Thermal management system for thermal controlling of a vehicle, preferably a hybrid or electric vehicle, provided with a thermal module

Abstract

A thermal management system (ST) is described for the thermal management of a vehicle, preferably hybrid or electric vehicle, having a thermal module (1) provided with a multi-way valve (2) having a valve body and twelve external inlet or outlet ports ( P) for a heat transfer liquid and a number of internal channels configured for the connection of said external inlet or outlet ports (P), wherein each external inlet or outlet port (P) is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication, with a further external inlet or outlet port (P) by means of the internal channels.

Description

[0001] "THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THERMAL CONTROLLING OF A VEHICLE , PREFERABLY A HYBRID OR ELECTRIC VEHICLE , PROVIDED WITH A THERMAL MODULE"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Appl ication claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000011989 filed on May 27 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Field of the Art

[0005] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle , preferably hybrid or electric vehicle , provided with a thermal module .

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] As is known, thermal management systems configured for the thermal control of a propulsion system and / or of an energy storage system and / or of a vehicle passenger compartment are applied in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles . Typically, the thermal management system comprises a passage circuit for a heat trans fer liquid ( such as , for example , the cool ing liquid) . The thermal management system also comprises a thermal module within which the passage circuit for the heat trans fer liquid is at least partially defined and is configured for the passage of heat between a number of units connected to the thermal module .

[0008] According to the state of the art , the thermal module comprises a support element made of plastic material or of plastic material and metal , preferably aluminium, for supporting a number of actuator devices ( such as , for example , three-way or multi-way valve devices , pumping devices , storing devices , tank, heat exchangers ) and sensors , preferably temperature and pressure sensors ) .

[0009] Advantageously, ducts for the hydraulic connection of the actuator devices and of the aforementioned sensors are then housed inside the support element . Typically, both the actuator devices and the sensors are smart components , that is , provided with a respective electronic control device , which are connected by wiring to an electronic control unit that oversees the operation of the entire vehicle .

[0010] The thermal management system also comprises a unit for the management of the vehicle storage system, a unit for the management of the electric motors and an HVAC ( hea tingrventila ti on and air condi ti oning) unit configured to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning of the air to be directed into the vehicle passenger compartment ; the aforementioned units are separated from the thermal module to which they are connected . In particular, the thermal module is configured to heat or cool the vehicle passenger compartment and / or the storage system and to cool the electric machines that are on board the vehicle .

[0011] While of fering satis factory performance , there is an increasing need to be able to have flexible thermal management systems available that allow optimi zing the distribution of heat between the di f ferent units composing it in order to improve the overall energy ef ficiency of the vehicle , guaranteeing comfort to the passengers and the reliability of the devices on board the vehicle .

[0012] Disclosure of the Invention

[0013] Aim of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle , preferably hybrid or electric vehicle , provided with a thermal module which is free of the drawbacks described above and, in particular, is easy and economical to implement .

[0014] According to the present invention there is provided a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle provided with a thermal module as claimed in the appended claims .

[0015] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings , which show a nonlimiting embodiment thereof , wherein :

[0017] - Figure 1 is a schematic view and with parts removed for the sake of clarity of a first embodiment of a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figure 2 is a schematic view and with parts removed for the sake of clarity of a second embodiment of a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figures 3 to 12 show alternative operating modes of a thermal module of the management systems of Figures 1 and 2 .

[0020] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0021] In Figure 1 , ST denotes as a whole a thermal management system for a vehicle . The thermal management system ST finds advantageous application in a hybrid vehicle or in an electric vehicle . In particular, the thermal management system ST finds advantageous application for the thermal control of a propulsion system and / or of an energy storage system and / or of a vehicle passenger compartment . The thermal management system ST comprises a passage circuit C for a heat trans fer liquid . Advantageously, the heat trans fer liquid is cooling liquid .

[0022] The thermal management system ST comprises a thermal module 1 within which the passage circuit C for the heat trans fer liquid is at least partially defined .

[0023] The thermal module 1 comprises a multi-way valve 2 which is configured to select an operating mode that allows the passage of heat between a number of units connected to the thermal module 1 ( as better described below) and defines the heat trans fer liquid flow and the direction of a cooling circuit RC . In more detail , the multi-way valve 2 is a twelve-way valve 2 . Said cooling circuit RC is at least partially defined in the thermal module 1 .

[0024] The thermal module 1 comprises a tank 3 for collecting the heat trans fer liquid . The tank is configured to act as an expansion tank . Advantageously, a level detection device ( level sensor ) 4 is housed inside the tank 3 . The tank 3 is connected to an external inlet port Pl of the multi-way valve 2 by means of a duct 5 .

