Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system (200) is applied to a vehicle-mounted refrigerator (100), which comprises a refrigerator body (110) and a refrigeration piece (120) arranged on at least one side of the refrigerator body. The thermal management system comprises a first heat exchange circuit (1) and a heat dissipation assembly (15), wherein the first heat exchange circuit comprises a compressor (11), a first heat exchanger (12), a first throttling assembly (13) and a second heat exchanger (14) which are sequentially connected to each other; the second heat exchanger comprises a first side (141) and a second side (142) arranged opposite each other; the refrigeration piece (120) is located at the first side (141) of the second heat exchanger to enable the second heat exchanger (14) to exchange heat with the refrigeration piece (120) by means of a refrigerant; and the heat dissipation assembly (15) is located at the second side (142) of the second heat exchanger.

Description

Thermal management system and vehicle Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202422528223.7, filed on October 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the field of thermal management, and particularly to a thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] With increasing global emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection, new energy vehicles are gradually becoming the mainstream in the market. These vehicles not only play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions but also drive the innovation and development of related supporting facilities and equipment. Among them, in-vehicle refrigerators, as portable refrigeration devices, are widely used in scenarios such as long-distance travel, camping, outdoor activities, and food delivery, meeting users' needs for low-temperature storage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] This disclosure provides a thermal management system for a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator including a cabinet and one or more cooling fins disposed on at least one side of the cabinet; the thermal management system includes a first heat exchange circuit and one or more heat dissipation components, the first heat exchange circuit including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first throttling component and one or more second heat exchangers connected sequentially to each other; each of the one or more second heat exchangers includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, at least one cooling fin of the one or more cooling fins is located on the first side of the corresponding second heat exchanger such that the corresponding second heat exchanger exchanges heat with at least one cooling fin through a refrigerant; the one or more heat dissipation components are located on the second side of the one or more second heat exchangers.

[0006] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a bypass branch, which includes a bypass pipe and a throttling valve disposed on the bypass pipe. One end of the bypass pipe is connected to the upstream of the compressor, and the other end of the bypass pipe is connected to the downstream of the compressor. The throttling valve is configured to control the opening and closing of the bypass pipe.

[0007] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a pressure sensor and a controller electrically connected to the pressure sensor, the controller also being electrically connected to the throttle valve; the pressure sensor is located upstream of the compressor, the pressure sensor is configured to detect the pressure upstream of the compressor and output a pressure electrical signal, and the controller is configured to: control the throttle valve to close in response to the pressure electrical signal indicating that the pressure of the compressor has reached a pressure threshold; and control the throttle valve to open in response to the pressure electrical signal indicating that the pressure of the compressor has not reached the pressure threshold.

[0008] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a second heat exchange loop, which includes the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second throttling assembly, and the third heat exchanger connected sequentially to each other.

[0009] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes: a third heat exchange loop, the third heat exchange loop including the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third throttling component and the fourth heat exchanger connected in sequence to each other; and a battery assembly, the third heat exchange loop being configured to exchange heat with the battery assembly.

[0010] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes: a control valve connected in the second heat exchange circuit between the third heat exchanger and the compressor, and / or connected in the third heat exchange circuit between the fourth heat exchanger and the compressor; and a heat exchange branch connected between the control valve and one or more of the second heat exchangers, wherein the control valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, and the control valve is selectively controlled to connect the first port and the second port, and / or connect the first port and the third port.

[0011] Optionally, when the first port and the second port of the control valve are connected to each other, the refrigerant enters the compressor sequentially through the second heat exchange circuit and / or the third heat exchange circuit, the first port and the second port of the control valve; and / or when the first port and the third port of the control valve are connected to each other, the refrigerant enters one or more of the second heat exchangers sequentially through the second heat exchange circuit and / or the third heat exchange circuit, the first port and the third port of the control valve, and the heat exchange branch.

[0012] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a cooling branch, with the battery assembly connected in series with the cooling branch; the third heat exchange circuit is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling branch is filled with a second heat exchange medium, wherein the cooling branch is configured to allow the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium to exchange heat, thereby cooling the battery assembly.

[0013] Optionally, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a plurality of cooling elements disposed on the periphery of the cabinet; the thermal management system includes a plurality of second heat exchangers, each corresponding to one of the cooling elements; the plurality of second heat exchangers are connected in parallel.

[0014] Optionally, the thermal management system includes a plurality of heat dissipation components, and the plurality of heat dissipation components are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of second heat exchangers.

