Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

A thermal management system (300) and a vehicle. The thermal management system (300) comprises a compressor (10), a switching device (20), a condensing assembly (30) and a heat exchange device (40), which are in communication with each other in sequence and form a circulation loop, wherein the heat exchange device (40) is configured to exchange heat with a component to be cooled; and the switching device (20) is configured to be selectively in communication with all or some heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly (30).

Description

Thermal management system and vehicle

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411389563.4, filed on September 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of cooling assemblies, and in particular, to a thermal management system and vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] As the energy source of electric vehicles, the battery is a key component of electric vehicles, and its performance directly affects the performance and range of electric vehicles. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a thermal management system and vehicle, which is used to solve the technical problem that the cooling effect of the battery is poor when the ambient temperature is low.

[0005] In a first aspect, a thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system comprises a compressor, a switching device, a condensing assembly and a heat exchange device which are sequentially connected and constitute a circulation loop. The heat exchange device is configured to exchange heat with a component to be cooled. The switching device is configured to selectively communicate with all or part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switching device, and the switching device can selectively communicate with all or part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly. In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly and the ambient temperature is small, the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly is weak, and the switching device can communicate with all the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly, so that the external heat exchange area of the condensing assembly is large. In this way, it can ensure that the refrigerant flow in the condensing assembly is sufficient when the ambient temperature is high, and the refrigerant can be fully exchanged with the battery assembly in the heat exchange device.

[0007] When the ambient temperature is low, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly and the ambient temperature is large, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly is strong. In this way, the switching device can communicate with part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly. In this way, the refrigerant flows through the heat exchange channels less, thereby avoiding the condensation temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the condensing assembly being too low, ensuring that the discharge pressure of the compressor and the refrigerant flow remain large, thereby ensuring that the cooling effect of the battery assembly is good, and avoiding that the service life of the battery assembly is affected due to the too low pressure or too high temperature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly is provided with a heat exchange channel, and the condensing assembly is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet which are in communication with the heat exchange channel. The condensing assembly is further provided with a second inlet which is in communication with the heat exchange channel, and the second inlet is in communication with the heat exchange channel between the first inlet and the first outlet. The switching device is configured to selectively communicate with the first inlet or the second inlet; and the heat exchange device is in communication between the first outlet and the compressor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compressor comprises an exhaust port and a suction port. The switching device comprises a first port, a second port and a third port. The switching device is configured to selectively communicate the first port with the second port, or the first port with the third port. The exhaust port is in communication with the first port; the second port is in communication with the first inlet, and the third port is in communication with the second inlet; and the heat exchange device is in communication between the first outlet and the suction port.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switching device with a first port, a second port and a third port, so that the switching device can change the flow direction of the refrigerant, and thus the condensing assembly can be suitable for high and low temperature working conditions. When the ambient temperature is high, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly and the ambient temperature is small, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly is weak. Therefore, the first port of the switching device can be in communication with the second port, and the refrigerant flows into the heat exchange channel through the second port and the first inlet. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange channel more, so that the condensing assembly has a larger external heat exchange area. In this way, it can be ensured that the refrigerant flow in the condensing assembly is sufficient when the ambient temperature is high, and the refrigerant can be fully exchanged with the battery assembly in the heat exchange device.

[0011] When the ambient temperature is low, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly and the ambient temperature is large, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly is strong. Therefore, the first port of the switching device can be in communication with the third port, and the refrigerant flows into the heat exchange channel through the third port and the second inlet. Since the second inlet is in communication with the first inlet and the first outlet, the refrigerant flows through the heat exchange channel less, thereby avoiding the refrigerant in the condensing assembly from being condensed at too low a temperature and pressure, ensuring that the exhaust pressure of the compressor and the refrigerant flow remain large, thereby ensuring that the cooling effect of the battery assembly is good, and avoiding that the service life of the battery assembly is affected due to the too low pressure or too high temperature.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heat exchange channel comprises a first channel segment and a second channel segment. One end of the first channel segment is in communication with the first inlet, and the other end of the first channel segment is in communication with the second channel segment; and the second channel segment is in communication with the second inlet and the first outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly comprises a valve arranged between the first channel segment and the second channel segment.

[0014] Thus, by setting the valve between the first channel segment and the second channel segment, the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank from the second inlet can be prevented from flowing back to the first channel segment, and the refrigerant circulating in the system can be ensured to fully exchange heat with the battery assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve comprises a one-way valve for allowing the refrigerant in the first channel segment to flow to the second channel segment.

[0016] In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly flows out from the first outlet through the first inlet, the first channel segment, the one-way valve and the second channel segment. When the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly flows into the liquid storage tank through the second inlet, and the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank cannot flow to the first channel segment due to the one-way valve, but can only flow along the second channel segment and flow out from the first outlet. In this way, when the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant in the second channel segment can be prevented from flowing to the first channel segment without controlling the valve.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve comprises an on-off valve for controlling the communication or disconnection of the first channel segment and the second channel segment.

