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

Abstract

A thermal module (1) is described for the thermal control of a propulsion system and / or of a power storage system and / or of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, preferably a hybrid or electric vehicle, the thermal module (1) comprises a multi-way valve (2) having a valve body and ten 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 outlet or inlet port (P) through the internal channels.

Description

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

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000017215 filed on July 24 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

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

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] As is known, in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles , thermal management systems configured for the thermal control of a propulsion system and / or energy storage system and / or vehicle passenger compartment are applied . Typically, the thermal management system comprises a circuit for the passage of a heat trans fer liquid ( such as a cooling liquid) . The thermal management system also comprises a thermal module within which the heat trans fer liquid circuit is at least partially defined and is configured for heat trans fer 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 or plastic and metal , preferably aluminium, for supporting a number of actuator devices ( such as , for example , three-way or multiway valve devices , pumping devices , storage devices , tanks , heat exchangers and sensors , preferably temperature and pressure sensors ) . Advantageously, ducts for the hydraulic connection of the above-mentioned actuators and sensors are then housed inside the support element . Typically, both the actuator devices and sensors are wired to an electronic control unit that oversees the operation of the entire vehicle .

[0009] The thermal management system also comprises a management unit for the vehicle ' s storage system, an electric motor management unit and an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) unit configured to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning for the vehicle ' s passenger compartment ; these units are separate from the thermal module to which they are , however, 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 .

[0010] While of fering satis factory performance , there is an increasing need for flexible thermal management systems that make it possible to optimise heat distribution between the various units forming it to improve the overall energy ef ficiency of the vehicle while ensuring passenger comfort and the reliability of devices on board the vehicle .

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle , preferably a hybrid or electric vehicle , provided with a thermal module , which is free of the drawbacks described above and, in particular, is easy and inexpensive to implement .

[0013] According to this invention, a thermal management system is provided for the thermal control of a vehicle provided with a thermal module as claimed by the appended claims . Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings , which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof , wherein :

[0015] - Figure 1 is a schematic view with parts removed for clarity of a first embodiment of a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle according to this invention;

[0016] - Figure 2 is a schematic view with parts removed for clarity of a second embodiment of a thermal management system for the thermal control of a vehicle according to this invention;

[0017] - Figures 3 to 13 illustrate alternative operating modes of a thermal module of the management systems in Figures 1 and 2 .

[0018] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0019] In Figure 1 , a thermal management system for a vehicle is denoted, as a whole , with ST . The thermal management system ST finds advantageous application in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle . In particular, the thermal management system ST finds advantageous application in the thermal control of a propulsion system and / or energy storage system and / or vehicle passenger compartment . The thermal management system ST comprises a circuit C for the passage of a heat trans fer liquid . The heat trans fer liquid is , advantageously, a cooling liquid .

[0020] The thermal management system ST comprises a thermal module 1 within which the circuit C for the passage of the heat trans fer liquid is at least partially defined .

[0021] The thermal module 1 comprises a multi-way valve 2 that is configured to select an operating mode that allows heat to flow between a number of units connected to the thermal module 1 ( as better described below) and defines the heat trans fer liquid f low and the direction of a cooling circuit RC . More speci fically, the multi-way valve 2 is a ten-way valve 2 . Said cooling circuit RC is at least partially defined in the thermal module 1 .

[0022] The thermal module 1 comprises a tank 3 for collecting the heat trans fer liquid . The tank 3 is configured to act as an expansion vessel . A level detection device 4 ( level sensor ) is , advantageously, housed inside the tank 3 .

[0023] The thermal module 1 comprises a condenser device 6 configured to trans fer heat from the liquid in 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 . A temperature sensor device T1 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 7 . A pumping device 8 is , advantageously, housed downstream of the temperature sensor device T1 along the duct 7 . The pumping device 8 is configured for recirculating the heat trans fer liquid . The pumping device 8 is , preferably, electric .