[0015] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes: a compressor temperature sensor located upstream of the compressor; and a controller electrically connected to the compressor temperature sensor and to the first throttling component, wherein the compressor temperature sensor is configured to detect superheat upstream of the compressor and output a superheat electrical signal, and the controller is configured to: in response to the superheat electrical signal indicating that the superheat of the compressor has reached a first temperature threshold, control the first throttling component to adjust to a first opening degree; and in response to the superheat electrical signal indicating that the superheat of the compressor has not reached the first temperature threshold, control the opening degree of the first throttling component to adjust to a second opening degree, wherein the second opening degree is less than the first opening degree.

[0016] Optionally, each of the one or more cooling chips is a thermoelectric cooler.

[0017] Optionally, the first heat exchanger is a condenser, and each of one or more of the second heat exchangers is an evaporator.

[0018] This disclosure also provides a thermal management system for a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator including a cabinet and one or more cooling fins disposed on at least one side of the cabinet; the thermal management system includes: a third heat exchange circuit including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a third throttling assembly, and a fourth heat exchanger connected sequentially to each other; a cooling circuit including the fourth heat exchanger and one or more second heat exchangers connected sequentially to each other, wherein each of the one or more second heat exchangers includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, at least one of the one or more cooling fins is located at the first side of the corresponding second heat exchanger, wherein the third heat exchange circuit is filled with a first heat exchange medium, the cooling circuit is filled with a second heat exchange medium, and the cooling circuit is configured to allow heat exchange between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium; and one or more heat dissipation assemblies located at the second side of the one or more second heat exchangers.

[0019] This disclosure also provides a vehicle, including: an on-board refrigerator, including a housing and a cooling fin disposed on at least one side of the housing; and a thermal management system as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0020] Optionally, the thermal management system includes a controller, and the vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a refrigerator temperature sensor. The refrigerator temperature sensor and the compressor are electrically connected to the controller. The refrigerator temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the vehicle-mounted refrigerator and output a temperature electrical signal. The controller is configured to: in response to the temperature electrical signal indicating that the temperature of the vehicle-mounted refrigerator has reached a second temperature threshold, control the heat dissipation component to open and control the compressor to close; in response to the temperature electrical signal indicating that the temperature of the vehicle-mounted refrigerator has not reached the second temperature threshold, control the heat dissipation component to close and control the compressor to open.

[0021] After reading and understanding the accompanying diagrams and detailed descriptions, the other aspects can be understood. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the first throttling component of a thermal management system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure in an open state.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the first throttling component of a thermal management system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure in a closed state.

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of the controller of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Vehicle refrigerator 100; Cabinet 110; Cooling element 120; Heat-conducting element 130; Refrigerator temperature sensor 140; Thermal management system 200; Battery assembly 300; First heat exchange circuit 1; Compressor 11; First heat exchanger 12; First throttling assembly 13; Second heat exchanger 14; Refrigerant side 141; Air side 142; Heat dissipation assembly 15; Bypass branch 2; Bypass pipe 21; Throttling valve 22; Second heat exchange circuit 3; Second throttling assembly 31; Third heat exchanger 32; Heat exchange branch 4; Control valve 5; First port 51; Second port 52; Third port 53; Third heat exchange circuit 6; Fourth heat exchanger 61; Third throttling assembly 62; Cooling branch 7; Pressure sensor 8; Controller 9; Compressor temperature sensor 10; Cooling circuit 70. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0033] If this disclosure uses terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure are used only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] Vehicle-mounted refrigerators are widely used as portable refrigeration devices. They typically rely on a thermal management system for heat exchange. However, when the thermal management system exchanges heat with the vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the heat exchanger uses a single method, resulting in insufficient cooling performance and low heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the heat exchange system is usually complex in structure and large in size.