[0025] The thermal module 1 comprises a condenser device 6 configured to trans fer heat to the liquid of the cooling circuit RC . The condenser device 6 is connected to an external outlet port P2 of the multi-way valve 2 by means of a duct 7 . Advantageously, a temperature sensor device T1 is housed along the duct 7 . Advantageously, a pumping device 8 is housed downstream of the temperature sensor device T1 along the duct 7 . The pumping device 8 is configured for the recirculation of the heat trans fer liquid . Preferably, the pumping device 8 is of the electrical type . The thermal module 1 comprises a duct 9 originating from the duct 5 for the connection with the condenser device 6 . According to a possible embodiment , the duct 5 is connected to the duct 7 by means o f a branch duct along which an overflow valve device 0V2 is housed . Advantageously, the duct 5 is connected to the duct 7 upstream of the pumping device 8 by means of the branch duct along which the overflow valve device 0V2 is housed ( so as to ensure a flow even i f the external inlet port Pl and the external outlet port P2 are closed) . The overflow valve device 0V2 is configured to control the pressure upstream of the valve device 0V2 itsel f . The normal working pressure is equal to about 1 bar and the overflow valve device 0V2 is set at a higher pressure ( about

[0026] 1 bar ) than the normal working pressure .

[0027] The thermal module 1 then comprises a drying device 10 connected to the condenser device 6 by means of a duct 11 . Advantageously, a temperature and pressure detecting device PT2 is housed along the duct 11 . The drying device 10 is configured to remove moisture from the liquid of the cooling circuit RC ( typically through a dehydrating material ) and secondarily to filter particles and contaminants .

[0028] The thermal module 1 comprises a cooler 12 configured to make use of the liquid of the cooling circuit RC to subtract heat from the heat trans fer fluid . The cooler 12 is connected to an external inlet port P3 of the multi-way valve

[0029] 2 by means of a duct 13 . Advantageously, the cooler 12 is connected to the drying device 10 by means of a duct 14 along which a valve device 15 is housed . In particular, an expansion valve 15 , preferably electronic, is housed along the duct 14 .

[0030] The circuit C for the heat trans fer liquid comprises a management unit BM . The management unit BM is external to the thermal module 1 but is connected to the thermal module 1 . The management unit BM comprises a device comprising a number of devices having the same requirements in terms of operating temperature . The management unit BM comprises a storage device (battery) 16 configured to store the electric energy needed to power an electric motor . The storage device

[0031] 16 is connected to the thermal module 1 by means of a duct

[0032] 17 at an external outlet port P4 of the multi-way valve 2 . A device T3 for the detection of the temperature is housed along the duct 17 .

[0033] The management unit BM comprises a DC / DC conversion device 19 ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) . The storage device 16 is connected by means of a duct 18 to the DC / DC conversion device 19 . Advantageously, a device T10 for the detection of the temperature is housed along the duct 18 . Typically, the DC / DC conversion device 19 is configured to trans form the high-voltage current coming from the storage device 16 into 12V and 48V current needed to power an auxiliary storage device and any additional auxiliary devices .

[0034] The management unit BM comprises a charging module 20 ( external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) connected by means of a duct 22 to the DC / DC conversion device 19 by means of a duct 21 at an external inlet port P5 of the multi-way valve

[0035] 2 . The charging module 20 is configured to operate as an AC / DC converter and to convert the energy coming from an external energy source ( from the grid) to charge the storage device 16 . A device T4 for the detection of the temperature is housed along the duct 21 . The charging module 20 is connected by means of a duct 22 to the DC / DC conversion device 19 . The management unit BM comprises an HPVC control unit ( external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) connected by means of a duct 71 to the charging module 20 .

[0036] Finally, the management unit BM comprises an active suspension control system SUSP ( external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) connected by means of a duct to the HPVC control unit . Furthermore , the active suspension control system SUSP is connected by means of a duct 21 at an external inlet port P5 of the multi-way valve 2 . A device T4 for the detection of the temperature is housed along the duct 21 .

[0037] As shown in Figure 1 , the storage device 16, the charging module 20 , the DC / DC conversion device 19 , the HPVC control unit , and the active suspension control system SUSP are connected in series . According to alternative embodiments (not shown) , the storage device 16 , the charging module 20 , the DC / DC conversion device 19 , the HPVC control unit and the active suspension control system SUSP are connected with another configuration ( for example in parallel or partially in series and / or in parallel ) .

