Compressor for a refrigerant circuit, refrigerant circuit, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressor (150) for a refrigerant circuit (100), which compressor is designed to compress a refrigerant, which in particular contains propane, from a suction-side low-pressure level to a discharge-side high-pressure level, wherein the compressor (150) has a compressor housing (151), wherein the compressor housing (151) has at least one external connection interface (1, 2, 3, 4) for connecting in each case at least one temperature-control medium line, and in each case an internal connection interface (114, 118, 124, 128) which is directly fluidically connected to the at least one connection interface (1, 2, 3, 4). The invention also relates to a refrigerant circuit (100) comprising such a compressor (150) and to a vehicle comprising such a refrigerant circuit (100).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Compressor for a refrigerant circuit, refrigerant circuit and vehicle

[0004] The present invention relates to a compressor for a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circuit with this compressor and a vehicle with such a refrigerant circuit.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Particularly in the automotive sector, compressors can be used to compress refrigerants (e.g., R1234yf). These compressors can be connected to heat exchangers and other components of the refrigeration circuit via external refrigerant lines. Typically, heat exchangers are thermally connected on the side opposite the compressor to components requiring temperature control (e.g., drive unit, driver's cabin, etc.) via temperature control fluid lines.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, a compressor for a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circuit with such a compressor, and a vehicle with such a refrigerant circuit, comprising the features of the independent claims, are proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] The invention utilizes the measure of providing or integrating external connection interfaces for temperature control lines for connecting components requiring temperature control to the refrigerant circuit (which can serve as a heat source and / or heat sink) within the compressor housing. This defines the position of the connection interfaces independently of the heat exchanger dimensions, ensuring that the corresponding temperature control lines can always be connected to the same position, regardless of the thermal capacity of the refrigerant circuit. This significantly reduces the design effort associated with different equipment variants, for example, for a specific vehicle model.

[0010] A liquid, such as water and / or a thermal oil, can be used as the temperature control medium.

[0011] In detail, the compressor according to the invention is configured for a refrigerant circuit to transfer a refrigerant, in particular containing propane (R290), from a suction-side low-pressure level, which can be selected, for example, from an interval between 120 kPa and 1,000 kPa, to a discharge-side high-pressure level, which can be selected, for example, from an interval between

[0012] The compressor can be selected to compress the refrigerant between 1,400 and 3,600 kPa. The compressor housing has at least one external connection interface for connecting at least one temperature control fluid line, as well as an internal connection interface directly connected to each of these external interfaces. Thus, the compressor housing is designed to circulate the temperature control fluid between the connected temperature control fluid lines and the corresponding heat exchangers of the refrigerant circuit. Since the compressor typically occupies a defined installation position, for example in vehicles, the external connection interfaces are also fixed and therefore independent of the specific design of the heat exchangers.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, refrigerant lines between the compressor and other components of a refrigerant circuit, in particular all refrigerant lines of the entire refrigerant circuit, are integrated into the compressor housing, thus eliminating the need for external refrigerant lines. This reduces interfaces prone to leakage and minimizes the overall volume of the refrigerant circuit. This is particularly advantageous because some commonly used refrigerants pose potential hazards, e.g., they are highly flammable, toxic, or environmentally harmful.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the compressor housing has at least one refrigerant interface for connecting at least one further component (in particular a heat exchanger and / or refrigerant storage tank) of the refrigerant circuit, wherein the at least one refrigerant interface has a refrigerant outlet for supplying the at least one further component with the refrigerant and / or a refrigerant inlet for returning the refrigerant from the at least one further component to the compressor housing. Thus, for example, heat exchangers can be connected directly to the compressor housing on both the cold and hot sides, eliminating the need for intermediate lines.This allows the required refrigerant volume to be reduced to a minimum and also improves the tightness of the refrigerant circuit, since there are correspondingly fewer leakage-prone sealing points without intermediate lines.