[0024] A branch duct 5 , along which an overflow valve device 0V2 is housed, starts from the duct 7 . The branch duct 5 advantageously starts from the duct 7 upstream of the pumping device 8 (preferably, it is arranged between the temperature sensor device T1 and the pumping device 8 ) . The overflow valve device 0V2 is configured to control the pressure upstream of the valve device 0V2 . The normal working pressure is about 1 bar and the overflow valve device 0V2 is set at a higher pressure ( about 1 bar ) than the normal working pressure .

[0025] The thermal module 1 then comprises a drying device 10 connected to the condenser device 6 by means of a duct 11 . A temperature and pressure detector device PT2 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 11 . The drying device 10 is configured to remove moisture from the liquid in the cooling circuit RC ( typically through a des iccant ) and secondarily to filter out particles and contaminants .

[0026] The thermal module 1 comprises a cooler 12 configured to utilise the liquid in the cooling circuit RC to extract heat from the heat trans fer fluid . The cooler 12 i s connected to an external inlet port P3 of the multi-way valve 2 by means of a duct 13 . The cooler 12 is advantageously connected to the drying device 10 by means o f a duct 14 along which a valve device 15 is housed . In particular, an expansion valve 15 , preferably an electronic one , is housed along the duct 14 .

[0027] The heat trans fer liquid circuit C 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 number of devices with the same requirements in terms of operating temperature . The management unit BM comprises a storage device 16 (battery) configured to store the electricity required to power an electric motor . The storage device 16 is connected to the thermal module 1 by means of a duct 17 at an external outlet port P4 of the multi-way valve 2 . A temperature detection device T3 is housed along the duct 17 .

[0028] The management unit BM comprises a DC / DC conversion device 19 ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) . The storage device 16 is connected by means of a duct 18 to the DC / DC conversion device 19 . A temperature detection device T10 is , advantageously, 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 the 12 V and 48 V current required to power an auxiliary storage device and any additional auxiliary devices .

[0029] The management unit BM comprises a charging module 20 ( external to the thermal module 1 ) 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 2 . The charging module 20 is configured to operate as an AC / DC converter and to convert energy coming from an external power source ( from the grid) to charge the storage device 16 . A temperature detection device T4 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 .

[0030] The management unit BM comprises a control HPVC unit ( external to the thermal module 1 ) connected by means of a duct 71 to the charging module 20 .

[0031] Finally, the management unit BM comprises an active suspension control device SUSP ( external to the thermal module 1 ) connected via a duct 74 to the HPVC control unit . In addition, the active suspension control device SUSP is connected by means of a duct 21 at an external inlet port P5 of the multi-way valve 2 . A temperature detection device T4 is housed along the duct 21 .

[0032] 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 device SUSP are connected in series . According to alternative embodiments (not illustrated) , the storage device 16 , the charging module 20 , the DC / DC conversion device 19 , the HPVC control unit and the active suspension control device SUSP are connected with another configuration ( for example in parallel or partially in series and / or in parallel ) . According to one possible embodiment , the thermal module 1 is connected to a high-voltage heating device 23 ( external to the thermal module 1 ) by means of a duct 24 at an external outlet port P6 of the multi-way valve 2 . A pumping device 25 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 24 . The pumping device 25 is configured for recirculating the heat trans fer liquid . The high-voltage heating device 23 is connected by means of a duct 26 to the cooler 12 . The cooler 12 is , thus , configured to utilise the liquid in the cooling circuit RC to extract heat from the heat trans fer fluid supplied by the high-voltage heating device 23 by means of the duct 26 and trans fer it by means of the duct 13 to the multi-way valve 2 .

[0033] I f no device 23 is provided for high-voltage heating, the multi-way valve 2 is connected directly at an external outlet port P6 to the cooler 12 by means of the duct 24 .

[0034] According to one possible embodiment , the duct 13 is connected to another duct 24 by means of an additional 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 . The normal working pressure is about 1 bar and the overflow valve device 0V1 is set at a higher pressure ( about 1 bar ) than the normal working pressure .

