Thermal management system

Abstract

A thermal management system, comprising: a refrigerant circuit; coolant circuits, provided with a cooler core (2); a first heat exchanger (3), having a first heat exchange portion (31) provided in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange portion (32) provided in a coolant circuit; and a second heat exchanger (4), having a first heat exchange portion (41) provided in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange portion (42) provided in a coolant circuit, the first heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger being arranged in parallel, a first coolant circuit (L1) being provided with the second heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger, and a second coolant circuit (L2) being provided in series with the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger and the cooler core (2). The thermal management system has a first working state and a second working state, wherein in the first working state, the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit are connected in series to form a circuit, and the cooler core is in series connection with the second heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger; and in the second working state, the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit respectively form independent circuits.

Description

Thermal Management System Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing emphasis on environmental protection, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are being used more and more widely. The vehicle's thermal management system is mainly used for heating or cooling target components such as the passenger compartment, motor, and battery.

[0003] A thermal management system typically includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit, along with various thermal management elements mounted on these circuits. Different cooling requirements may exist for the cooling core in a vehicle's air conditioning system. Therefore, some known thermal management systems utilize internal heat exchangers with different heat exchange capacities; others employ two coolers. However, known thermal management systems consume significant energy to meet cooling requirements.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a thermal management system that can solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a thermal management system that can connect a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, which can be arranged in parallel, to internal heat exchange structures with different heat exchange capabilities, and can connect the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in series with the cooler core of the coolant circuit, so that the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger can be selectively turned on according to the cooling demand of the cooler core, thereby saving energy consumption.

[0006] The above objectives are achieved through the thermal management system described below.

[0007] This disclosure provides a thermal management system, comprising: a refrigerant circuit with a compressor; a coolant circuit with a cooler core; a first heat exchanger having a first heat exchange portion in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange portion in the coolant circuit; and a second heat exchanger having a first heat exchange portion in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange portion in the coolant circuit, wherein the first heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger are connected in parallel, wherein the coolant circuit includes a first coolant circuit and a second coolant circuit, the first coolant circuit having the second heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger, and the second coolant circuit having the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger and the cooler core connected in series, the thermal management system having a first operating state and a second operating state, wherein in the first operating state, the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit are connected in series to form a single circuit, wherein the cooler core is connected in series with the second heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger; and in the second operating state, the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit each form an independent circuit.

[0008] The thermal management system according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0009] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first valve having multiple valve ports, with the two ends of the first coolant circuit connected to the first valve port and the second valve port of the first valve, respectively, and the two ends of the second coolant circuit connected to the third valve port and the fourth valve port of the first valve, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the first operating state, the first valve port and the fourth valve port of the first valve are connected, and the second valve port and the third valve port of the first valve are connected; in the second operating state, the first valve port and the second valve port of the first valve are connected, and the third valve port and the fourth valve port of the first valve are connected.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes an internal heat exchanger disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The internal heat exchanger has a high-pressure flow channel and a low-pressure flow channel. The low-pressure flow channel has a low-pressure inlet and a low-pressure outlet disposed at both ends thereon, and an intermediate inlet located between the low-pressure inlet and the low-pressure outlet. The outlet of the first heat exchange section of the first heat exchanger is connected to the intermediate inlet, and the outlet of the first heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger is connected to the low-pressure inlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the internal heat exchanger includes a first internal heat exchanger and a second internal heat exchanger arranged in series, with the intermediate inlet located between the low-pressure inlet of the first internal heat exchanger and the low-pressure outlet of the second internal heat exchanger.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first internal heat exchanger and a second internal heat exchanger arranged in parallel in the refrigerant circuit. The first internal heat exchanger is connected in series with a first heat exchange section of the first heat exchanger, and the second internal heat exchanger is connected in series with a first heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger.

[0014] In one embodiment, the power of the first internal heat exchanger is different from the power of the second internal heat exchanger.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the second heat exchanger is working, the first internal heat exchanger and the second internal heat exchanger are turned on.

[0016] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first throttling element disposed in series upstream of the first heat exchange section of the first heat exchanger and a second throttling element disposed in series upstream of the first heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second throttling element is turned off during the first operating state.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the second operating state, the first throttling element and / or the second throttling element are open.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is a cooler; and / or the second heat exchanger is a cooler; and / or the cooler core is a cooling core in a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first coolant circuit is further provided with a battery temperature regulating device and / or a motor assembly.