[0015] Within the scope of this invention, the term "cold-side" refers to a subsystem of a heat exchanger within which a medium is guided that absorbs heat in the heat exchanger. Conversely, a medium that releases heat in the heat exchanger is guided on the "hot-side" with respect to the heat exchanger.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the compressor housing has at least one receptacle for a sensor for determining the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant. Alternatively or additionally, the compressor housing can have a receptacle, in particular a valve seat, for an expansion valve for releasing condensed refrigerant. Alternatively or additionally, the compressor housing can have an integrated receptacle, in particular a valve seat, for a charging valve for adding refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. This further increases the level of integration and thus further reduces the number of sealing points.

[0017] The refrigerant circuit according to the invention comprises a compressor according to the invention, a first heat exchanger for cooling and at least partially condensing a refrigerant compressed by the compressor, a refrigerant storage tank for storing the condensed refrigerant, an expansion valve for expanding the condensed refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for transferring heat from a temperature control medium, in particular a liquid, to the expanded refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit, particularly according to the embodiments described below, thus benefits from the advantages of the compressor according to the invention accordingly. The first heat exchanger, the refrigerant storage tank, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger can, in particular, be connected to the compressor or its interfaces as the aforementioned at least one further component.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is directly connected on the cold side to a first internal connection interface and / or a second internal connection interface of the at least one internal connection interface. This eliminates the need for lines between the first heat exchanger and the compressor, resulting in reduced volume and improved sealing. In particular, regardless of the heat exchanger's capacity, the connection interface can always be located in the same position relative to the compressor, which significantly simplifies the installation of the refrigerant circuit, for example, in a vehicle.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is directly connected on the hot side to a first refrigerant interface and / or a second refrigerant interface of the at least one refrigerant interface. This eliminates the need for lines between the first heat exchanger and the compressor, resulting in reduced volume and improved sealing. According to at least one embodiment, the refrigerant storage tank is directly connected to a third refrigerant interface and / or a fourth refrigerant interface of the at least one refrigerant interface. This eliminates the need for lines between the refrigerant storage tank and the compressor, resulting in reduced volume and improved sealing.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment, the refrigerant storage unit includes a dryer and / or filter designed to remove impurities and / or, in particular, water or moisture from the refrigerant. This allows the refrigerant quality to be maintained for a longer period, thus avoiding the need for replacement during the refrigerant circuit's service life.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, the second heat exchanger is directly connected on the cold side to a fifth refrigerant interface and / or a sixth refrigerant interface of the at least one refrigerant interface. This eliminates the need for lines between the second heat exchanger and the compressor, resulting in reduced volume and improved sealing.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the second heat exchanger is directly connected on the hot side to a third internal connection interface and / or a fourth internal connection interface of the at least one internal connection interface. This eliminates the need for lines between the second heat exchanger and the compressor, resulting in reduced volume and improved sealing. In particular, regardless of the heat exchanger's capacity, the connection interface can always be located in the same position relative to the compressor, which significantly simplifies the installation of the refrigerant circuit, for example, in a vehicle.

[0023] The vehicle according to the invention comprises a refrigerant circuit according to the invention and at least one component to be temperature-controlled, wherein the component to be temperature-controlled is thermally connected to the at least one external connection interface. For example, the refrigerant circuit can be used to temperature-control (heating and / or cooling) a vehicle interior (driver's cabin) and / or a functional vehicle component (e.g., battery, drive unit, etc.).

[0024] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing.

[0025] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing using an exemplary embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Figure 1 schematically shows a compressor according to an embodiment of the invention in perspective view.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a refrigerant circuit according to an embodiment of the invention in perspective view.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the refrigerant cycle from Figure 2 in a perspective view from a different angle.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the refrigerant circuit from Figure 2.

[0031] embodiment(s) of the invention

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a compressor according to one embodiment of the invention, designated as 150. Figures 2, 3, and 4 show different views of a refrigerant circuit, designated as 100. The refrigerant circuit 100 includes the compressor 150 shown in Figure 1. The figures are described together below.