[0035] The thermal module 1 is connected to a radiator 27 ( external to the thermal module 1 ) 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 outside environment . The radiator 27 is arranged so that it can absorb heat from and release heat to the outside environment . The radiator 27 is also connected to the multi-way valve 2 by means of an additional duct 29 at an external inlet port is , advantageously, 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 an AGS device comprising a number of movable grilles connected to the radiator 27 and configured to drive said movable gril les to regulate the passage of air through the radiator 27 .

[0036] According to another embodiment , in the event that the radiator 27 is not connected to the AGS device , there is a three-way valve 69 housed along the duct 28 and connected to the duct 29 .

[0037] The heat trans fer liquid circuit C comprises a management unit BM1 for the electric motors . The electric motor management unit BM1 comprises a number of modular assemblies AM, as described in more detail in the discussion below . In particular, the electric motor management unit BM1 comprises a number of modular assemblies AM arranged in parallel to each other . The electric motor management unit BM1 preferably comprises up to four modular assemblies AM arranged in parallel to each other .

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the electric motor management unit BM1 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 . A temperature sensor device T5 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 31 . A pumping device 32 is preferably, but not necessarily, 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 the engine oil ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) , which is connected by means of a duct 34 to an external inlet port PI O of the multi-way valve 2 . A temperature sensor device T 6 is , advantageously, 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 ) by means of an engine oil recirculation circuit along which a pumping device 36 is housed .

[0039] The second modular assembly AM comprises an additional power inverter module 37 ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) 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 the engine oil ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) , which is connected by means of the duct 34 to the external inlet port PI O . The heat exchanger 39 for the engine oil is connected to a respective electric motor 38 or generator ( also external to the thermal module 1 ) via an engine oil recirculation circuit along which a pumping device 40 is housed .

[0040] According to one possible embodiment , the modular assemblies AM do not have the heat exchanger for the engine oil and the respective pumping device . In this case, cooling of the electric motor or generator is achieved directly by means of the heat trans fer fluid, and the modular assemblies AM comprises a three-way valve device 70 configured to allow said electric motor 35 , 38 or generator to be bypassed .

[0041] 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 speci fically, the cooler 12 is connected to the electric compressor device 41 by means of a duct 42 . A temperature and pressure detection device PT7 is , advantageously, 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 .

[0042] According to a possible embodiment (not illustrated) , the thermal module 1 does not have the drying device 10 and comprises a storage device housed along the duct 42 , upstream of the compressor device 41 . The storage device is configured to remove moisture and protect the compressor device 41 from any residual liquid from the cooling circuit RC .

[0043] The thermal management system ST also comprises an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) unit denoted, as a whole , with the reference number 44 . The HVAC unit 44 is configured to perform heating, ventilation and air conditioning . The HVAC unit 44 is external to and separate from the thermal module 1 . The HVAC unit 44 is , however, connected to the thermal module 1 .

[0044] The HVAC unit 44 is preferably arranged in the vehicle passenger compartment . The HVAC unit 44 comprises a inlet 45 for air coming from the outside environment ; the flow of air from the outside environment entering the HVAC unit 44 is regulated by means of a regulating device 46 .

[0045] The HVAC unit 44 also comprises an inlet 47 for air coming from a passenger compartment ; the flow of air from the passenger compartment entering the HVAC unit 44 is regulated by means of a regulating device 48 .

[0046] The HVAC unit 44 comprises an evaporator 49 . The evaporator 49 is configured to cool the air that is blown by means of a fan 50 . The HVAC unit 44 comprises a duct 51 that starts from the evaporator 49 and flows into the duct 42 . A temperature and pressure detection device PT8 is housed along the duct 51 . In addition, the drying device 10 is connected to the evaporator 49 by means of a duct 52 , which starts from the duct 14 and leads to the evaporator 49 . The duct 52 advantageously starts from the duct 14 upstream of the valve device 15 . An expansion valve device 53 is preferably housed along the duct .