[0035] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a vehicle-mounted refrigerator. The vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a cabinet and a cooling element disposed on at least one side of the cabinet. The thermal management system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first throttling component, a second heat exchanger, and a heat dissipation component. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first throttling component, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected to form a first heat exchange circuit. The second heat exchanger includes a refrigerant side and a fan side disposed opposite to each other. The cooling element is located on the refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first throttling component, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected to form the first heat exchange circuit, thereby enabling the cooling element to directly exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit. The system structure is simple and small in size. Through the relative arrangement of the refrigerant side and the fan side of the second heat exchanger, the heat exchange mode of the second heat exchanger is diversified. It can exchange heat with the refrigerator through the refrigerant side and improve the heat exchange effect of the second heat exchanger through the fan side, resulting in better refrigerator cooling effect and higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0036] This disclosure provides a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system and vehicle of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle includes an on-board refrigerator 100 and a thermal management system 200. The thermal management system 200 is used for heat exchange with the on-board refrigerator 100. The on-board refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet 110 and a cooling element 120 disposed on at least one side of the cabinet 110. In this embodiment, the cooling element 120 can be a thermoelectric cooler, which may include semiconductor materials, such as Peltier elements, and utilizes the thermoelectric effect generated when current passes through the semiconductor material to form a temperature difference. The on-board refrigerator 100 also includes a heat-conducting plate 130 disposed on the side wall of the refrigerator for conducting heat, and the heat-conducting plate 130 is correspondingly disposed with the cooling element 120. The cooling element 120 has a small size and low noise, making it more suitable for vehicle applications. When current flows in, one side of the cooling element 120 absorbs heat (cold side) and the other side releases heat (hot side). The temperature of the side of the cooling element 120 that absorbs heat can be adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the current through the power supply. In this embodiment, the cooling element 120 absorbs heat on one side of the housing 110 and releases heat on the side away from the housing 110. In other embodiments, the vehicle refrigerator 100 can be switched from cooling mode to heating mode by switching the positive and negative terminals of the cooling element 120. In this case, the cooling element 120 releases heat on one side of the housing 110 and absorbs heat on the side away from the housing 110. This configuration allows for easy switching between the cooling and heating modes of the vehicle refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the cooling element 120 is located on the refrigerant side 141 of the second heat exchanger 14 of the thermal management system 200. The refrigerant side 141 of the second heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the cooling element 120 through the refrigerant.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system 200 is applied to a vehicle refrigerator 100. The thermal management system 200 includes a compressor 11, a first heat exchanger 12, a first throttling assembly 13, a second heat exchanger 14, and a heat dissipation assembly 15. The first heat exchanger 12 can be a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 14 can be an evaporator. The first throttling assembly 13 can be an expansion valve, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The heat dissipation assembly 15 can be a fan. The second heat exchanger 14 can be a composite heat exchanger. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the first throttling assembly 13, and the second heat exchanger 14 are connected in sequence to form a first heat exchange circuit 1. In this embodiment, the first heat exchange circuit 1 is used to circulate refrigerant, which can be, but is not limited to, at least one refrigerant such as R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and / or a non-refrigerant coolant. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of first throttling assembly 13, the outlet of first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet of second heat exchanger 14, the outlet of second heat exchanger 14, and finally back to the inlet of compressor 11. The second heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant side 141 and a fan side 142 disposed opposite to each other. Cooling fins 120 are located on the refrigerant side 141, and heat dissipation assembly 15 is located on the fan side 142. In this embodiment, the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant side 141 of the second heat exchanger 14. The second heat exchanger 14 can be a composite heat exchanger. A fan is located on the fan side 142 of the composite heat exchanger. The cooling element 120 is located on the refrigerant side 141 of the second heat exchanger 14. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the first throttling assembly 13, and the second heat exchanger 14 are sequentially connected to form the first heat exchange circuit 1, allowing the cooling element 120 to directly exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit 1. The system structure is simple and compact. Through the relatively arranged refrigerant side 141 and air side 142 of the second heat exchanger 14, the second heat exchanger 14 offers diverse heat exchange methods. It can exchange heat with the refrigerator through the refrigerant side 141, and improve the heat exchange effect of the second heat exchanger 14 through the air side 142, resulting in better refrigerator cooling and higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the thermal management system 200 further includes a bypass branch 2. The bypass branch 2 is used for pressure regulation, refrigerant diversion, etc. The bypass branch 2 includes a bypass pipe 21 and a throttle valve 22 disposed on the bypass pipe 21. The throttle valve 22 can adjust the opening degree. One end of the bypass pipe 21 is connected upstream of the compressor 11, and the other end of the bypass pipe 21 is connected downstream of the compressor 11. The throttle valve 22 controls the opening and closing of the bypass pipe 21. The throttle valve 22 can be an expansion valve. By using the throttle valve 22 on the bypass branch 2, the displacement of the compressor 11 and the refrigerant flow rate can be adjusted, avoiding the problem of compressor 11 instability or repeated shut-off caused by the compressor 11's displacement and refrigerant flow rate exceeding the normal range. This configuration ensures the stable operation of the compressor 11 and improves the safety of the thermal management system 200.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the first throttling component 13 in the open state. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the thermal management system 200 further includes a second throttling component 31, a third heat exchanger 32, a heat exchange branch 4, and a control valve 5. The second throttling component 31 may be an expansion valve, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The third heat exchanger 32 may be an evaporator. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the second throttling component 31, and the third heat exchanger 32 are sequentially connected to form a second heat exchange circuit 3. In this embodiment, the second heat exchange circuit 3 is used for heat exchange with the passenger compartment. The control valve 5 is located in the second heat exchange circuit 3. In this embodiment, the control valve 5 may be a multi-way valve to enable communication between different ports. The heat exchange branch 4 is connected to the control valve 5 and the second heat exchanger 14. The control valve 5 includes a first port 51, a second port 52, and a third port 53. The control valve 5 is selectively controlled to connect the first port 51 and the second port 52, and to connect the first port 51 and the third port 53, so that the second heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchange circuit 3 are connected in parallel. The first throttling assembly 13 is in an open or closed state.