[0021] The thermal management system disclosed herein can save energy while meeting cooling needs, and is highly flexible, capable of implementing multiple modes and allowing for convenient and free switching between them. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a connection diagram of an AC / AC+Chiller mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the connection of a thermal management system in Chiller mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a connection diagram of the first AC dehumidification mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 shows a connection diagram of the second AC dehumidification mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a connection diagram of another AC dehumidification mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a connection diagram of a heat pump dehumidification mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 shows a connection diagram of a heat pump mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a connection diagram of a heat pump + battery cooling mode of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 shows a connection diagram of a thermal management system in a fully open water circuit mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 shows a partial schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 11 shows a partial schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “connected,” and similar terms are not limited to the physical or mechanical connection or connection shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0036] The various embodiments of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The thermal management system according to the present disclosure can be used in vehicles, such as new energy vehicles, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. The thermal management system is used for heating and cooling the passenger compartment, battery, and motor of the vehicle. Figures 1 to 9 schematically illustrate the connection relationships between various components in some thermal management systems according to the present disclosure. Figures 10 to 11 schematically illustrate partial connection relationships of the refrigerant circuit in some thermal management systems according to the present disclosure.

[0037] The thermal management system according to this disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit is, for example, Freon or propane, and the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit is, for example, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0038] The refrigerant circuit is equipped with a compressor 1, which compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The refrigerant circuit also includes a condenser 11, such as a water-cooled condenser, specifically a first heat exchange section 111 of the condenser 11. A second heat exchange section 112 of the condenser 11 is located in the coolant circuit. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit includes a dryer bottle 12, positioned downstream of the condenser 11 in the refrigerant flow direction. Figures 1 to 9 also show various sensors installed on the refrigerant circuit for measuring the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant in the circuit, denoted by T and P+T. As described below, the refrigerant circuit also includes an internal heat exchanger 6.

[0039] The coolant circuit is equipped with a cooler core 2, which is, for example, a cooler core in a vehicle air conditioning system. In addition, the coolant circuit is equipped with multiple valves, namely a first valve 5, a second valve 21, a third valve 22, a fourth valve 23, and a fifth valve 24, which may be in the form of multi-way valves, specifically four-way valves.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the thermal management system further includes a first heat exchanger 3 and a second heat exchanger 4. The first heat exchanger 3 has a first heat exchange section 31 disposed in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section 32 disposed in the coolant circuit. The second heat exchanger 4 has a first heat exchange section 41 disposed in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section 42 disposed in the coolant circuit. The first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4 can be connected in parallel.

[0041] For example, the first heat exchanger 3 can be a chiller. For example, the second heat exchanger 4 can be a chiller. It is also possible that both can be chillers.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, a first junction point J1 is provided downstream of the compressor 1 (relative to the refrigerant flow direction) in the refrigerant circuit. At this first junction point J1, the refrigerant can selectively flow to either the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 or the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 9, the refrigerant can flow to either the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 or the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the coolant circuit includes a first coolant circuit L1 and a second coolant circuit L2. The first coolant circuit L1 is provided with the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 described above. The second coolant circuit L2 is connected in series with the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 described above and the cooler core 2.

[0044] In some examples, the thermal management system described herein may have a first operating state and a second operating state. As shown in Figures 4 and 9, in the first operating state, the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 are connected in series to form a single circuit, wherein the cooler core 2 is connected in series with the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 8, in the second operating state, the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 each form an independent circuit.

[0045] In some examples, the thermal management system includes a first valve 5 with multiple valve ports. The two ends of the first coolant circuit L1 are respectively connected to the first valve port 51 and the second valve port 52 of the first valve 5. The two ends of the second coolant circuit L2 are respectively connected to the third valve port 53 and the fourth valve port 54 of the first valve 5. The first valve 5 can be used to switch the connection state of the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2, so that the coolant circuits have the aforementioned first operating state and second operating state.

[0046] In some examples, in the first operating state, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, the first valve port 51 and the fourth valve port 54 of the first valve 5 are connected, and the second valve port 52 and the third valve port 53 of the first valve 5 are connected. In the second operating state, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 8, the first valve port 51 and the second valve port 52 of the first valve 5 are connected, and the third valve port 53 and the fourth valve port 54 of the first valve 5 are connected.

[0047] For example, the first coolant circuit L1 may also be provided with a battery temperature regulating device 15. For example, the first coolant circuit L1 may also be provided with a first pump 18, which is positioned upstream of the battery temperature regulating device 15 in the coolant flow direction to pump coolant to the battery temperature regulating device 15. For example, the first coolant circuit L1 may also be provided with a motor assembly 14, as described below.

[0048] For example, the second coolant circuit L2 may also be provided with a second pump 17, which is provided, for example, between the outlet of the cooler core 2 and the inlet of the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4, for pumping coolant to the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4.