[0047] The HVAC unit 44 comprises an outlet 54 for air to the outside environment ; the flow of air directed towards the outside environment from the HVAC unit 44 is regulated by means of a regulating device 55 .

[0048] The HVAC unit 44 also 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 . The heater core 56 is also connected to the thermal module 1 by means of an additional 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 .

[0049] Advantageously, there is a regulating device 62 housed at ( and preferably close to ) the heater core 56 , which prevents the air blown by the fan 50 in the HVAC from coming into contact with the heater core and thus prevents heating the air entering the passenger compartment .

[0050] According to a second embodiment ( in the case , that is , where the regulating device 62 is not included) , a three-way valve 68 is instead included . The three-way valve 68 is connected to the duct 57 , another duct 58 ( and thus to the external inlet port P12 of the multi-way valve 2 ) in order to allow the heat trans fer fluid to bypass the heater core 56 , and finally to a duct 9 that starts from the tank 3 and condenser device 6 and into which the branch duct 5 also flows .

[0051] There is , advantageously, a partition 73 housed at ( and preferably close to ) the heater core 56 . The HVAC unit 44 comprises a number of outlets 59 ( only one of which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 ) for air flowing towards the passenger compartment ; the flow of air directed towards the passenger compartment by the HVAC unit 44 is regulated by means of a regulating device 60 . A low- voltage heating device 61 is , advantageously, provided at the outlet 59 .

[0052] An air recirculation circuit 64 is also defined within the HVAC unit 44 . There is , advantageously, a regulating device 72 ( flap ) of the air recirculation circuit 64 housed at ( and preferably near ) the fan 50 .

[0053] Finally, a device T9 for detecting the temperature of the air leaving the HVAC unit and directed to the passenger compartment is housed inside the HVAC unit 44 .

[0054] The heater core 56 and the evaporator 49 are housed within the HVAC unit 44 while the hot air flow from the heater core 56 and / or the cold air flow from the evaporator 49 are either directed to the passenger compartment or expelled to the outside environment through the respective outlets 59 , 54 .

[0055] The fan 50 is configured to blow the air inside the HVAC unit 44 to the passenger compartment or the surrounding environment thus facilitating the flow of air of the HVAC unit 44 towards the passenger compartment or the surrounding environment .

[0056] The thermal module 1 comprises a support element 63 for the actuator devices ( such as the devices 8 , 25 , 32 ) for pumping and the sensors described in the discussion above . In particular, the support element 63 is made of plastic or plastic and metal , preferably aluminium . The ducts described in the discussion above for the hydraulic connection of the actuator devices and sensors are also housed within the support element 63 .

[0057] Finally, the thermal module 1 comprises a control unit CU for the actuator devices and sensors . The control unit CU is , advantageously, wired (not shown) to the actuator devices and sensors . The control unit CU is configured for acquiring, managing and transmitting ( to an electronic control VCU as described in more detail below) the signals detected by the sensors and for controlling the actuator devices . In addition, the control unit CU is configured to carry out any diagnosis and / or recovery of the actuator devices and sensors . The control unit CU is connected to the electronic control VCU that oversees the operation of the vehicle . More speci fically, the control unit CU and the electronic control unit VCU are connected to each other in a known way . In addition, the electronic control unit VCU is also connected in a known way to the electric compressor device 41 , whose operation it supervises .

[0058] The thermal module 1 described in the discussion above is configured for conditioning (heating or cooling) the vehicle ' s passenger compartment , for conditioning (heating or cooling) the storage device 16 and for cooling the electric powertrain .

[0059] The term "electric powertrain" refers to all electric drives (motors ) and their power inverters that are on board the vehicle .