[0033] The compressor 150 serves to compress a refrigerant, which in particular contains propane (R290) or consists of at least 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% propane, from a suction-side low-pressure level, which can be selected, for example, from a range between 120 kPa and 1,000 kPa, to a discharge-side high-pressure level, which can be selected, for example, from a range between 1,400 and 3,600 kPa. The compressor 150 has a compressor housing 151, which has at least one external connection interface 1, 2, 3, 4 for connecting at least one temperature control fluid line. Each of the at least one external connection interface 1, 2, 3, 4 is associated with an internal connection interface 114, 118, 124, 128, which is directly fluid-conducting to the respective external connection interface. In the example shown, four such internal 114, 118, 124, 128 and external 1, 2, 3, 4 connection interfaces are provided.Two of the external connection interfaces (external connection interfaces 1 and 3) are provided as input interfaces into which temperature control medium (e.g. water and / or a thermal oil) is fed during operation of the refrigerant circuit 100, while the other two external connection interfaces 2 and 4 are provided as output interfaces through which the respective temperature control medium leaves the refrigerant circuit 100.

[0034] The internal connection interfaces 114, 118, 124, and 128 serve to transfer the respective temperature control medium to a first heat exchanger 110 and a second heat exchanger 120, respectively, and to discharge it from these. The first heat exchanger 110 and the second heat exchanger 120 each serve to exchange heat between the respective temperature control medium and the refrigerant. In addition to the internal connection interfaces 114 and 118, the first heat exchanger is also connected to a first refrigerant interface 156 and a second refrigerant interface 116, through which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 150 is routed into (156) and out (116) the first heat exchanger 110.

[0035] Immediately downstream of the second refrigerant interface 116, a third refrigerant interface 302 is arranged, through which the compressed refrigerant, cooled in the first heat exchanger 110 against the temperature control medium and at least partially condensed in the process, is introduced into a refrigerant storage tank 300. The refrigerant storage tank 300 serves, on the one hand, to store (especially condensed) refrigerant and, in the example shown, also houses a filter and / or dryer for removing impurities (especially water) from the refrigerant. The refrigerant can leave the refrigerant storage tank 300 again via a fourth refrigerant interface 306.

[0036] Downstream of the fourth refrigerant interface 306, an expansion valve 122 is provided, which releases the condensed refrigerant from the refrigerant storage 300 into a fifth refrigerant interface 123, to which the second heat exchanger 120 is connected.

[0037] In the second heat exchanger, which is connected to the fifth refrigerant interface 123, a sixth refrigerant interface 152, and the internal connection interfaces 124 and 128 for the inlet and outlet of the (liquid) temperature control medium, the expanded refrigerant is heated against the temperature control medium and at least partially evaporates in the process. The refrigerant is then returned to the compressor 150 via the sixth refrigerant interface 152 on the suction side.

[0038] Both the external and internal connection interfaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 114, 118, 124, 128 and the refrigerant interfaces 156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152 are integrated into the compressor housing, so that the first heat exchanger 110, the second heat exchanger 120 and the refrigerant storage tank 300 each only need to be connected to the compressor 150 in order to install them in the refrigerant circuit 100.

[0039] A valve seat for the expansion valve 122, as well as mounts for sensors 170, 180 for monitoring the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant upstream and downstream of the compressor 150, are also integrated into the compressor housing 151. In addition, at least one valve seat for a charging valve 185 is integrated into the compressor housing 151 in the example shown. This valve seat is located on the suction side, with the bore containing the valve seat for the charging valve 185 simultaneously forming the suction line into the compressor housing 151, to which the sixth refrigerant interface 152 is also connected.

[0040] In the example shown, the compressor is equipped with an electrical interface 155, which serves to power a motor of the compressor. In this embodiment, the electrical interface 155 is connected to an external control unit (not shown separately in the figure) of the compressor 150, so that the control unit can control the operation (e.g., power and / or speed) of the compressor 150.

[0041] However, regardless of the other design of the compressor 150 or the refrigerant circuit 100, the control unit can also be integrated into the compressor 150 or included in the compressor housing 151.

[0042] The sensors 170, 180 are connected to the control unit (integrated or external) of the compressor 150 via data transmission in order to provide it with the information required to control the compressor 150.

[0043] The temperature control media used in the two heat exchangers 110 and 120 can be identical or different.