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, when the first throttling assembly 13 is open, the refrigerant can sequentially flow through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the first throttling assembly 13, the outlet of the first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet of the second heat exchanger 14, the outlet of the second heat exchanger 14, and finally to the inlet of the compressor 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when the second throttling assembly 31 is also open, and the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected and / or the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant can further flow through the following path: the refrigerant sequentially flows through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then into the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, and then through the control valve... The refrigerant flows through the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5, and finally returns to the inlet of the compressor 11; and / or, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then into the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5, then through the inlet of the second heat exchanger 14, the outlet of the second heat exchanger 14, and finally back to the inlet of the compressor 11. Therefore, when the first throttling assembly 13 is opened, the second throttling assembly 31 is opened, and the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100 through the first heat exchange circuit 1, and can also use the residual cooling (residual cold energy) of the refrigerant after passing through the third heat exchanger 32 to cool the vehicle refrigerator 100, thus the heat exchange effect is better. In some embodiments according to this disclosure, when the first throttling assembly 13 is open and the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are not connected and / or the second throttling assembly 31 is closed, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100 only through the first heat exchange circuit 1. This configuration allows for different heat exchange methods to be achieved by switching the first throttling assembly 13, the second throttling assembly 31, and / or the control valve 5 on and off, resulting in high applicability.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the thermal management system 200 further includes a fourth heat exchanger 61, a third throttling assembly 62, a cooling branch 7, and a battery assembly 300. The third throttling assembly 62 can be an expansion valve, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the third throttling assembly 62, and the fourth heat exchanger 61 are connected in sequence to form a third heat exchange circuit 6. In this embodiment, when the third throttling assembly 62 is open, and the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected and / or the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant can further flow through the following path: the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the third throttling assembly 62, the outlet of the third throttling assembly 62, then into the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, and then through the control valve 5. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet and outlet of third throttling assembly 62, then into the inlet and outlet of fourth heat exchanger 61, then through the first port 51 and third port 53 of control valve 5, then through the inlet and outlet of second heat exchanger 14, and finally back to the inlet of compressor 11. Battery assembly 300 is connected in series with cooling branch 7. The third heat exchange circuit 6 is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling branch 7 is filled with a second heat exchange medium. Cooling branch 7 is used to exchange heat between the first and second heat exchange mediums to cool battery assembly 300. The first heat exchange medium can be refrigerant, and the second heat exchange medium can be coolant, such as water. This configuration satisfies the heat exchange requirements of the battery in thermal management system 200, ensuring the operation of more functions of thermal management system 200.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the first throttling component 13 of a thermal management system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in a closed state. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, when the first throttling component 13 is closed, the second throttling component 31 is open, the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected, and the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant can flow through the following path: the refrigerant sequentially passes through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then flows to the inlet of the second throttling component 31 and the outlet of the second throttling component 31, then enters the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32 and the outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, and then passes through... The refrigerant flows from the first port 51 and the second port 52 of control valve 5 back to the inlet of compressor 11. The refrigerant then flows sequentially through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet and outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then into the inlet and outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of control valve 5, then through the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchanger 14, finally returning to the inlet of compressor 11. With this configuration, when the first throttling assembly 13 is closed, the refrigerant can pass through the third heat exchanger 32, utilizing the residual coolness of the refrigerant after passing through the third heat exchanger 32 to cool the vehicle refrigerator 100, saving energy and reducing costs. This configuration allows for different heat exchange methods to be achieved by opening and closing the first throttling assembly 13, the second throttling assembly 31, and / or control valve 5, offering high applicability.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the thermal management system 200 further includes a fourth heat exchanger 61, a third throttling assembly 62, a cooling branch 7, and a battery assembly 300. The third throttling assembly 62 may be an expansion valve, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the third throttling assembly 62, and the fourth heat exchanger 61 are connected in sequence to form a third heat exchange circuit 6. In this embodiment, when the third throttling assembly 62 is open, and the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected and / or the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant can further flow through the following path: the refrigerant also flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the third throttling assembly 62, the outlet of the third throttling assembly 62, then into the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, and then through the control valve 5 The refrigerant flows sequentially through the first port 51 and the second port 52, finally returning to the inlet of the compressor 11; and / or, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the third throttling assembly 62, the outlet of the third throttling assembly 62, then into the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, then through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5, then through the inlet of the second heat exchanger 14, the outlet of the second heat exchanger 14, and finally back to the inlet of the compressor 11. The battery assembly 300 is connected in series with the cooling branch 7. The third heat exchange circuit 6 is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling branch 7 is filled with a second heat exchange medium. The cooling branch 7 is used to exchange heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium to cool the battery assembly 300. The first heat exchange medium can be a refrigerant, and the second heat exchange medium can be a coolant, such as water. This configuration ensures the heat exchange of the battery in the thermal management system 200 and guarantees the operation of more functions of the thermal management system 200.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 show the first throttling component 13 of the thermal management system 200 in the open and closed states, respectively. However, in some embodiments, the first throttling component 13 in Figures 3 and 4 can be omitted. In this case, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100 only through the second heat exchange circuit 3 and / or the third heat exchange circuit 6, via the connection between the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5. For example, the residual cooling capacity of the refrigerant after passing through the third heat exchanger 32 and / or the fourth heat exchanger 61 can be used to cool the vehicle refrigerator 100.