[0060] The cooling circuit RC is defined by the compressor device 41 configured to compress the coolant , the water condenser device 6 that is configured to condense the coolant and release heat , the drying device 10 , the cooler 12 and the evaporator 49 that are configured to evaporate the coolant and absorb heat . The multi-way valve 2 comprises a valve body and ten external inlet and / or outlet ports P . Finally, the multi-way valve 2 comprises a number of internal channels , in particular a plurality, configured to connect said external inlet and / or outlet ports P . The multi-way valve 2 advantageously comprises up to ten internal channels for each valve position . Each external inlet and / or outlet port P is advantageously connected to a respective internal channel . Each external inlet and / or outlet port P is configured to communicate , selectively, with a number of internal channels . The multi-way valve 2 then comprises a plurality of internal partitions that are driven to fluidically connect each internal channel with an additional given internal channel .

[0061] The ten external inlet and / or outlet ports P can be connected together (via the internal channels ) to define a plurality of di f ferent operating configurations . More speci fically, the ten external inlet and / or outlet ports P are linked together in such a way as to define at least six, preferably ten, di f ferent operating configurations . Each operating mode de fines the flow of the heat trans fer liquid and the direction of the thermal flow between the cooling circuit RC and the heat trans fer fluid circuit .

[0062] The ten external inlet and / or outlet ports P are then 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 electric motor management unit BM1 ; an external inlet port P12 ; an external inlet port P3 and a pair of external outlet ports P6 , P2 with the various components of the cooling circuit RC . Figure 3 shows an initial configuration of the multiway valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various external inlet / outlet ports P :

[0063] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0064] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0065] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0066] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0067] P2 ; and

[0068] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P7 .

[0069] The applicant has veri fied that the first configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular cooling) the passenger compartment , for conditioning ( in particular cooling) the storage device 16 and for pre-heating the storage device 16 and for cooling the electric powertrain .

[0070] Figure 4 shows a second configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0071] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0072] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0073] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0074] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0075] P2 ; and

[0076] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P7 .

[0077] The applicant has veri fied that the second configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular cooling) the passenger compartment , for conditioning ( in particular cooling) the storage device 16 and for cooling the electric powertrain .

[0078] Figure 5 shows a third configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0079] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0080] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0081] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0082] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0083] P 6 ; and

[0084] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P4 .

[0085] The applicant has veri fied that the third configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( especially heating) the passenger compartment and pre-heating the storage device 16 and cooling the electric powertrain and recovering heat from the electric powertrain to the passenger compartment and to the storage device 16 .

[0086] Figure 6 shows a fourth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0087] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0088] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0089] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0090] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0091] P 6 ; and the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port

[0092] P2 .

[0093] The applicant has veri fied that the fourth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment , pre-heating the storage device 16 , recovering heat from the storage device 16 and the electric powertrain, cooling the storage device 16 and the electric powertrain .

[0094] Figure 7 shows a fi fth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0095] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0096] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0097] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0098] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P2 ; and

[0099] - the ports P7 and P8 are deactivated .

[0100] The applicant has veri fied that the fi fth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment and for conditioning ( in particular heating) the storage device 16 and for recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage device 16 .

[0101] Figure 8 shows a sixth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0102] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ; - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

[0103] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0104] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P 6 ; and

[0105] - the ports P7 and P8 are deactivated .

[0106] The applicant has veri fied that the sixth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment and for preheating the storage device 16 , for recovering heat from the electric powertrain and recovering heat from the storage device 16 .

[0107] Figure 9 shows a seventh configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0108] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0109] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0110] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0111] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P4 ; and

[0112] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6 .

[0113] The applicant has veri fied that the seventh configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for heating the passenger compartment , for pre-heating the storage device 16 , for recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage device 16 .

[0114] Figure 10 shows an eighth configuration of the multiway valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0115] - the inlet port P5 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0116] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P4 ;

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

[0118] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ; and

[0119] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P6 .

[0120] The applicant has veri fied that the eighth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for heating the passenger compartment , for conditioning ( in particular heating) the storage device 16 , for recovering heat from the electric powertrain and from the storage device 16 , for cooling the electric powertrain and the storage device 16 .

[0121] Figure 11 shows a ninth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0122] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0123] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0124] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0125] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P2 ; and

[0126] - the ports P4 and P5 are deactivated .