[0038] According to a possible embodiment , the thermal module 1 is connected to a device 23 for the high-voltage heating ( external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) by means of a duct 24 at an external outlet port P6 of the multi-way valve 2 . Advantageously, a pumping device 25 is housed along the duct 24 . The pumping device 25 is configured for the recirculation of the heat trans fer liquid . The device 23 for the high- voltage heating is connected by means of a duct 26 to the cooler 12 . The cooler 12 is then configured to make use of ( the compression and expansion of ) the liquid of the cooling circuit RC to subtract heat from the heat trans fer fluid fed by the device 23 for the high-voltage heating by means of the duct 26 and to trans fer it by means of the duct 13 to the multi-way valve 2 .

[0039] In case the device 23 for the high-voltage heating is not provided, the multi-way valve 2 is directly connected at an external outlet port P6 to the cooler 12 by means of the duct 24 .

[0040] According to a possible embodiment , the duct 13 is connected to the duct 24 by means of a further duct along which an overflow valve device 0V1 is housed . The overflow valve device 0V1 is configured to control the pressure upstream of the valve device 0V1 itsel f . The normal working pressure is equal to about 1 bar and the overf low valve device 0V1 is adj usted to a higher pressure (by about 1 bar ) than the normal working pressure .

[0041] The thermal module 1 is connected to a radiator 27 ( external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) by means of a duct 28 at an external outlet port P7 of the multi-way valve 2 . The radiator 27 is configured to exchange heat with the external environment . The radiator 27 is arranged so that it can absorb heat from and release heat to the external environment . The radiator 27 is further connected to the multi-way valve 2 by means of a further duct 29 at an external inlet port P8 of the multi-way valve 2 . Advantageously, a temperature sensor device Ti l is housed along the duct connecting the radiator 27 to the external inlet port P8 . Advantageously, according to a first embodiment , the radiator 27 is associated with a device AGS comprising a number of movable grids associated with the radiator 27 and configured to control said movable grids so as to adj ust the passage of the air through the radiator 27 . According to a further embodiment in case the radiator 27 is not associated with the device AGS , a three-way valve 69 housed along the duct 28 and connected to the duct 29 is provided .

[0042] The circuit C for the heat trans fer liquid comprises a unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors . The unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors comprises a number of modular assemblies AM, as better described in the following discussion . In particular, the unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors comprises a number of modular assemblies AM arranged in parallel to each other . Preferably, the unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors comprises up to four modular assemblies AM arranged in parallel to each other .

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 , the unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors comprises two modular assemblies AM arranged in parallel to each other . The first modular assembly AM comprises a power inverter module 30 ( external to the thermal module 1 ) connected to the thermal module 1 by means of a duct 31 at an external outlet port P9 of the multi-way valve 2 . Advantageously, a temperature sensor device T5 is housed along the duct 31 . Preferably but not necessarily, a pumping device 32 is housed upstream of the temperature sensor device T5 along the duct 31 . The power inverter module 30 is connected to a heat exchanger 33 (water / engine oil ) for engine oil ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) , which is connected, by means of a duct 34 , to an external inlet port PI O of the multi-way valve 2 . Advantageously, a temperature sensor device T 6 i s housed along the duct 34 . The heat exchanger 33 is connected to a respective electric motor 35 or generator ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) by means of a circuit for the recirculation of the engine oil along which a pumping device 36 is housed .

[0044] The second modular assembly AM comprises a further power inverter module 37 ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) connected to the thermal module 1 by means of the duct 31 . The power inverter module 37 is connected to a heat exchanger 39 (water / engine oil ) for engine oil ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) , which is connected by means of duct 34 to the external inlet port PI O . The heat exchanger 39 for engine oil is connected to a respective electric motor 38 or generator ( also external to the thermal module 1 itsel f ) by means of a circuit for the recirculation of the engine oil along which a pumping device 40 is housed .

[0045] According to a possible embodiment , the modular assemblies AM are without the heat exchanger for engine oil and the respective pumping device . In this case the cooling of the electric motor or generator is provided directly by means of the heat trans fer fluid and the modular as semblies AM comprise a three-way valve device 70 configured to allow said electric motor or generator 35 , 38 to be bypassed .

[0046] The cooling circuit RC comprises an electric compressor device 41 ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) . The electric compressor device 41 is connected to the thermal module 1 . More in detail , the cooler 12 is connected to the electric compressor device 41 by means of a duct 42 . Advantageously, a device PT7 for the detection of the temperature and pressure is housed along the duct 42 . The compressor device 41 is then in turn connected to the water condenser device 6 by means of a duct 43 . According to a possible embodiment (not shown) , the thermal module 1 is without the drying device 10 and comprises a storing device housed along the duct 42 , upstream of the compressor device 41 . The storing device is configured to remove moisture and protect the compressor device 41 from any residues of the liquid of the cooling circuit RC .