[0018] In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the on-off valve can be controlled to be open, and the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly flows out from the first outlet through the first inlet, the first channel segment, the on-off valve and the second channel segment. When the ambient temperature is low, the on-off valve can be controlled to be closed, and the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly flows into the liquid storage tank through the second inlet, and the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank cannot flow to the first channel segment due to the on-off valve, but can only flow along the second channel segment and flow out from the first outlet. In addition, when the ambient temperature is low and the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop is high, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the switching device can be controlled so that the refrigerant enters the condensing assembly from the second port of the switching device through the first port. The first channel segment can store part of the refrigerant, and when the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop is normal, the refrigerant can be controlled to flow from the first port to the third port of the switching device to enter the liquid storage tank to participate in the system circulation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly further comprises a condenser body and a guide member. The guide member is provided with the second inlet; the condenser body is provided with the first inlet, the first outlet, the third inlet and the third outlet communicated with the guide member. The heat exchange channel between the first inlet and the third outlet forms at least part of the first channel segment; the valve is communicated between the third outlet and the guide member; the heat exchange channel between the third inlet and the first outlet forms at least part of the second channel segment.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conducting member comprises a liquid storage tank. The liquid storage tank is provided with a second inlet, a fourth inlet communicated with the valve, and a fourth outlet communicated with the third inlet. In this way, the liquid storage tank can store part of the refrigerant in the thermal management system, ensure that the refrigerant in the thermal management system has a certain redundancy, and improve the stability of the operation of the thermal management system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the conducting member further comprises a communication pipeline communicated between the fourth outlet and the third inlet. At least part of the conducting member is formed in the communication pipeline.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fourth inlet is arranged above the fourth outlet. In this way, when the liquid level of the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank is low, the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank from the fourth inlet can flow out from the fourth outlet, further improving the stability of the operation of the thermal management system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second inlet is arranged above the fourth inlet. In this way, the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank from the fourth inlet can be prevented from flowing back to the third port through the second inlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly further comprises a bracket at least partially connected between the condenser body and the liquid storage tank. In this way, the condenser body and the liquid storage tank can be connected and fixed by the bracket, so that relative movement between the condenser body and the liquid storage tank can be avoided.

[0025] In some embodiments, the switching device comprises a multi-way valve. The multi-way valve comprises at least a first port, a second port and a third port. Since the multi-way valve has the advantages of compact structure and good sealing performance, the switching device can occupy a smaller space, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the thermal management system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat exchange device comprises a battery cold plate. Since the battery cold plate has the advantages of high heat dissipation efficiency and maintaining the temperature of the battery assembly, the heat exchange device can effectively dissipate heat, thereby significantly improving the working efficiency of the battery assembly, reducing the energy loss of the battery assembly caused by high temperature, and prolonging the service life of the battery assembly.

[0027] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further comprises a first expansion valve connected between the first outlet and the heat exchange device. In this way, the medium-temperature medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first outlet of the condensing assembly can become low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant after being throttled and decompressed by the first expansion valve, and then the low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant enters the heat exchange device. In this way, the refrigerant flow entering the heat exchange device can be automatically adjusted according to the superheat degree of the outlet of the heat exchange device. When the superheat degree of the outlet of the heat exchange component increases, the first expansion valve can be controlled to increase the opening degree to allow more refrigerant to enter the heat exchange device to speed up the refrigeration speed and reduce the superheat degree of the outlet of the heat exchange device. Conversely, when the superheat degree of the outlet of the heat exchange component decreases, the first expansion valve can be controlled to reduce the opening degree to limit the flow of refrigerant. In this way, by precisely controlling the flow of refrigerant, the throttle valve can ensure that the refrigeration effect of the thermal management system is stable and efficient.

[0028] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further comprises a gas-liquid separator connected between the suction port and the heat exchange device. In this way, the gas-liquid separator separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid, and can store part of the liquid refrigerant in the thermal management system, effectively preventing the problem of liquid knock caused by the liquid refrigerant entering the compressor. Liquid knock refers to the direct entry of liquid refrigerant into the compressor, which can cause damage to the internal components of the compressor because the liquid refrigerant cannot be compressed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the thermal management system comprises a throttle valve connected between the gas-liquid separator and the heat exchange device.

[0030] In this way, the opening degree of the throttle valve can be automatically adjusted according to the pressure of the outlet of the heat exchange device, thereby controlling the pressure of the outlet of the heat exchange device within a reasonable range to avoid the problem of lithium precipitation caused by the low temperature of the refrigerant contacted by the cooling component (battery assembly) due to the low pressure of the refrigerant in the heat exchange device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further comprises an evaporator connected between the suction port and the first outlet, and the evaporator is arranged in parallel with the heat exchange device. The evaporator can exchange heat with the passenger space, thereby improving the use effect of the vehicle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further comprises a gas-liquid separator. The evaporator and the heat exchange device are arranged in parallel between the gas-liquid separator and the condensing assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further comprises a second expansion valve connected between the first outlet and the evaporator.

[0034] Thus, the medium-temperature medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first outlet of the condensing assembly can become low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant under the throttling pressure reduction of the second expansion valve. Then, the low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant enters the evaporator. Thus, the opening of the second expansion valve can be controlled according to the superheat degree at the outlet of the evaporator, and then the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the evaporator is controlled, so that the temperature of the passenger compartment is kept comfortable.

[0035] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises the thermal management system of the first aspect.

[0036] It should be noted that the technical effects brought by the implementation manners of the second aspect can refer to the technical effects brought by the corresponding implementation manners of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises a battery assembly, which constitutes at least part of the component to be cooled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and constitute a part of the specification, and are used together with the embodiments of the present disclosure to explain the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a flow path of refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2;

[0042] FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a flow path of refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2;

[0043] FIG. 5 is yet another schematic diagram of a flow path of refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2;

[0044] FIG. 6 is yet another schematic diagram of a flow path of refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2.