[0044] As explained at the beginning, usable heat can be extracted from the first heat exchanger, for example, to heat components connected to external connection interfaces 3 and 4 (e.g., the driver's cab of a vehicle, etc.). Waste heat can be supplied to the second heat exchanger (or "usable cooling" can be extracted from it), so that it can be used to cool components connected to the external connection interfaces (e.g., the drive unit of a vehicle, traction battery, driver's cab, etc.).

[0045] It is understood that the features described here need not necessarily be present in the specific combination described. Rather, other combinations of features, and possibly even individual features on their own, can also be advantageously used. The embodiment of the invention described here is therefore not to be understood as limiting the scope of protection defined in the claims.

[0046] The refrigerant can be, in particular, propane (R290), CO2 (R744), R-1234yf, or a refrigerant blend, preferably comprising propane. Preferably, it is a propane-containing refrigerant consisting, for example, of at least 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% propane.

Claims

Claims 1. Compressor (150) for a refrigerant circuit (100) configured to compress a refrigerant, in particular containing propane, from a suction-side low-pressure level to a pressure-side high-pressure level, wherein the compressor (150) has a compressor housing (151), wherein the compressor housing (151) has at least one external connection interface (1, 2, 3, 4) for connecting at least one temperature control media line, and each has an internal connection interface (114, 118, 124, 128) directly connected fluid-conducting to the at least one external connection interface (1, 2, 3, 4).

2. Compressor (150) according to claim 1, wherein the compressor housing (151) has at least one refrigerant interface (156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152) for connecting at least one further component (110, 120, 300) of the refrigerant circuit (100), wherein the at least one refrigerant interface (156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152) each has a refrigerant outlet (156, 302, 123) for supplying the at least one further component (110, 120, 300) with the refrigerant and / or a refrigerant inlet (116, 306, 152) for returning the refrigerant from the at least one further component (110, 120, 300) to the compressor housing (151).

3. Compressor (150) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compressor housing (151) has at least one receptacle for a sensor (170, 180) for determining a temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant.

4. Compressor (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor housing (151) has an integrated receptacle, in particular a valve seat, for a filling valve (185) for filling refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit (100).

5. Compressor (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor housing (151) has a receptacle, in particular a valve seat, for an expansion valve (122) for expanding condensed refrigerant.

6. Refrigerant circuit (100) comprising a compressor (150) according to one of the preceding claims, a first heat exchanger (110) for cooling and at least partially condensing a refrigerant compressed by the compressor, a refrigerant storage tank (300) for storing the condensed refrigerant, an expansion valve (122) for expanding the condensed refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger (120) for transferring heat from a, in particular liquid, temperature control medium to the expanded refrigerant.

7. Refrigerant circuit (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first heat exchanger (110) is directly connected on the cold side to a first internal connection interface (114) and / or a second internal connection interface (118) of the at least one internal connection interface (114, 118, 124, 128).

8. Refrigerant circuit (100) according to claim 6 or 7 with reference to at least claim 2, wherein - the first heat exchanger (110) is connected on the hot side directly to a first refrigerant interface (156) and / or a second refrigerant interface (116) which is connected to at least one refrigerant interface (156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152), and / or - the refrigerant storage unit (300) is directly connected to a third refrigerant interface (302) and / or a fourth refrigerant interface (306) which is connected to at least one refrigerant interface (156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152), and / or - the second heat exchanger (120) is directly connected on the cold side to a fifth refrigerant interface (123) and / or a sixth refrigerant interface (152) which is connected to at least one refrigerant interface (156, 116, 302, 306, 123, 152).

9. Refrigerant circuit (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the refrigerant storage (300) has a dryer and / or filter designed to remove impurities, in particular water, from the refrigerant.

10. Refrigerant circuit (100) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the second heat exchanger (120) is directly connected on the hot side to a third internal connection interface (124) and / or a fourth internal connection interface (128) of the at least one internal connection interface (114, 118, 124, 128).

11. Vehicle with a refrigerant circuit (100) according to one of claims 6 to 10 and at least one component to be tempered, wherein the component to be tempered is thermally connected to the at least one external connection interface (1, 2, 3, 4).

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