[0047] The thermal management system ST also comprises an HVAC (hea tingrventila tion and air condi ti oning) unit denoted with the number 44 as a whole . The HVAC unit 44 is configured to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning . The HVAC unit 44 is external and separate from the thermal module 1 . The HVAC unit 44 is connected to the thermal module 1 .

[0048] Preferably, the HVAC unit 44 is arranged at the passenger compartment of the vehicle . The HVAC unit 44 comprises an inlet 45 for the air coming from the external environment ; the flow of air coming from the external environment entering the HVAC unit 44 is adj usted by means of an adj ustment device 46 .

[0049] The HVAC unit 44 further comprises an inlet 47 for the air coming from a passenger compartment ; the flow of air coming from the passenger compartment entering the HVAC unit 44 is adj usted by means of an adj ustment device 48 .

[0050] The HVAC unit 44 comprises an evaporator 49 . The evaporator 49 is configured to cool air that is blown through a fan 50 . The HVAC unit 44 comprises a duct 51 originating from the evaporator 49 and opening into the duct 42 . A device PT8 for the detection of the temperature and pressure is housed along the duct 51 . Furthermore , the drying device 10 is connected to the evaporator 49 through a duct 52 , which originates from the duct 14 and leads to the evaporator 49 . Advantageously, the duct 52 originates from the duct 14 upstream of the valve device 15 . Preferably, an expansion valve device 53 is housed along the duct .

[0051] The HVAC unit 44 comprises an outlet 54 for the air towards the external environment ; the flow of air directed towards the external environment by the HVAC unit 44 is adj usted by means of an adj ustment device 55 .

[0052] The HVAC unit 44 then comprises a heater core 56 . The heater core 56 is configured to heat the air that is blown into the passenger compartment . The heater core 56 is connected to the thermal module 1 by means of a duct 57 at an external outlet port Pl l of the multi-way valve 2 . The heater core 56 is further connected to the thermal module 1 by means of a further duct 58 at an external inlet port P12 of the multi-way valve 2 . The heat trans fer liquid is fed to the heater core 56 at a maximum pressure of 5 bar .

[0053] Advantageously, according to a first embodiment , an adj ustment device 62 is provided which is housed at ( and, preferably, near ) the heater core 56 , which allows to avoid the contact of the air blown by the fan 50 in the HVAC with the heater core and therefore avoids heating the air entering the passenger compartment .

[0054] According to a second embodiment ( in the case , that is , in which the adj ustment device 62 is not provided) a three- way valve 68 is instead provided which is housed along the duct 57 and connected to the duct 58 that allows the heat trans fer fluid to bypass the heater core 56 .

[0055] Advantageously, a separator septum 73 is provided which is housed at ( and, preferably, near ) the heater core 56 .

[0056] The HVAC unit 44 comprises a number of outlets 59 for the air ( only one of which is shown in Figures 1 and 2 ) towards the passenger compartment ; the flow of air directed towards the passenger compartment by the HVAC unit 44 is adj usted by means of an adj ustment device 60 . Advantageously, a low-voltage heating device 61 is provided at the outlet 59 .

[0057] An air recirculation circuit 64 is also defined within the HVAC unit 44 . Advantageously, an adj ustment device ( flap ) 72 of the air recirculation circuit 64 is provided which is housed at ( and, preferably, near ) the fan 50 .

[0058] Finally, a device T9 for detecting the temperature of the air exiting the HVAC unit and directed to the passenger compartment is housed inside the HVAC unit 44 .

[0059] The heater core 56 and the evaporator 49 are housed inside the HVAC unit 44 while the flow of hot air from the heater core 56 and / or the flow of cold air from the evaporator 49 are directed towards the passenger compartment or expelled into the external environment through the respective outlets 59 , 54 .

[0060] The fan 50 is configured to blow the air inside the HVAC unit 44 towards the passenger compartment or the surrounding environment , thereby facilitating the air flows of the HVAC unit 44 towards the passenger compartment or the surrounding environment .

[0061] The thermal module 1 comprises a support element 63 for the actuator devices ( such as for example the pumping devices 8 , 25 , 32 ) and the sensors described in the preceding discussion . In particular, the support element 63 is made of plastic material or of plastic material and metal , preferably aluminium . The ducts described in the preceding discussion for the hydraulic connection of the actuator devices and of the sensors are also housed inside the support element 63 . Finally, the thermal module 1 comprises a control unit CU for the actuator devices and sensors . Advantageously, the control unit CU is connected by wiring (not shown) to the actuator devices and sensors . The control unit CU is configured for the acquisition, management and transmission ( to an electronic control unit VCU as better described below) of the signals detected by the sensors and for the control of the actuator devices . In addition, the control unit CU is configured to carry out any interventions of diagnosis and / or recovery of the actuator devices and sensors . The control unit CU is connected to the electronic control unit VCU which oversees the operation of the vehicle . In more detail , the control unit CU and the electronic control unit VCU are connected to each other in a known manner . Furthermore , the electronic control unit VCU is also connected in a known manner to the electric compressor device 41 , of which it oversees the operation .