[0046] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the cooling circuit 70 can also be used to exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100. For example, the third heat exchange circuit 6 is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling circuit 70 is filled with a second heat exchange medium. The vehicle refrigerator 100 can be cooled by exchanging heat between the second heat exchange medium in the cooling circuit 70 and the first heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 6. In this case, the second heat exchanger 14 and the fourth heat exchanger 61 are connected in sequence to form the cooling circuit 70. After exchanging heat with the first heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 6, the second heat exchange medium in the cooling circuit 70 passes through the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, then through the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchanger 14, and finally returns to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a third heat exchange circuit 6 is provided with a battery assembly 300 and is used for heat exchange of the battery assembly 300. In this embodiment, the battery assembly 300 can also be directly disposed on the third heat exchange circuit 6, and the first heat exchange medium directly cools the battery assembly 300. This arrangement facilitates direct heat exchange of the battery assembly 300, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the battery assembly 300, and ensures the heat exchange effect of the battery assembly 300.

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the vehicle refrigerator 100 may include at least one cooling element 120. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, two cooling elements 120 are provided. In some other embodiments, one, three, four, etc., of the cooling elements 120 may be provided; however, the number of cooling elements 120 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cooling elements 120 are disposed on the periphery of the housing 110. In this embodiment, the cooling elements 120 are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 110, or on adjacent sides of the housing 110; however, the arrangement of the cooling elements 120 is not limited thereto. The thermal management system 200 includes a plurality of second heat exchangers 14, which are correspondingly disposed with the plurality of cooling elements 120. The plurality of second heat exchangers 14 are connected in parallel. The plurality of second heat exchangers 14 are connected in parallel in a circuit and can all be connected to the compressor 11. The thermal management system 200 may also include at least one heat dissipation assembly 15. In this embodiment, one heat dissipation assembly 15 is provided. In some embodiments, the thermal management system 200 may include a plurality of heat dissipation components 15, and the plurality of heat dissipation components 15 may be correspondingly configured with a plurality of second heat exchangers 14. However, the number of heat dissipation components 15 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto; for example, the number of heat dissipation components 15 and the number of second heat exchangers 14 may be different. Such a configuration results in better heat exchange performance.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, when there are two second heat exchangers 14 and the first throttling assembly 13 is open, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet and outlet of the first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet and outlet of one of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally to the inlet of the compressor 11; and the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet and outlet of the first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet and outlet of the other of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally to the inlet of the compressor 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the second throttling assembly 31 is also open, and the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected and / or the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant also flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then into the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then through the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5, and finally back to the inlet of the compressor 11; and / or, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then into the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32, ... third heat exchanger 32, the third heat exchanger 32, the third heat exchanger 32, the third heat exchanger 32, the third heat The outlet of heat exchanger 32 passes through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of control valve 5, then through the inlet of one of the two second heat exchangers 14, the outlet of that second heat exchanger 14, and finally returns to the inlet of compressor 11. The refrigerant sequentially passes through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of first heat exchanger 12, then flows to the inlet of second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of second throttling assembly 31, then enters the inlet of third heat exchanger 32, the outlet of third heat exchanger 32, then through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of control valve 5, then through the inlet of the other of the two second heat exchangers 14, the outlet of that other second heat exchanger 14, and finally returns to the inlet of compressor 11.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, when there are two second heat exchangers 14, the first throttling assembly 13 is closed, the second throttling assembly 31 is open, and the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5 are connected and / or the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5 are connected, the refrigerant sequentially flows through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then flows to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then enters the inlet of the third heat exchanger 32, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then passes through the first port 51 and the second port 52 of the control valve 5, and finally returns to the inlet of the compressor 11; and / or the refrigerant also sequentially flows through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then flows to the inlet of the second throttling assembly 31, the outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, and then enters the third heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant enters the inlet and outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then passes through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5, then through the inlet and outlet of one of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally returns to the inlet of the compressor 11. Furthermore, the refrigerant sequentially passes through the outlet of the compressor 11, the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchanger 12, then flows to the inlet and outlet of the second throttling assembly 31, then enters the inlet and outlet of the third heat exchanger 32, then passes through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5, then through the inlet and outlet of the other of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally returns to the inlet of the compressor 11.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow path of the refrigerant in the third heat exchange circuit 6 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, when there are two second heat exchangers 14, the flow path of the refrigerant exchanging heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100 through the third heat exchange circuit 6 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, except that the refrigerant passes through the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5, and then passes through the inlet and outlet of the two second heat exchangers 14 respectively, finally returning to the inlet of the compressor 11. Here, the parts that are the same as those shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 will not be described again.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a scenario where there are two second heat exchangers 14. However, in some embodiments, the first throttling assembly 13 in Figure 6 can be omitted. In this case, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100 only through the second heat exchange circuit 3 and / or the third heat exchange circuit 6, via the communication between the first port 51 and the third port 53 of the control valve 5. For example, the residual cooling capacity of the refrigerant after passing through the third heat exchanger 32 and / or the fourth heat exchanger 61 can be used to cool the vehicle refrigerator 100.