[0045] 1000, vehicle; 100, vehicle body; 200, wheel; 300, thermal management system; 10, compressor; 11, exhaust port; 12, suction port; 20, switching device; 21, first port; 22, second port; 23, third port; 30, condensing assembly; 31, condenser body; 311, heat exchange channel; 3111, first channel segment; 3112, second channel segment; 312, first inlet; 313, first outlet; 314, third inlet; 315, third outlet; 32, conducting piece; 321, liquid storage tank; 3211, second inlet; 3212, fourth inlet; 3213, fourth outlet; 322, communication pipeline; 33, valve; 34, bracket; 40, heat exchange device; 50, first expansion valve; 60, gas-liquid separator; 70, throttle valve; 80, evaporator; 90, second expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0047] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, motion condition, etc. between components in a certain posture (as shown in the drawings), and if the certain posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0048] The terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.

[0049] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, when describing the pipeline, the "connected" and "connected" used in the present disclosure have the meaning of conducting. The specific meaning needs to be understood in combination with the context.

[0050] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration, at 99 least with respect to the matters described at that point in the disclosure. The absence of the words "exemplary" or "for example" does not mean that the disclosure relates to only that example or illustration. In other words, the disclosure is not limited to that example or illustration.

[0051] In the description of the specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0052] In the vehicle in the related art, the battery is arranged on the refrigerant circulation system, and the refrigerant flowing out of the condensing assembly on the refrigerant circulation system exchanges heat with the refrigerant arranged on the heat exchange device, so as to reduce the temperature of the battery.

[0053] However, when the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant in the condenser has a large temperature difference with the ambient temperature, and the refrigerant flowing out of the condensing assembly is easy to condense, thereby causing the exhaust pressure of the compressor to be reduced, and further causing the cooling effect of the battery to be poor.

[0054] To this end, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle 1000 and a thermal management system 300. The vehicle 1000 can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a range-extended electric vehicle, a fuel vehicle, etc. The vehicle 1000 can also be a sedan, a van, a bus, a truck, a trailer, etc.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, which is a structural diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle 1000 includes a vehicle body 100 and vehicle wheels 200. A passenger space can be formed in the vehicle body 100, which is used for passengers to ride. The vehicle wheels 200 are installed below the vehicle body 100, used to carry the vehicle body 100, and can roll on the road surface to enable the vehicle 1000 to travel.

[0056] The vehicle 1000 can also include a battery assembly and a drive assembly. The battery assembly and the drive assembly are both arranged on the vehicle body 100, and the battery assembly is electrically connected to the drive assembly to provide electric energy to the drive assembly. The drive assembly is used to convert electric energy into mechanical energy and transmit the mechanical energy to the vehicle wheels, so as to drive the vehicle wheels 200 of the vehicle 1000 to rotate, enabling the vehicle 1000 to travel.

[0057] The drive assembly can be arranged in the front compartment of the vehicle 1000 to drive the front wheels of the vehicle 1000 to rotate, or can be arranged in the rear compartment of the vehicle 1000 to drive the rear wheels of the vehicle 1000 to rotate, or can be arranged in both the front compartment and the rear compartment of the vehicle 1000 to simultaneously or selectively drive the front wheels and the rear wheels.

[0058] The vehicle 1000 can also include a thermal management system 300. The thermal management system 300 can cool the battery assembly to improve the service life of the battery assembly. In addition, the thermal management system 300 can also control the temperature of the passenger compartment to improve the driving comfort of the vehicle 1000. In addition, in some embodiments, the thermal management system 300 can also cool the engine, lubricating oil, supercharged air, fuel, electronic devices, and exhaust gas recirculation, etc. to ensure that the components in the vehicle 1000 operate within the optimal working temperature range, optimize the performance of the vehicle, and prolong the service life of the components, etc.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the thermal management system 300 can include a compressor 10, a switching device 20, a condensing assembly 30, and a heat exchange device 40.

[0060] The compressor 10, the switching device 20, the condensing assembly 30, and the heat exchange device 40 can be sequentially connected to form a circulation loop. In this way, the refrigerant can flow out of the compressor 10 in sequence, and after passing through the switching device 20, the condensing assembly 30, and the heat exchange device 40, it can flow back into the compressor 10. The refrigerant can circulate in the circulation loop.

[0061] The heat exchange device 40 is configured to exchange heat with the components to be cooled. For example, the components to be cooled can be at least one of a battery assembly or an engine. The heat exchange can include heat conduction and heat convection. Heat conduction is the transfer of heat from a part of an object with a higher temperature to a part of the object with a lower temperature. Heat conduction can include direct contact heat conduction and indirect contact heat conduction between the heat exchange device 40 and the components to be cooled. Heat convection refers to the way the heat exchange device 40 exchanges heat with the components to be cooled by the flow of liquid or gas.

[0062] It should be noted that the condensing assembly 30 can be provided with a heat exchange channel. When the refrigerant flows through the heat exchange channel, it can exchange heat with external gas, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant to achieve condensation of the refrigerant. The switching device 20 is configured to selectively communicate with all or part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly 30.

