.g., all less than 10°C), the air conditioning refrigerant is in a state where it does not flow through the first heat exchange plate 6 on the refrigerant side. At this time, the air conditioning refrigerant does not pass through the first heat exchange plate 6, allowing both the engine 10 and the motor module 3 to be in a heat storage state, thus avoiding heat waste.

[0047] For example, in the above embodiment, if the water temperature in the first circuit where the engine 10 is located is too low, for example, below 10°C, it can enter the heat storage mode. In this case, the first heat exchange plate 6 does not need to be supplied with air conditioning refrigerant. If the water temperature in the second circuit where the motor module 3 is located is high, air conditioning refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat exchange plate 6 to absorb the residual heat of the second circuit where the motor module 3 is located. If the water temperature in the second circuit is low, air conditioning refrigerant can be withheld from the first heat exchange plate 6, so that the motor module 3 also enters the heat storage mode.

[0048] According to a second aspect of this application, referring to Figures 1 and 2, a hybrid vehicle 60 is provided, including: a thermal management system A according to a first aspect.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the hybrid vehicle 60 adopts the thermal management system A provided by the first aspect. Due to its high integration and high waste heat utilization rate of the first circuit, the energy consumption and installation cost of the whole vehicle are reduced.

[0050] The above embodiments mainly describe the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0051] While specific embodiments of this application have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system (A) for a vehicle (60), comprising: Plate heat exchanger (11), the plate heat exchanger (11) includes a first heat exchange plate (6) and a second heat exchange plate (7), the first heat exchange plate (6) and the second heat exchange plate (7) can exchange heat, and the first heat exchange plate (6) is used to circulate air conditioning refrigerant. When the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat generating device (12) is within the first target temperature range, the first heat generating device (12) can be connected to the second heat exchange plate (7) to form a first circuit.

2. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a second heat-generating device (13), and the plate heat exchanger (11) further includes a third heat exchange plate (8), wherein the first heat exchange plate (6) is capable of exchanging heat with the third heat exchange plate (8); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device (13) is within the second target temperature range, the second heat-generating device (13) can be connected to the third heat exchange plate (8) to form a second circuit.

3. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: First valve (1); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat-generating device (12) is within the first target temperature range, the first valve (1) is used to connect the first heat-generating device (12) and the second heat exchange plate (7) to form a first circuit, and the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange plate (6).

4. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes: Second valve (2); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device (13) is within the second target temperature range, the second valve (2) is used to connect the second heat-generating device (13) and the third heat exchange plate (8) to form a second circuit, and the air conditioning refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange plate (6).

5. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the temperature of the medium flowing through the first heat-generating device (12) is within the first target temperature range, and when the temperature of the medium flowing through the second heat-generating device (13) is within the second target temperature range, the first heat-generating device (12) is connected to the second heat exchange plate (7) to form a first loop, and the second heat-generating device (13) is connected to the third heat exchange plate (8) to form a second loop.

6. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: The heating core (9) and the first heat-generating device (12) are engines (10); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the engine (10) is within the third target temperature range, the engine (10) can be connected to the heater core (9) to form a third circuit, wherein the minimum value of the third target temperature range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the first target temperature range.

7. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes: A thermostat (20) and a first radiator (4), the first radiator (4) being connected to the engine (10) via the thermostat (20); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the engine (10) is greater than the maximum value of the third target temperature range, the thermostat (20) is in the open state, so that the first radiator (4) can dissipate heat from the engine (10).

8. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes: The second radiator (5) and the second heat-generating device (13) are motor modules (3); When the temperature of the medium flowing through the motor module (3) is within the fourth target temperature range, the motor module (3) can be connected to the second heat sink (5) to form a fourth circuit, wherein the minimum value of the fourth target temperature range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second target temperature range.

9. The thermal management system (A) of the vehicle (60) according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes an intercooler (30), a third radiator (40) and two auxiliary radiators (50), the intercooler (30), the third radiator (40) and the two auxiliary radiators (50) are connected in series to form an intercooler circuit, the intercooler circuit is connected to the engine (10) through the intercooler (30), and each of the auxiliary radiators (50) is equipped with a fan.

10. A hybrid vehicle (60), comprising: The thermal management system (A) according to any one of claims 1-9.

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