[0127] The applicant has veri fied that the ninth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment , for recovering heat from the electric powertrain and for cooling the electric powertrain .

[0128] Figure 12 shows a tenth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P :

[0129] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P7 ;

[0130] - the inlet port P8 is connected to the outlet port P6 ;

[0131] - the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0132] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P9 ; and

[0133] - the ports P4 and P5 are deactivated .

[0134] The applicant has veri fied that the tenth configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment and for recovering heat from the electric powertrain .

[0135] The passenger compartment conditioning system can perform auxiliary functions in addition to those listed in the above discussion . More speci fically, the passenger compartment conditioning system is configured to dehumidi fy the passenger compartment ( that is , limit the humidity in the air inside the passenger compartment ) by simultaneously activating both the evaporator 49 and the heater core 56 . The dehumidi fication function can be carried out in the operating modes relating to Figures 6 to 12 .

[0136] Figure 13 shows an eleventh configuration of the multiway valve 2 with a given configuration connecting 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 various inlet / outlet ports P : the inlet port PI O is connected to the outlet port

[0137] P6 ;

[0138] - the inlet port P12 is connected to the outlet port P9 ;

[0139] - the inlet port P3 is connected to the outlet port P2 ;

[0140] - the ports P8 , P7 , P5 and P4 are deactivated .

[0141] The applicant has veri fied that the eleventh configuration of the multi-way valve 2 is used for conditioning ( in particular heating) the passenger compartment and for recovering heat from the electric powertrain .

[0142] The passenger compartment conditioning system can perform auxiliary functions in addition to those listed in the above discussion . More speci fically, the passenger compartment conditioning system is configured to dehumidi fy the passenger compartment ( that is , limit the humidity in the air inside the passenger compartment ) by simultaneously activating both the evaporator 49 and the heater core 56 . The dehumidi fication function can be carried out in the operating modes relating to Figures 6 to 13 .

[0143] In addition, the passenger compartment conditioning system is configured to demist the windscreen ( that is , remove the layer of condensation on the surface of the windscreen to ensure full visibility of the road for the driver ) by simultaneously activating the evaporator 49 and heater core 56 and directing the flow of air exiting the HVAC unit 44 towards the windscreen . The windscreen demisting function can be carried out in the operating modes relating to Figures 6 to 12 .

[0144] Finally, the passenger compartment conditioning system is configured to defrost the evaporator 49 ( that is , to remove the layer of ice that forms on the outer surface of the evaporator 49 to ensure its maximum thermal exchange ef ficiency with the air ) by activating the fan 50 , the heater core 56 and the air recirculation circuit 64 through the regulating device 72 and closing the regulating devices 48 , 55 and 60 to the passenger compartment .

[0145] In the ten operating modes ( that is , in the ten multiway valve 2 configurations j ust described) at least four of the five external inlet ports P are fluidically connected to a respective external outlet port P ( and vice versa ) .

[0146] Figure 2 , on the other hand, shows a second embodiment of a thermal management system ST ' that represents a variant of the thermal management system ST illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0147] In particular, the thermal management system ST ' finds advantageous application in hybrid vehicles or high- performance electric vehicles .

[0148] The thermal management system ST ' di f fers from the thermal management system ST in that it comprises an additional radiator 65 connected by means of the duct 34 to the two heat exchangers 33 , 39 . The radiator 65 is also connected by means of a duct 66 to the external inlet port PI O to the multi-way valve 2 . A temperature sensor device T 6 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 34 . A valve device 67 is , advantageously, housed along the duct 34 , preferably a three-way valve connected to a duct 78 configured to bypass the radiator 65 .