[0063] The thermal management system 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided with a switching device 20, and the switching device 20 can selectively communicate with all or part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly 30. In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly 30 and the ambient temperature is small, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly 30 is weak. The switching device 20 can communicate with all the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly 30, so that the condensing assembly 30 has a larger external heat exchange area. In this way, it can ensure that the refrigerant flow in the condensing assembly 30 is sufficient when the ambient temperature is high, and the refrigerant can be fully exchanged with the battery assembly (such as a battery) in the heat exchange device 40.

[0064] When the ambient temperature is low, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly 30 and the ambient temperature is large, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly 30 is strong. In this way, the switching device 20 can be in communication with part of the heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly 30. In this way, the flow of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange channels is less, thereby avoiding the condensation temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the condensing assembly 30 being too low, ensuring that the discharge pressure and refrigerant flow of the compressor 10 remain large, thereby ensuring that the cooling effect of the battery assembly is good, and avoiding the service life of the battery assembly being affected due to the pressure being too low or the temperature being too high.

[0065] In some embodiments, the compressor 10 can include a discharge port 11 and a suction port 12. The compressor 10 compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant sucked in from the suction port 12 into high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which can be discharged from the discharge port 11.

[0066] For example, the compressor 10 can be an electric compressor, as the electric compressor has the advantages of high efficiency, energy saving, and low noise, and thus can meet the demand of the automobile for high efficiency, energy saving, and low noise. Alternatively, the compressor 10 can also be a scroll compressor, so as to ensure that the heat management system 300 works stably and has low noise. Alternatively, the compressor 10 can also be a piston compressor, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0067] In addition, the switching device 20 can include a first port 21, a second port 22, and a third port 23. The switching device 20 is configured to select the first port 21 to be in communication with the second port 22, or the first port 21 to be in communication with the third port 23. The first port 21 is in communication with the discharge port 11, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged by the compressor 10 can flow into the switching device 20 through the first port 21.

[0068] In addition, the condensing assembly 30 is used to condense the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged by the compressor 10 into medium-temperature and medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. The condensing assembly 30 is provided with a heat exchange channel 311, and the condensing assembly 30 is provided with a first inlet 312 and a first outlet 313 in communication with the heat exchange channel 311. The first inlet 312 can be in communication with the second port 22. In this way, when the first port 21 of the switching device 20 is in communication with the second port 22, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing into the first port 21 can flow into the condensing assembly 30 through the second port 22 and the first inlet 312.

[0069] The condensing assembly 30 is further provided with a second inlet 3211 in communication with the heat exchange channel 311, and the second inlet 3211 is in communication between the first inlet 312 and the first outlet 313. That is, the second inlet 3211 is in communication with the heat exchange channel 311, and the communication position of the second inlet 3211 with the heat exchange channel 311 is between the first inlet 312 and the first outlet 313. The second inlet 3211 can be in communication with the third port 23. In this way, when the first port 21 of the switching device 20 is in communication with the third port 23, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing into the first port 21 can flow into the condensing assembly 30 through the third port 23 and the second inlet 3211.

[0070] The heat exchange device 40 is in communication between the first outlet 313 and the compressor. That is, the heat exchange device 40 is in communication between the first outlet 313 and the suction port 12. In this way, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant changes into low-temperature liquid refrigerant after condensation, and the low-temperature liquid refrigerant can flow into the heat exchange device 40 through the first outlet 313, exchange heat with the component to be cooled, and finally flow back to the compressor 10 through the suction port 12 to form a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a flow path diagram of the refrigerant in the heat management system in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 shows another flow path diagram of the refrigerant in the heat management system in FIG. 2.

[0072] The heat management system 300 of some embodiments of the present disclosure can change the flow direction of the refrigerant by providing the switching device 20 with the first port 21, the second port 22, and the third port 23, so that the condensing assembly 30 can be suitable for high-temperature and low-temperature working conditions. When the ambient temperature is high, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly 30 and the ambient temperature is small, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly 30 is weak. In this way, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first port 21 of the switching device 20 can be in communication with the second port 22, and the refrigerant can flow into the heat exchange channel 311 through the second port 22 and the first inlet 312. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange channel 311 more, so that the external heat exchange area of the condensing assembly 30 is larger. In this way, the condensation temperature of the condensing assembly 30 can be ensured to be lower when the ambient temperature is high.

[0073] When the ambient temperature is low, the difference between the refrigerant in the condensing assembly 30 and the ambient temperature is large, and the heat exchange capacity of the condensing assembly 30 is strong. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first port 21 of the switching device 20 can be in communication with the third port 23, and the refrigerant flows into the heat exchange channel 311 through the third port 23 and the second inlet 3211. Since the second inlet 3211 is in communication between the first inlet 312 and the first outlet 313, the flow of the refrigerant through the heat exchange channel 311 is less, thereby avoiding the condensing temperature and pressure of the condensing assembly being too low and ensuring that the refrigerant flow in the condensing assembly is sufficient. In this way, the refrigerant can be fully heat exchanged with the battery assembly in the heat exchange device, thereby ensuring that the cooling effect of the battery assembly is good and avoiding the service life of the battery assembly being affected due to the pressure being too low or the temperature being too high.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the heat exchange channel 311 can include a first channel segment 3111 and a second channel segment 3112, one end of the first channel segment 3111 is in communication with the first inlet 312, the other end of the first channel segment 3111 is in communication with the second channel segment 3112, and the second channel segment 3112 is in communication with the second inlet 3211 and the first outlet 313.