[0062] The thermal module 1 described in the preceding discussion is configured for the conditioning (heating or cooling) of the vehicle passenger compartment , for the conditioning (heating or cooling) of the storage device 16 and for the cooling of the el ectri c powertrain .

[0063] The expression el ectri c powertrain means all electric drives (motors ) and the relative power inverters that are on board the vehicle .

[0064] The cooling circuit RC is defined by the compressor device 41 configured to compress the cooling liquid, the water condenser device 6 which is configured to condense the cooling liquid and release heat , the drying device 10 and the cooler 12 which are conf igured to evaporate the cooling liquid and absorb heat . The multi-way valve 2 comprises a valve body and twelve external inlet and / or outlet ports P . Finally, the multiway valve 2 comprises a number of internal channels , in particular a plurality of internal channels , configured for the connection of said external inlet and / or outlet ports P . Advantageously, the multi-way valve 2 comprises up to twelve internal channels for each valve position . Advantageously, each external inlet and / or outlet port P is associated with a respective internal channel . Each external inlet and / or outlet port P is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with a number of internal channels . The multiway valve 2 then comprises a plurality of internal divider septa which are operated to place in fluid communication each internal channel with a further determined internal channel .

[0065] The twelve external inlet and / or outlet ports P can be connected to each other (by means of the internal channels ) so as to define a plurality of di f ferent operating configurations . More in detail , the twelve external inlet and / or outlet ports P are connected to each other so as to define at least ten di f ferent operating configurations . Each operating mode de fines the flow of the heat trans fer liquid and the direction of the heat flow between the cooling circuit RC and the heat trans fer fluid circuit .

[0066] The twelve external inlet and / or outlet ports P are therefore divided as follows : an external inlet port P8 and an external outlet port P7 with the radiator 27 ; an external inlet port P5 and an external outlet port P4 with the management unit BM; an external inlet port PI O and an outlet port P9 with the unit BM1 for the management of the electric motors ; an external inlet port P12 and an outlet port Pl l with the heater core 56 ; a pair of external inlet ports Pl , P3 and a pair of external outlet ports P6 , P2 with the di f ferent components of the cooling circuit RC .

[0067] Figure 3 shows a first configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels . The heat trans fer liquid flows in the following way between the di f ferent external inlet / outlet ports P :

[0068] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0069] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0070] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0071] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0072] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port P7 ; and

[0073] - the ports Pl l and P12 are deactivated .

[0074] The Applicant has veri fied that the first configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the cooling) of the passenger compartment , for the conditioning ( in particular the cooling) of the storage device 16 and for the preheating of the storage device 16 and for the cooling of the el ectri c powertrain .

[0075] Figure 4 shows a second configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels . The heat trans fer liquid flows in the following way between the di f ferent inlet / outlet ports P :

[0076] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0077] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0078] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ; the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0079] P2 ;

[0080] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port P7 ; and

[0081] - the ports Pl l and P12 are deactivated .

[0082] The Applicant has veri fied that the second configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the cooling) of the passenger compartment , for the conditioning ( in particular the cooling) of the storage device 16 and for the cooling of the el ectri c powertrain .

[0083] Figure 5 shows a third configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels . The heat trans fer liquid flows in the following way between the di f ferent inlet / outlet ports P :

[0084] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0085] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0086] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0087] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0088] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pl l ; and

[0089] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P4 .

[0090] The Applicant has veri fied that the third configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment and for the preheating of the storage device 16 and the cooling of the el ectri c powertrain and the recovery of the heat from the electric powertrain towards the passenger compartment and towards the storage system 16.

[0091] Figure 6 shows a fourth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels. The heat transfer liquid flows in the following way between the different inlet / outlet ports P:

[0092] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9;

[0093] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7;

[0094] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P4;

[0095] - the inlet port PIO is connected to the outlet port P6;

[0096] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pll; and

[0097] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P2.

[0098] The Applicant has verified that the fourth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning (in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment, the preheating of the storage system 16, for the recovery of heat from the storage system 16 and from the electric powertrain, for the cooling of the storage system 16 and of the electric powertrain .