[0149] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 , in the event that the pumping device 40 with the respective heat exchanger 39 , and / or the pumping device 36 with the respective heat exchanger 33 are not provided, the three-way valve 70 is included, housed along the duct 31 , preferably upstream of the pumping device 32 ( i f present ) and connected to the duct 66 . LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0150] 1 thermal module

[0151] 2 multi-way valve

[0152] 3 tank

[0153] 4 level sensor

[0154] 5 branch duct

[0155] 6 water condenser device

[0156] 7 duct

[0157] 8 pumping device

[0158] 9 duct

[0159] 10 drying device

[0160] 11 duct

[0161] 12 cooler

[0162] 13 duct

[0163] 14 duct

[0164] 15 valve device

[0165] 16 electricity storage device

[0166] 17 duct

[0167] 18 duct

[0168] 19 DC / DC conversion device

[0169] 20 charging module

[0170] 21 duct

[0171] 22 duct

[0172] 23 electric heating device

[0173] 24 duct

[0174] 25 pumping device

[0175] 26 duct

[0176] 27 radiator

[0177] 28 duct

[0178] 29 duct

[0179] 30 power inverter module

[0180] 31 duct pumping device heat exchanger duct electric motor pumping device power inverter module electric motor heat exchanger pumping device electric compressor device duct duct

[0181] HVAC unit inlet regulating device inlet adj usting device evaporator fan duct duct valve device outlet regulating device heater core duct duct outlet regulating device low-voltage heating device regulating device support element 64 air recirculation circuit