[0075] In some embodiments, the condensing assembly 30 can include a multi-flow condenser. The multi-flow condenser is a device that allows the refrigerant to pass through multiple flows (i.e., multiple back-and-forth flows) in the heat exchange channel 311 of the multi-flow condenser, which can achieve more efficient condensation. The multi-flow condenser increases the flow path of the refrigerant in the heat exchange channel 311 of the multi-flow condenser, allowing the refrigerant to exchange heat with the cooling medium outside the tube for a longer distance and a longer time. The multi-flow condenser can be a two-flow condenser, a three-flow condenser, a four-flow condenser, or a five-flow condenser, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0076] In some examples, the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112 can constitute all flows of the multi-flow condenser. For example, if the multi-flow condenser is a four-flow condenser, the first channel segment 3111 is 3 flows of the 4 flows, and the second channel segment 3112 is the remaining 1 flow.

[0077] In other examples, the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112 can constitute part of the flow of the multi-flow condenser. For example, if the multi-flow condenser is a four-flow condenser, the first channel segment 3111 is 2 flows of the 4 flows, and the second channel segment 3112 is only 1 flow of the remaining two flows, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0078] Thus, when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 can flow out from the first outlet 313 via the first inlet 312, the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112, and the refrigerant flows through more flow paths in the condensing assembly 30. When the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 can flow out from the first outlet 313 via the second inlet 3211 and the second channel segment 3112, and the refrigerant flows through relatively less flow paths in the condensing assembly 30.

[0079] It can be understood that when the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 via the second inlet 3211 flows into the second channel segment 3112, and then flows into the first channel segment 3111 due to the communication between the second channel segment 3112 and the first channel segment 3111, which affects the heat exchange of the thermal management system 300. Therefore, in order to avoid this technical problem, in some embodiments, the condensing assembly 30 comprises a valve 33 arranged between the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112.

[0080] Thus, by arranging the valve 33 between the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112, the refrigerant flowing into the first channel segment 3111 from the second inlet 3211 can be avoided, and sufficient refrigerant can be ensured to enter the heat exchange device to cool the battery assembly.

[0081] In some embodiments, the valve 33 can comprise a one-way valve. The one-way valve is used to allow the refrigerant in the first channel segment 3111 to flow to the second channel segment 3112, and to prevent the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank 321 from the second inlet 3211 from flowing into the first channel segment 3111. Here, the liquid storage tank 321 will be described later.

[0082] The one-way valve, also known as a backflow valve and a back pressure valve, is a valve that automatically opens and closes the valve disc relying on the flow of the medium itself, and is used to prevent the backflow of the medium. The working principle of the one-way valve is based on the action of fluid pressure. When the fluid flows in one direction in the pipeline, the fluid pressure pushes the valve disc to open, allowing the fluid to pass. When the fluid tries to flow in the opposite direction, the valve disc will automatically close under the action of fluid pressure and its own gravity, thereby preventing the backflow of the fluid.

[0083] In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 flows out from the first outlet 313 through the first inlet 312, the first channel segment 3111, the one-way valve, and the second channel segment 3112. When the ambient temperature is low, the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 flows into the second channel segment 3112 through the second inlet 3211. The refrigerant in the liquid tank 321 cannot flow to the first channel segment 3111 under the action of the one-way valve, but can only flow along the second channel segment 3112 and flow out from the first outlet 313. Moreover, when the ambient temperature is low, the valve 33 does not need to be controlled to avoid the refrigerant in the liquid tank 321 flowing to the first channel segment 3111.

[0084] In other embodiments, the valve 33 can also include an on-off valve for controlling the first channel segment 3111 and the second channel segment 3112 to be connected or disconnected.

[0085] For example, the on-off valve can be a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is a valve that controls the on-off of fluid (such as gas, liquid or steam) through electromagnetic force. It mainly consists of an electromagnetic coil, a valve body and a valve core. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated, which attracts the valve core to move, thereby changing the on-off state of the valve. When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the valve core is reset under the action of spring force or medium pressure, closing the valve. The solenoid valve has the advantages of rapid action, high reliability, easy automation control, etc., so that the control accuracy of the thermal management system 300 can be improved.

[0086] For another example, the on-off valve can also be a stop valve, a ball valve, a plunger valve, a plug valve, etc., which are not limited in the present disclosure.

[0087] In this way, when the ambient temperature is high, the on-off valve can be controlled to be opened, and the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 flows out from the first outlet 313 through the first inlet 312, the first channel segment 3111, the on-off valve, and the second channel segment 3112. When the ambient temperature is low, the on-off valve can be controlled to be closed, and the refrigerant flowing into the condensing assembly 30 flows into the second channel segment 3112 through the second inlet 3211. The refrigerant in the liquid tank 321 cannot flow to the first channel segment 3111 under the action of the on-off valve, but can only flow along the second channel segment 3112 and flow out from the first outlet 313.

[0088] In addition, if the ambient temperature is low and the pressure ratio of the compressor in the refrigerant circulation loop is large, the refrigerant can be controlled to flow from the first port 21 to the second port 22 of the switching device. In this case, the on-off valve is closed, the refrigerant enters the first channel section 3111 and is stored, and when the pressure ratio in the refrigerant circulation loop is normal, the on-off valve is controlled to continue to be closed, the first port 21 is connected to the third port 23, the refrigerant passes through the second inlet 3211 and the liquid storage tank 321 to enter the second channel section 3112 to complete the cooling of the battery assembly, so as to avoid affecting the service life of the battery assembly due to too low pressure or too high temperature.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the condensing assembly 30 further includes a condenser body 31 and a conducting member 32. The condenser body 31 can be the multi-flow condenser or the single-flow condenser described above, and will not be described again.