[0053] In other embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the cooling circuit 70 can also be used to exchange heat with the vehicle refrigerator 100. For example, the third heat exchange circuit 6 is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling circuit 70 is filled with a second heat exchange medium. The vehicle refrigerator 100 can be cooled by the heat exchange between the second heat exchange medium in the cooling circuit and the first heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 6. In this case, the second heat exchanger 14 and the fourth heat exchanger 61 are connected in sequence to form the cooling circuit 70. After exchanging heat with the first heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 6, the second heat exchange medium in the cooling circuit 70 passes through the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61, then through the inlets of the two second heat exchangers 14, the outlets of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally back to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 61.

[0054] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, when there are two second heat exchangers 14, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of first throttling assembly 13, the outlet of first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet of one of the two second heat exchangers 14, the outlet of that one of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally to the inlet of compressor 11; the refrigerant also flows sequentially through the outlet of compressor 11, the inlet of first heat exchanger 12, the outlet of first heat exchanger 12, then to the inlet of first throttling assembly 13, the outlet of first throttling assembly 13, then into the inlet of the other of the two second heat exchangers 14, the outlet of that other of the two second heat exchangers 14, and finally to the inlet of compressor 11. In other embodiments, when refrigerant flows into the thermal management system 200 under different heat exchange modes, and when the refrigerant needs to pass through the second heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchanger 14. In some embodiments, if there are multiple other numbers of second heat exchangers 14, and when the refrigerant needs to pass through the second heat exchangers 14, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the inlets and outlets of multiple second heat exchangers 14, exchanging heat with the multiple second heat exchangers 14 respectively.