[0182] 65 radiator

[0183] 66 duct

[0184] 67 valve device

[0185] 68 three-way valve

[0186] 69 three-way valve

[0187] 70 three-way valve

[0188] 71 duct

[0189] 72 regulating device

[0190] 73 partition

[0191] 74 duct

[0192] 78 duct

[0193] T1 temperature sensor

[0194] PT2 temperature and pressure sensor

[0195] T3 temperature sensor

[0196] T4 temperature sensor

[0197] T5 temperature sensor

[0198] T 6 temperature sensor

[0199] PT7 temperature and pressure sensor

[0200] PT8 temperature and pressure sensor

[0201] T9 temperature sensor

[0202] T10 temperature sensor

[0203] Ti l temperature sensor

[0204] P2-P10 , P12 external ports

[0205] CU control unit

[0206] VCU vehicle control unit

[0207] ST thermal management system

[0208] C heat trans fer liquid circuit

[0209] BM management unit

[0210] AGS AGS device

[0211] RC cooling circuit

[0212] AM modular assembly BM1 electric motor management unit

[0213] SUSP active suspension control device

[0214] HPVC control unit

[0215] 0V1 overflow valve device

[0216] 0V2 overflow valve device

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A thermal management system (ST) for the thermal management of a vehicle, preferably a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising: a) a thermal module (1) comprising, in turn- a multi-way valve (2) having a valve body and ten external ports (P) , divided into five external inlet ports (P) and five external 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) through the internal channels and a plurality of internal partitions that are driven to produce fluidic communication between two external inlet or outlet ports (P) ;- a condenser device (6) configured to transfer heat from a cooling liquid; wherein the condenser device (6) is connected to a first external outlet port (P2) of the multiway valve (2) by means of a first duct (7) ;- a tank (3) for collecting the heat transfer liquid configured to act as an expansion vessel- a second duct (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) ;- a cooler (12) configured to make use of the cooling liquid to subtract heat from the heat transfer fluid; whereinthe cooler (12) is connected to the drying device (10) and is connected to a second external inlet port (P3) of the multi-way 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 third external outlet port (P7) of the multi-way valve (2) by means of a fourth duct (28) and to a fourth 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 perform 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.- The system according to claim 1 and comprising a first three-way valve (69) housed along the fourth duct (28) and configured to adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the radiator (27) .3.- The system according to claim 1 or 2 and comprising a heating device (23) using high-voltage electricity connected to a fifth external outlet port (P6) of the multiway valve (2) through the fifth duct (24) .4.- The system according to any of the previous claims and comprising a management unit (BM) connected to a sixth external outlet port (P4) of the multi-way valve (2) and to a seventh external inlet port (P5) of the multi-way valve5.- The system according to claim 4, wherein said management unit (BM) comprises: a storage device (16) configured to store electricity and / or a DC / DC conversion device (19) configured to transform the high-voltage current into 12 V 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.- The system according to any of the previous 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 an eighth external outlet port (P9) of the multi-way valve (2) .7.- The 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 ninth external inlet port (PIO) of the multi-way valve (2) ; wherein said heat exchanger (33) is preferably connected to a respective electric motor (35) or generator.8.- The 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 second radiator (65) ; wherein the second radiator (65) is connected to a ninth external inlet port (PIO) of the multi-way valve (2) .9.- The 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 modular assembly (AM)consisting of the electric motor (35) and of the power inverter module (30) to be bypassed.10.- The system according to any of the previous 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 a tenth external inlet port (P12) of the multi-way valve (2) through a sixth duct ( 58 ) .11.- The system according to claim 10 and comprising a third three-way valve (68) configured to bypass the heater core (56) and connected, through the second duct (9) , to the tank (3) and to the condenser device (6) , through a seventh duct (57) , to the heater core (56) and, through an eighth duct, to the tenth external inlet port (P12) .12.- The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal module (1) comprises a control unit (CU) for the actuator devices and the sensors, which is configured for connecting to an electronic control unit (VCU) controlling the operation of the vehicle.13.- The system according to claims 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10, wherein the ten 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 eleven different operating configurations; wherein each operating mode defines the flow of the heat transfer liquid.14.- The system according to claim 13, wherein according to a first operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, conditioning the storage device (16) , pre-heating the storage device (16) and cooling the electric powertrain :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the third outlet port ( P7 ) .15.- The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein according to a second operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, conditioning the storage device (16) and cooling the electric powertrain:- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the third outlet port ( P7 ) .16.- The system according to claim 13 or 14 or 15, wherein according to a third operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, pre-heating the storage device (16) , cooling the electric powertrain and recovering heat from the electric powertrain for the passenger compartment and the storage device (16) :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ; and- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the sixth outlet port ( P4 ) .17.- The system according to any one of claims 13 to16, wherein according to a fourth operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, pre-heating the storage device (16) , recovering heat from the storage device (16) and the electric powertrain, for cooling the storage device (16) and the electric powertrain:- the inlet port (P5) is connected to the outlet port (P9) ;- the seventh inlet port (P3) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ; and- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port ( P2 ) .18.- The system according to any one of claims 13 to17, wherein according to a fifth operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, conditioning the storage device (16) , recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage device (16) :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the third and fourth ports (P7, P8) are deactivated.19.- The system according to any one of claims 13 to18, wherein according to a sixth operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, pre-heating the storage device (16) , recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or for recovering heat from the storage device (16) :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ; and- the third and fourth ports (P7, P8) are deactivated.20.- The system according to any one of claims 13 to19, wherein according to a seventh operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, pre-heating the storage device (16) , recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage device (16) :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ; and- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) .21.- The system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein according to an eighth operating configuration for heating the passenger compartment, conditioning the storage device (16) , recovering heat from the electric powertrain and / or from the storage device (16) , for cooling the electric powertrain and the storage device (16) :- the seventh inlet port (P5) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the sixth outlet port (P4) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ; and- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) .22.- The system according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein according to a ninth operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment, recovering heat from the electric powertrain and for cooling the electric powertrain :- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the sixth and seventh ports (P4, P5) are deactivated.23.- The system according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein according to a tenth operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment and for recovering heat from the electric powertrain:- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the third outlet port (P7) ;- the fourth inlet port (P8) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ; and- the sixth and seventh ports (P4, P5) are deactivated.24.- The system according to any of claims 13 to 23, wherein according to an eleventh operating configuration for conditioning the passenger compartment and for recovering heat from the electric powertrain:- the ninth inlet port (PIO) is connected to the fifth outlet port (P6) ;- the tenth inlet port (P12) is connected to the eighth outlet port (P9) ;- the second inlet port (P3) is connected to the first outlet port (P2) ; and- the fourth, third, seventh and sixth ports (P8, P7, P5, P4) are deactivated.

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