[0090] The condenser body 31 is provided with a first inlet 312, a first outlet 313, a third inlet 314, and a third outlet 315. The third outlet 315 is in communication with the conducting member 32, and the valve 33 is connected between the third outlet 315 and the conducting member 32.

[0091] The heat exchange channel 311 between the first inlet 312 and the third outlet 315 forms at least part of the first channel section 3111, and the heat exchange channel 311 between the third inlet 314 and the first outlet 313 forms at least part of the second channel section 3112.

[0092] Since the condenser body 31 is further provided with the third inlet 314 and the third outlet 315, and the third inlet 314 and the third outlet 315 are communicated through the valve 33 and the conducting member 32 arranged outside the condenser body 31, the production and processing of the condensing assembly 30 is relatively simple, only the third inlet 314 and the third outlet 315 need to be opened on the condenser body 31, and the valve 33 and the conducting member 32 are connected outside the condenser body 31, without the need to re-design the internal structure of the condenser body 31, which is beneficial to improve the production efficiency of the condensing assembly 30.

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the conducting member 32 can include a liquid storage tank 321, which is provided with a second inlet 3211, a fourth inlet 3212, and a fourth outlet 3213. The fourth inlet 3212 is in communication with the valve 33, and the fourth outlet 3213 is in communication with the third inlet 314.

[0094] In this way, the liquid storage tank 321 can store part of the refrigerant in the thermal management system 300, ensure that the refrigerant in the thermal management system 300 has a certain redundancy, and improve the stability of the operation of the thermal management system 300.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fourth inlet 3212 can be arranged above the fourth outlet 3213. In this way, when the refrigerant level in the liquid storage tank 321 is low, the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank 321 from the fourth inlet 3212 can flow out from the fourth outlet 3213, further improving the stability of the operation of the thermal management system 300.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second inlet 3211 can be arranged above the fourth inlet 3212. In this way, the refrigerant flowing into the liquid storage tank 321 from the fourth inlet 3212 can be prevented from flowing back to the third port 23 through the second inlet 3211.

[0097] In order to fix the condenser body 31 and the liquid storage tank 321, in some embodiments, the condensing assembly 30 can further include a bracket 34. At least part of the bracket 34 is connected between the condenser body 31 and the liquid storage tank 321.

[0098] In some examples, the bracket 34 can be a regular three-dimensional structure. For example, the bracket 34 can be a plate-shaped structure, a block-shaped structure, or a columnar structure, etc.

[0099] In other examples, the bracket 34 can also be an irregular three-dimensional structure. For example, the bracket 34 can be a combination of a cuboid and a cube, a combination of a cuboid and a columnar body, etc., and the disclosure does not limit the shape of the bracket 34.

[0100] In this way, by connecting and fixing the condenser body 31 and the liquid storage tank 321 through the bracket 34, the relative movement between the condenser body 31 and the liquid storage tank 321 can be avoided.

[0101] In some embodiments, the through member 32 can further include a communication pipeline 322 in communication between the fourth outlet 3213 and the third inlet 314. The communication pipeline 322 forms a communication passage therein, and the two ends of the communication passage can be in communication with the fourth outlet 3213 and the third inlet 314, respectively.

[0102] In some examples, the material of the communication pipeline 322 can be a metal material. For example, the metal material can be stainless steel, aluminum alloy, zinc-containing steel plate, etc. In this way, the communication pipeline 322 has a certain strength, which can reduce the deformation of the communication pipeline 322 when it collides with other objects, and improve the service life of the communication pipeline 322.

[0103] In some embodiments, the switching device 20 can include a multi-way valve including at least the first port 21, the second port 22, and the third port 23.

[0104] The multi-way valve is a valve 33 connecting and controlling multiple pipelines, which controls the on-off and fluid flow direction between multiple ports through the rotation of the valve core. The multi-way valve mainly consists of a valve body, a valve core, a valve cover, a driving assembly and the like. The valve body is provided with a valve cover at the upper end, and the valve core connected with the driving assembly is installed in the valve body. The lower end of the valve body is provided with multiple parallel pipe joints, which are respectively communicated with the holes and grooves on the bottom surface of the cylinder to form multiple flow paths. The valve core is a rotatable cylinder, and the communication state of each flow path is changed by rotating the valve core. The multi-way valve can be a three-way valve, a four-way valve or a five-way valve, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0105] Due to the compact structure and good sealing performance of the multi-way valve, the occupied space of the switching device 20 can be ensured to be small, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the thermal management system 300.

[0106] In some embodiments, the switching device 20 can further include a main pipeline, a first branch pipeline, a second branch pipeline, a first valve and a second valve. One end of the main pipeline is communicated with one end of the first branch pipeline and one end of the second branch pipeline, and the other end of the main pipeline is provided with a first port 21 which can be communicated with the exhaust port 11. The first valve is arranged on the first branch pipeline, and the second valve is arranged on the second branch pipeline. The other end of the first branch pipeline is provided with a second port 22 which is communicated with the first inlet 312 of the condensing assembly 30, and the other end of the second branch pipeline is provided with a third port 23 which is communicated with the second inlet 3211 of the condensing assembly 30.