[0055] Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of the controller 9 of the thermal management system 200 of this disclosure. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 8, the thermal management system 200 further includes a pressure sensor 8 and a controller 9 electrically connected to the pressure sensor 8. In this embodiment, the controller 9 is a system controller, and the pressure sensor 8 is used to detect the pressure of the compressor 11. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the throttle valve 22. The pressure sensor 8 is located upstream of the compressor 11 and is used to detect the pressure upstream of the compressor 11 and output a corresponding pressure electrical signal. When the pressure electrical signal indicates that the pressure of the compressor 11 has reached the pressure threshold, the controller 9 controls the throttle valve 22 to close. And when the pressure electrical signal indicates that the pressure of the compressor 11 has not reached the pressure threshold, the controller controls the throttle valve 22 to open. In this embodiment, the pressure of the compressor 11 can be a low-pressure pressure, and the pressure threshold can be 1 barA (bar Absolute). This setting can ensure the normal operation of the compressor 11, maintain the stability of the entire thermal management system 200, and also prevent excessive refrigerant flow in the circuit. In some other embodiments, the pressure sensor 8 can be replaced with a pressure switch. When the pressure of the pressure switch reaches the pressure threshold, the pressure switch closes, and the vehicle refrigerator 100 exchanges heat only through the cooling element 120 and the air side 142 of the second heat exchanger 14. When the pressure switch does not reach the pressure threshold, the pressure switch opens, and the thermal management system 200 operates normally. This configuration facilitates the operation and control of the thermal management system 200.

[0056] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8, the thermal management system 200 further includes a compressor temperature sensor 10 and a controller 9 electrically connected to the compressor temperature sensor 10. The controller 9 may be a controller for controlling the thermal management system 200. The compressor temperature sensor 10 is used to detect the superheat of the compressor 11. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the first throttling assembly 13. The compressor temperature sensor 10 is located upstream of the compressor 11 and is used to detect the superheat upstream of the compressor 11 and output a corresponding superheat electrical signal. When the superheat electrical signal indicates that the superheat of the compressor 11 has reached a first temperature threshold, the controller 9 controls the first throttling assembly 13 to adjust to a first opening degree, and when the superheat electrical signal indicates that the superheat of the compressor 11 has not reached the first temperature threshold, the controller 9 controls the opening degree of the first throttling assembly 13 to adjust to a second opening degree, the second opening degree being smaller than the first opening degree. In some embodiments, the opening degree of the first throttling assembly 13 decreases as the superheat of the compressor 11 decreases, and the first throttling assembly 13 may be steplessly adjustable. This setting can prevent the compressor 11 from overheating and avoid the problem of repeated shutdown caused by the instability of the compressor 11.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8, the vehicle refrigerator 100 includes a refrigerator temperature sensor 140. The refrigerator temperature sensor 140 is used to detect the temperature inside the refrigerator. The refrigerator temperature sensor 140 and the compressor 11 are electrically connected to the controller 9. The refrigerator temperature sensor 140 detects the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator 100 and outputs a corresponding temperature electrical signal. When the temperature electrical signal indicates that the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator 100 has reached a second temperature threshold, the controller 9 controls the heat dissipation assembly 15 to open and the compressor 11 to close. When the temperature electrical signal indicates that the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator 100 has not reached the second temperature threshold, the controller controls the heat dissipation assembly 15 to close and the compressor 11 to open. With this configuration, when the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator 100 reaches the second temperature threshold, the refrigerator is in a low-load state. At this time, the compressor 11 is closed, and the vehicle refrigerator 100 can reach the corresponding cooling state by relying on the cooling element 120 and the heat dissipation assembly 15. When the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator 100 has not reached the second temperature threshold, more cooling capacity is required. At this time, the first heat exchange circuit 1 is opened to achieve normal cooling mode, which can save energy, provide more diverse heat exchange methods, and ensure that the vehicle refrigerator 100 can cool normally.

[0058] It should be noted that the solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or complemented by each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermal management system applied to a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator comprising a cabinet and one or more cooling fins disposed on at least one side of the cabinet; the thermal management system comprising a first heat exchange circuit and one or more heat dissipation components. wherein The first heat exchange circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first throttling assembly, and one or more second heat exchangers connected sequentially to each other; each of the one or more second heat exchangers includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other; at least one of the one or more cooling chips is located at the first side of the corresponding second heat exchanger in the one or more second heat exchangers such that the corresponding second heat exchanger exchanges heat with at least one of the cooling chips through a refrigerant; One or more of the heat dissipation components are located on the second side of one or more of the second heat exchangers.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, further comprising: A bypass branch, the bypass branch including a bypass pipe and a throttle valve installed in the bypass pipe, One end of the bypass pipeline is connected to the upstream of the compressor, and the other end of the bypass pipeline is connected to the downstream of the compressor. The throttle valve is configured to control the opening and closing of the bypass pipeline.