[0099] Figure 7 shows a fifth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels. The heat transfer liquid flows in the following way between the different inlet / outlet ports P:

[0100] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9;

[0101] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4; - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0102] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pl l ;

[0103] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P2 ; and

[0104] - the ports P7 and P8 are deactivated .

[0105] The Applicant has veri fied that the fi fth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment and for the conditioning ( in particular the heating) of the storage system 16 , for the recovery of heat from the el ectri c powertrain and / or from the storage system 16 .

[0106] Figure 8 shows a sixth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels . The heat trans fer liquid flows in the following way between the di f ferent inlet / outlet ports P :

[0107] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0108] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0109] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0110] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pl l ;

[0111] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P 6 ; and

[0112] - the ports P7 and P8 are deactivated .

[0113] The Applicant has veri fied that the sixth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment and for the preheating of the storage system 16 , the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and the recovery of heat from the storage system 16.

[0114] Figure 9 shows a seventh configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels. The heat transfer liquid flows in the following way between the different inlet / outlet ports P:

[0115] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9;

[0116] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7;

[0117] - the inlet port PIO is connected to the outlet port P2;

[0118] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pll;

[0119] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P4; and

[0120] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6.

[0121] The Applicant has verified that the seventh configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the heating of the passenger compartment, for the preheating of the storage system 16, for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage system 16.

[0122] Figure 10 shows an eighth configuration of the multiway valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels. The heat transfer liquid flows in the following way between the different inlet / outlet ports P:

[0123] -the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P7;

[0124] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4;

[0125] - the inlet port P10 is connected to the outlet port

[0126] P2; - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port

[0127] Pll;

[0128] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9; and

[0129] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port

[0130] P6.

[0131] The Applicant has verified that the eighth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the heating of the passenger compartment, for the conditioning (in particular the heating) of the storage system 16, for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and from the storage system 16, for the cooling of the electric powertrain and of the storage system 16.

[0132] Figure 11 shows a ninth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels. The heat transfer liquid flows in the following way between the different inlet / outlet ports P:

[0133] -the inlet port PIO is connected to the outlet port P6;

[0134] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7;

[0135] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9;

[0136] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port

[0137] P2;

[0138] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pll; and

[0139] - the ports P4 and P5 are deactivated.

[0140] The Applicant has verified that the ninth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning (in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment, for the recovery of heat from the el ectri c powertrain and for the cooling of the el ectri c powertrain .

[0141] Figure 12 shows a tenth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a determined connection configuration of the external inlet and / or outlet ports P by means of the internal channels . The heat trans fer liquid flows in the following way between the di f ferent inlet / outlet ports P :

[0142] -the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0143] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0144] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0145] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0146] - the inlet port Pl is connected to the outlet port Pl l ; and

[0147] - the ports P4 and P5 are deactivated .

[0148] The Applicant has veri fied that the tenth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for the conditioning ( in particular the heating) of the passenger compartment and for the recovery of heat from the el ectri c powertrain .

[0149] In Figure 2 , instead, a second embodiment of a thermal management system ST ' is shown which represents a variant of the thermal management system ST shown in Figure 1 .

[0150] In particular, the thermal management system ST ' finds advantageous application in hybrid vehicles or in high- performance electric vehicles .

[0151] The thermal management system ST ' di f fers from the thermal management system ST in that it comprises a further radiator 65 connected through the duct 34 to the two heat exchangers 33 , 39 . The radiator 65 is further connected by means of a duct 66 to the external inlet port PI O to the multi-way valve 2 . Advantageously, a temperature sensor device T 6 is housed along the duct 34 . Advantageously, a valve device 67 , preferably three-way valve , connected to a duct 78 configured to bypass the radiator 65 , is housed along the duct 34 .

[0152] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 , in the event that the pumping device 40 with the relative heat exchanger 39 , and / or the pumping device 36 with the respective heat exchanger 33 are not provided, the three-way valve 70 is provided which is housed along the duct 31 , preferably upstream of the pumping device 32 ( i f present ) and connected to the duct 66 .