[0107] The first valve and the second valve can be electromagnetic valves, ball valves and the like as described above, which will not be described again.

[0108] In this way, when the first port 21 needs to be communicated with the second port 22, the first valve is controlled to be opened and the second valve is controlled to be closed. When the first port 21 needs to be communicated with the third port 23, the first valve is controlled to be closed and the third valve is controlled to be opened.

[0109] In some embodiments, the heat exchange device 40 includes a battery cold plate. That is, the battery cold plate is communicated between the first outlet 313 and the air inlet 12.

[0110] The battery cold plate is a thermal management element designed to effectively dissipate the heat generated by the battery assembly through at least one of heat conduction or heat convection, so as to maintain the appropriate working temperature of the battery assembly.

[0111] The battery cold plate mainly dissipates heat through heat conduction and heat convection. Heat conduction refers to the transfer of heat from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region through a solid medium (such as a cold plate material); heat convection refers to the removal of heat through the flow of a fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, etc.).

[0112] For example, the battery cold plate can be a liquid cold plate that uses refrigerant in a refrigerant circulation loop as a cooling medium to absorb heat generated by the battery assembly.

[0113] Since the battery cold plate has the advantages of high heat dissipation, maintaining the temperature of the battery assembly, etc., the heat exchange device 40 can effectively dissipate heat, thereby significantly improving the working efficiency of the battery assembly, reducing the energy loss of the battery assembly caused by high temperature, and prolonging the service life of the battery assembly.

[0114] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermal management system 300 can further include a first expansion valve 50 connected between the first outlet 313 and the heat exchange device 40. The first expansion valve 50 throttles the medium-temperature medium-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase mixture through a throttle hole or slot inside the first expansion valve 50.

[0115] In this way, the medium-temperature medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first outlet 313 of the condensing assembly 30 can become a low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant after being throttled and decompressed by the first expansion valve 50, and then the low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the heat exchange device 40. In this way, the first expansion valve 50 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant entering the heat exchange device 40, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange device 40 and facilitating the cooling of the components to be cooled.

[0116] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermal management system 300 can further include a gas-liquid separator 60 connected between the suction port 12 and the heat exchange device 40. The gas-liquid separator 60 is configured to effectively separate the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 60 is based on the density difference between gas and liquid and the hydrodynamic effect. When gas and liquid flow together, the liquid will deposit at the bottom of the separator due to its larger density, forming a liquid phase; while the gas is located at the upper part, forming a gas phase.

[0117] In this way, the gas-liquid separator 60 can separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid, effectively preventing the liquid strike problem caused by the liquid refrigerant entering the compressor 10. Liquid strike refers to the direct entry of liquid refrigerant into the compressor 10, which will cause damage to the internal components of the compressor 10 due to the inability of the liquid refrigerant to be compressed.

[0118] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermal management system 300 can further include a throttling valve 70 connected between the gas-liquid separator and the heat exchange device 40.

[0119] Thus, the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the heat exchange device can be automatically adjusted according to the superheat degree at the outlet of the heat exchange device. When the superheat degree at the outlet of the component to be cooled increases, the first expansion valve can be controlled to increase the opening degree, allowing more refrigerant to enter the heat exchange device, so as to accelerate the refrigeration speed and reduce the superheat degree at the outlet of the heat exchange device. Conversely, when the superheat degree at the outlet of the component to be cooled decreases, the first expansion valve can be controlled to decrease the opening degree, limiting the flow rate of the refrigerant. In this way, by precisely controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant, the throttle valve can ensure that the refrigeration effect of the thermal management system is stable and efficient.

[0120] FIG. 5 shows another schematic diagram of a flow path of the refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 shows another schematic diagram of a flow path of the refrigerant in the thermal management system of FIG. 2.

[0121] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the thermal management system 300 can further include an evaporator 80 connected between the suction port 12 and the first outlet 313, and the evaporator 80 is arranged in parallel with the heat exchange device 40. The evaporator 80 can exchange heat with the passenger compartment, thereby improving the use effect of the vehicle 1000.

[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the evaporator 80 is arranged in parallel with the heat exchange device 40 between the gas-liquid separator 60 and the condensing assembly 30. In this way, the gas-liquid separator 60 can separate the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 80 and the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange device 40, so as to prevent the liquid knock problem of the compressor 10 caused by the liquid refrigerant entering the compressor.

[0123] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the thermal management system 300 can further include a second expansion valve 90 connected between the first outlet 313 and the evaporator 80.

[0124] In this way, the medium-temperature medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first outlet 313 of the condensing assembly 30 can become low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant under the throttling pressure reduction of the second expansion valve 90. Then, the low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant enters the evaporator 80. In this way, the second expansion valve 90 reduces the temperature of the refrigerant entering the evaporator 80, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the evaporator 80.

[0125] In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” as used herein, and derivatives thereof, is intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, or steps, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other stated or unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, or steps. This concept applies to all aspects of the present disclosure, including to the claims. The term “comprising” is not used in a restrictive sense, and is intended to mean that the composition or method includes the recited features, but not excluding others.

[0126] As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attaching" include a construction where an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; a construction where the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to an intermediate member that, in turn, is affixed to the other element; and a construction where one element is integral with the other element, i.e., where the element is essentially a portion of the other element. The definition also applies to words of similar implication, such as "connected," "coupled," "engage," "mount," "bond," "fixate," and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, the degree of latitude terms such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0127] "at least one of A, B, and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B, or C," and includes the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C.