3. The thermal management system of claim 2, further comprising: A pressure sensor and a controller electrically connected to the pressure sensor, the controller also being electrically connected to the throttle valve. The pressure sensor is located upstream of the compressor and is configured to detect the pressure upstream of the compressor and output a pressure electrical signal. The controller is configured to: control the throttle valve to close in response to the pressure signal indicating that the compressor pressure has reached a pressure threshold; and control the throttle valve to open in response to the pressure signal indicating that the compressor pressure has not reached the pressure threshold.

4. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a second heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit including the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second throttling assembly and the third heat exchanger connected sequentially to each other.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The third heat exchange circuit includes the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third throttling assembly, and the fourth heat exchanger connected in sequence to each other; as well as The battery assembly, wherein the third heat exchange circuit is configured to exchange heat with the battery assembly.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: A control valve is connected in the second heat exchange circuit between the third heat exchanger and the compressor, and / or in the third heat exchange circuit between the fourth heat exchanger and the compressor; as well as A heat exchange branch is connected between the control valve and one or more of the second heat exchangers. The control valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The control valve is selectively controlled to connect the first port and the second port, and / or connect the first port and the third port.

7. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein, With the first and second ports of the control valve connected to each other, the refrigerant sequentially enters the compressor through the second heat exchange circuit and / or the third heat exchange circuit, the first and second ports of the control valve, and / or When the first port and the third port of the control valve are connected to each other, the refrigerant enters one or more of the second heat exchangers in sequence through the second heat exchange circuit and / or the third heat exchange circuit, the first port and the third port of the control valve, and the heat exchange branch.

8. The thermal management system of claim 5, further comprising: A cooling branch is provided, in which the battery assembly is connected in series; the third heat exchange circuit is filled with a first heat exchange medium, and the cooling branch is filled with a second heat exchange medium. The cooling branch is configured to allow the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium to exchange heat, thereby cooling the battery assembly.

9. The thermal management system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a plurality of the aforementioned cooling elements, which are disposed on the periphery of the cabinet; The thermal management system includes a plurality of second heat exchangers, each of which is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of cooling elements; the plurality of second heat exchangers are connected in parallel.

10. The thermal management system of claim 9, wherein, The thermal management system includes a plurality of heat dissipation components, and the plurality of heat dissipation components are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of second heat exchangers.

11. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A compressor temperature sensor is located upstream of the compressor; The controller is electrically connected to the compressor temperature sensor and also electrically connected to the first throttling assembly. The compressor temperature sensor is configured to detect the superheat upstream of the compressor and output a superheat electrical signal. The controller is configured to: in response to the superheat electrical signal indicating that the superheat of the compressor has reached a first temperature threshold, control the first throttling component to adjust to a first opening degree; and in response to the superheat electrical signal indicating that the superheat of the compressor has not reached the first temperature threshold, control the opening degree of the first throttling component to adjust to a second opening degree, wherein the second opening degree is less than the first opening degree.

12. The thermal management system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, Each of the one or more cooling elements is a thermoelectric cooler.

13. The thermal management system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first heat exchanger is a condenser, and each of the one or more second heat exchangers is an evaporator.

14. A thermal management system applied to a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator comprising a cabinet and one or more cooling fins disposed on at least one side of the cabinet; the thermal management system comprising: The third heat exchange circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a third throttling assembly, and a fourth heat exchanger connected in sequence to each other; A cooling circuit includes the fourth heat exchanger and one or more second heat exchangers connected sequentially to each other, wherein each of the one or more second heat exchangers includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, and at least one of the one or more cooling plates is located at the first side of the corresponding second heat exchanger, wherein the third heat exchange circuit is filled with a first heat exchange medium, the cooling circuit is filled with a second heat exchange medium, and the cooling circuit is configured to allow heat exchange between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium; and One or more heat dissipation components are located on the second side of one or more of the second heat exchangers.

15. A vehicle comprising: A vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a cabinet and a cooling plate disposed on at least one side of the cabinet; and The thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 or the thermal management system as described in claim 14.

16. The vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The thermal management system includes a controller, and the vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a refrigerator temperature sensor. The refrigerator temperature sensor and the compressor are respectively electrically connected to the controller. The refrigerator temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the vehicle-mounted refrigerator and output a temperature electrical signal. The controller is configured to: in response to the temperature electrical signal indicating that the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator has reached a second temperature threshold, control the heat dissipation component to turn on and control the compressor to turn off; in response to the temperature electrical signal indicating that the temperature of the vehicle refrigerator has not reached the second temperature threshold, control the heat dissipation component to turn off and control the compressor to turn on.

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