[0153] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE FIGURES

[0154] 1 thermal module

[0155] 2 multi-way valve

[0156] 3 tank

[0157] 4 level sensor

[0158] 5 duct

[0159] 6 water condenser device

[0160] 7 duct

[0161] 8 pumping device

[0162] 9 duct

[0163] 10 drying device

[0164] 11 duct

[0165] 12 cooler

[0166] 13 duct

[0167] 14 duct

[0168] 15 valve device

[0169] 16 electric energy storage device

[0170] 17 duct duct

[0171] DC / DC conversion device charging module duct duct electric heating device duct pumping device duct radiator duct duct power inverter module duct pumping device heat exchanger duct electric motor pumping device power inverter module electric motor heat exchanger pumping device electric compressor device duct duct

[0172] HVAC unit inlet adj ustment device inlet adj ustment device 49 evaporator

[0173] 50 fan

[0174] 51 duct

[0175] 52 duct

[0176] 53 valve device

[0177] 54 outlet

[0178] 55 adj ustment device

[0179] 56 heater core

[0180] 57 duct

[0181] 58 duct

[0182] 59 outlet

[0183] 60 adj ustment device

[0184] 61 low voltage heating device

[0185] 62 adj ustment device

[0186] 63 support element

[0187] 64 air recirculation device

[0188] 65 radiator

[0189] 66 duct

[0190] 67 valve device

[0191] 68 three-way valve

[0192] 69 three-way valve

[0193] 70 three-way valve

[0194] 71 duct

[0195] 72 adj ustment device

[0196] 73 separator septum

[0197] 78 duct

[0198] T1 temperature sensor

[0199] PT2 temperature sensor

[0200] T3 temperature sensor

[0201] T4 temperature sensor

[0202] T5 temperature sensor T 6 temperature sensor

[0203] T7 temperature and pressure sensor

[0204] PT8 temperature and pressure sensor

[0205] T9 temperature sensor

[0206] T10 temperature sensor

[0207] Ti l temperature sensor

[0208] P1-P12 external ports

[0209] CU control unit

[0210] VCU vehicle control unit

[0211] ST thermal management system

[0212] C passage circuit for the heat trans fer liquid

[0213] BM management unit

[0214] AGS device AGS

[0215] RC cooling circuit

[0216] AM modular assembly

[0217] BM1 unit for the management of electric motors

[0218] SUSP active suspension control device

[0219] HPVC control unit

[0220] 0V1 overflow valve device

[0221] 0V2 overflow valve device

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A thermal management system (ST) for the thermal management of a vehicle, preferably hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising: a) a thermal module (1) in turn comprising- a multi-way valve (2) having a valve body and twelve external inlet or outlet ports (P) for a heat transfer liquid and a number of internal channels configured for the connection of said external inlet or outlet ports (P) , wherein each external inlet or outlet port (P) is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication, with a further respective external outlet or inlet port (P) by means of the internal channels and a plurality of internal divider septa which are controlled so as to establish fluid communication between two external inlet or outlet ports (P) ;- a condenser device (6) configured to transfer heat to a cooling liquid; wherein the condenser device (6) is connected to a first external outlet port (P2) of the multi-way valve (2) by means of a first duct (7) ;- a tank (3) for collecting the heat transfer liquid configured to act as an expansion tank; wherein the tank (3) is connected to a second external inlet port (Pl) of the multi-way valve (2) ;- a second duct (5, 9) for the connection of the condenser device (6) to the tank (3) ;- a first pumping device (8) configured for the recirculation of the heat transfer liquid housed along the first duct (7) ;- a drying device (10) connected to the condenser device ( 6 ) ; and- a cooler (12) configured to make use of the cooling liquid to subtract heat from the heat transfer fluid; wherein the cooler (12) is connected to the drying device (10) and is connected to a third external inlet port (P3) of the valve (2) ; wherein the cooler (12) is connected to the drying device (10) by means of a third duct (14) along which a first valve device (15) is housed, in particular an expansion valve device ; b) a radiator (27) configured to exchange heat with the external environment and connected to a fourth external outlet port (P7) of the multi-way valve (2) by means of a fourth duct (28) and to a fifth external inlet port (P8) of the multi-way valve (2) ; c) a second pumping device (25) connected to the thermal module (1) and configured for the recirculation of the heat transfer liquid housed along a fifth duct (24) ; d) an HVAC unit (44) connected to the thermal module (1) , configured to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning of a passenger compartment and comprising an evaporator (49) configured in turn to cool the air that is blown through a fan (50) .2.- A system according to claim 1 and comprising a first three-way valve (69) housed along the fourth duct (28) configured to adjust the passage of the heat transfer fluid through the radiator (27) .3.- A system according to claim 1 or 2 and comprising a device (23) for the high-voltage heating connected to asixth external outlet port (P6) of the multi-way valve (2) by means of a fifth duct (24) .4.- A system according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a management unit (BM) connected to a seventh external outlet port (P4) of the multi-way valve (2) and to an eighth external inlet port (P5) of the multi-way valve ( 2 ) .5.- A system according to claim 4, wherein said management unit (BM) comprises: a storage device (16) configured to store electrical energy and / or a DC / DC conversion device (19) configured to transform the high- voltage current into 12V or 12 / 48V current and / or a charging module (20) configured to operate as an AC / DC converter and to convert the energy coming from an external energy source and / or a central computer (HPVC) configured to control the vehicle and / or an active suspension control system (SUSP) .6.- A system according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a unit (BM1) for the management of the electric motors having a number of modular assemblies (AM) ; wherein each modular assembly (AM) is provided with a respective power inverter module (30) connected to a ninth external outlet port (P9) of the multi-way valve (2) .7.- A system according to claim 6, wherein said power inverter module (30) is connected to a respective heat exchanger (33) for engine oil connected, in turn, to a tenth external inlet port (P10) of the multi-way valve (2) ; wherein said heat exchanger (33) is preferably connected to a respective electric motor (35) or generator.8.