[0128] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. Features described herein in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment, unless the features are not applicable or are otherwise inconsistent with that other embodiment, or are otherwise stated to be not applicable or inconsistent therewith.

[0129] The present disclosure has been described above by way of the embodiments, but it should be understood that the embodiments described above are merely for illustration and description, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the described embodiments. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made to the present disclosure according to the teachings of the present disclosure, and such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present disclosure claimed.

Claims

1. A heat management system (300) comprising a compressor (10), a switching device (20), a condensing assembly (30) and a heat exchange device (40) in sequence and constituting a circulation loop; the heat exchange device (40) is configured to exchange heat with a component to be cooled; the switching device (20) is configured to selectively communicate with all or part of heat exchange channels of the condensing assembly (30).

2. The thermal management system (300) of claim 1, wherein, The condensing assembly (30) is provided with a heat exchange channel (311), and the condensing assembly (30) is provided with a first inlet (312) and a first outlet (313) communicating with the heat exchange channel (311); the condensing assembly (30) is further provided with a second inlet (3211) communicating with the heat exchange channel (311), and the communication position of the second inlet (3211) with the heat exchange channel (311) is located between the first inlet (312) and the first outlet (313); The switching device (20) is configured to selectively communicate with the first inlet (312) or the second inlet (3211); the heat exchange device (40) communicates between the first outlet (313) and the compressor (10).

3. The thermal management system (300) of claim 2, wherein, The compressor comprises a discharge port (11) and a suction port (12); The switching device (20) comprises a first port (21), a second port (22) and a third port (23), and the switching device (20) is configured to selectively communicate the first port (21) with the second port (22) or the first port (21) with the third port (23); the discharge port (11) communicates with the first port (21); The second port (22) communicates with the first inlet (312), and the third port (23) communicates with the second inlet (3211); the heat exchange device (40) communicates between the first outlet (313) and the suction port (12).

4. The thermal management system (300) of claim 3, wherein, The heat exchange channel (311) comprises a first channel segment (3111) and a second channel segment (3112), one end of the first channel segment (3111) communicates with the first inlet (312), and the other end of the first channel segment (3111) communicates with the second channel segment (3112); the second channel segment (3112) communicates with the second inlet (3211) and the first outlet (313).

5. The thermal management system (300) of claim 4, wherein, The condensing assembly (30) comprises a valve (33) arranged between the first channel segment (3111) and the second channel segment (3112).

6. The thermal management system (300) of claim 5, wherein, The valve (33) comprises a one-way valve for flowing refrigerant in the first channel segment (3111) to the second channel segment (3112), or a on-off valve for controlling the communication or disconnection of the first channel segment (3111) and the second channel segment (3112).

7. The thermal management system (300) of claim 5, wherein, The condensing assembly (30) comprises a condenser body (31) and a through member (32); the through member (32) is provided with the second inlet (3211); The condenser body (31) is provided with the first inlet (312), the first outlet (313), a third inlet (314), and a third outlet (315) communicated with the conducting member (32); a heat exchange channel (311) between the first inlet (312) and the third outlet (315) forms at least part of the first channel section (3111); the valve (33) is communicated between the third outlet (315) and the conducting member (32); a heat exchange channel (311) between the third inlet (314) and the first outlet (313) forms at least part of the second channel section (3112).

8. The thermal management system (300) of claim 7, wherein, The conducting member (32) comprises a liquid storage tank (321); the liquid storage tank (321) is provided with the second inlet (3211), a fourth inlet (3212) communicated with the valve (33), and a fourth outlet (3213) communicated with the third inlet (314).

9. The thermal management system (300) of claim 8, wherein, The conducting member (32) further comprises a communication pipeline (322) communicated between the fourth outlet (3213) and the third inlet (314).

10. The thermal management system (300) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The fourth inlet (3212) is arranged above the fourth outlet (3213).

11. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The second inlet (3211) is arranged above the fourth inlet (3212).

12. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The condensing assembly (30) further comprises a support (34) at least partially connected between the condenser body (31) and the liquid storage tank (321).

13. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein, The switching device (20) comprises a multi-way valve comprising at least the first port (21), the second port (22), and the third port (23).

14. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The heat exchange device (40) comprises a battery cold plate.

15. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising a first expansion valve (50) communicated between the first outlet (313) and the heat exchange device (40).

16. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 13, further comprising a gas-liquid separator (60) communicated between the suction port (12) and the heat exchange device (40).

17. The thermal management system (300) according to claim 16, further comprising a throttle valve (70) communicated between the gas-liquid separator (60) and the heat exchange device (40).

18. The thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 13, further comprising an evaporator (80) communicated between the suction port (12) and the first outlet (313), the evaporator (80) being arranged in parallel with the heat exchange device (40).

19. The thermal management system (300) according to claim 18, further comprising a gas-liquid separator (60), the evaporator (80) being arranged in parallel with the heat exchange device (40) between the gas-liquid separator (60) and the condensing assembly (30).

20. The thermal management system (300) according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a second expansion valve (90) in communication between the first outlet (313) and the evaporator (80).

21. A vehicle (1000) comprising the thermal management system (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The vehicle (1000) according to claim 21, further comprising a battery assembly, the battery assembly constituting at least a portion of the component to be cooled.

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