- A system according to claim 6, wherein said power inverter module (30) is connected to a respective heat exchanger (33) for engine oil connected, in turn, to a secondradiator (65) ; wherein the second radiator (65) is connected to a tenth external inlet port (PIO) of the multi-way valve (2) .9.- A system according to claim 6, wherein each modular assembly (AM) is provided with a respective electric motor (35) or generator and the unit (BM1) for the management of the electric motors comprises a second three-way valve device (70) configured to allow said electric motor (35) or generator to be bypassed.10.- A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the HVAC unit (44) comprises a heater core (56) which is configured to heat the air that is blown into the passenger compartment and is connected to an eleventh external outlet port (Pll) of the multi-way valve (2) and to a twelfth external inlet port (P12) of the multi-way valve (2) .11.- A system according to claim 10 and comprising a second three-way valve (68) , which is housed along a sixth duct (57) connecting the heater core (56) to the eleventh external outlet port (Pll) and is connected to a seventh duct (58) connecting the heater core (56) to the twelfth external inlet port (P12) .12.- A system according to claims 1, 3, 4, 6 and 10, wherein the twelve external inlet and / or outlet ports (P) are fluidically connected to each other so as to define a plurality of different operating configurations, in particular at least six different operating configurations, preferably at least ten different operating configurations; wherein each operating mode defines the flow of the heat transfer liquid.13.- A system according to claim 12, wherein according to a first operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment, for the conditioning of a storage device (16) and for the preheating of the storage device (16) and for the cooling of the electric powertrain:-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ; and- the eleventh and twelfth port (Pll, P12) are deactivated.14.- A system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein according to a second operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment, for the conditioning of a storage device (16) and for the cooling of the electric powertrain :- the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ; andthe eleventh and twelfth port (PH, P12) are deactivated .15.- A system according to claim 12 or 13 or 14, wherein according to a third operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment and for the preheating of a storage device (16) and the cooling of the electric powertrain and the recovery of the heat from the electric powertrain towards the passenger compartment and towards the storage system (16) :-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (PH) ; and- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) .16.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein according to a fourth operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment, the preheating of a storage system (16) , for the recovery of heat from the storage system (16) and from the electric powertrain, for the cooling of the storage system (16) and of the electric powertrain :- the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ; and- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port ( P2 ) .17.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein according to a fifth operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment and for the conditioning of a storage device (16) , for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage system (16) :-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ;- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the fourth and fifth port (P7, P8) are deactivated.18.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein according to a sixth operating configuration for the conditioning of a passenger compartment and for the preheating of a storage device (16) , the recovery of heatfrom the electric powertrain and the recovery of heat from the storage system (16) :-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ;- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ; and- the fourth and fifth port (P7, P8) are deactivated.19.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein according to a seventh operating configuration for the heating of the passenger compartment, for the preheating of a storage device (16) , for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage system (16) :-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ;- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ; and- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) .20.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein according to an eighth operating configuration for the heating of the passenger compartment, for the conditioning of a storage device (16) , for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and from the storage system (16) , for the cooling of the electric powertrain and the storage system (16) :-the eighth inlet port (P5) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the seventh outlet port (P4) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ; and- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) .21.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein according to a ninth operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment, for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain and for the cooling of the electric powertrain:-the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ;- the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ;- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ; and- the seventh and eighth port (P4, P5) are deactivated.22.- A system according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein according to a tenth operating configuration for the conditioning of the passenger compartment and for the recovery of heat from the electric powertrain:-the third inlet port (P3) is connected to the fourth outlet port (P7) ;- the fifth inlet port (P8) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P6) ;- the tenth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the twelfth inlet port (P12) is connected to the ninth outlet port (P9) ; the second inlet port (Pl) is connected to the eleventh outlet port (Pll) ; and- the seventh and eighth port (P4, P5) are deactivated.

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