[0049] Furthermore, the coolant circuit may also include a third coolant circuit L3, a fourth coolant circuit L4, a fifth coolant circuit L5, a sixth coolant circuit L6, a seventh coolant circuit L7, and an eighth coolant circuit L8. These circuits are only used for clarity and convenience of description. At least one of them may be a circuit independent of the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2, or it may form part of the first coolant circuit L1 or the second coolant circuit L2. For example, the two ends of the third coolant circuit L3 are respectively connected to the first valve port 211 and the fourth valve port 214 of the second valve 21, and it is provided with a second heat exchange section 112 of the condenser 11, a third pump 19, and a heater core 13. The heater core 13 is, for example, a heater core in a vehicle air conditioning system. The third pump 19 is used to pump coolant to the second heat exchange section 112 and the heater core 13 of the condenser 11. For example, the two ends of the fourth coolant circuit L4 are respectively connected to the third valve port 213 of the second valve 21 and the first valve port 221 of the third valve 22. For example, the two ends of the fifth coolant circuit L5 are respectively connected to the second valve port 212 of the second valve 21 and the fourth valve port 244 of the fifth valve 24. For example, the two ends of the sixth coolant circuit L6 are respectively connected to the third valve port 233 and the fourth valve port 234 of the fourth valve 23, and a low-temperature radiator 16 is provided. For example, the two ends of the seventh coolant circuit L7 are respectively connected to the first valve port 231 of the fourth valve 23 and the fourth valve port 224 of the third valve 22. For example, the two ends of the eighth coolant circuit L8 are respectively connected to the second valve port 232 of the fourth valve 23 and the third valve port 243 of the fifth valve 24, and a motor assembly 14 and a fourth pump 20 may be provided, the fourth pump 20 being used to pump coolant to the motor assembly 14.

[0050] In some examples, the thermal management system further includes an internal heat exchanger 6 disposed in the refrigerant circuit. The internal heat exchanger 6 has a high-pressure flow channel 61 and a low-pressure flow channel 62 through which the refrigerant flowing can exchange heat. The low-pressure flow channel 62 has a low-pressure inlet 63 and a low-pressure outlet 64 at its two ends, and an intermediate inlet 65 located between the low-pressure inlet 63 and the low-pressure outlet 64. The low-pressure outlet 64 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1. For example, the high-pressure flow channel 61 has a high-pressure inlet 66 and a high-pressure outlet 67 at its two ends. The high-pressure inlet 66 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 11 or the outlet of the dryer bottle 12. The high-pressure outlet 67 can be connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 and / or the inlet of the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. The outlet of the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 is connected to the intermediate inlet 65. The outlet of the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4 is connected to the low-pressure inlet 63. The refrigerant flow path defined by the intermediate inlet 65 and the low-pressure outlet 64 is a part of the low-pressure flow path 62 defined by the low-pressure inlet 63 and the low-pressure outlet 64. That is, the refrigerant entering through the intermediate inlet 65 only passes through a portion of the low-pressure flow path 62, so the heat exchange is relatively small.

[0051] In this configuration, the internal heat exchanger 6 has a different cooling capacity for the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 than for the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. This results in different subcooling degrees for the refrigerants flowing through the first heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchanger 4 (e.g., the subcooling degree of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 3 can be less than that of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 4). When the fluid flow rate is the same, this results in different cooling capacities for the first heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchanger 4. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 3 or the second heat exchanger 4 can be selectively activated according to the cooling demand of the cooler core 2 (e.g., by activating the corresponding throttling mechanism). The thermal management system of this disclosure can thus save energy while meeting cooling requirements. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves different cooling capacities through the entire low-pressure flow channel 62 and a portion of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of a single internal heat exchanger, simplifying the system structure and connection relationships.

[0052] In some examples, the thermal management system further includes a first throttling element 9 connected in series upstream of the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3 and a second throttling element 10 connected in series upstream of the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. That is, the first throttling element 9 and the second throttling element 10 are configured in the refrigerant circuit. For example, the second throttling element 10 is configured between the high-pressure outlet 67 or the first junction 10 of the high-pressure flow channel 61 of the internal heat exchanger 6 and the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. For example, the first throttling element 9 is configured between the high-pressure outlet 67 or the first junction 10 of the high-pressure flow channel 61 of the internal heat exchanger 6 and the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3. For example, the first throttling element 9 and the second throttling element 10 may be electronic expansion valves.

[0053] In some examples, in the first operating state, as shown in Figure 4, the second throttling element 10 can be closed, allowing cooling to be provided to the cooler core 2 solely through the first heat exchanger 3. In some examples, in the second operating state, the first throttling element 9 and / or the second throttling element 10 are open, allowing cooling to be provided to the cooler core 2 solely through the second heat exchanger 4, and also providing additional cooling to other thermal management components. Furthermore, by controlling the first throttling element 9 and the second throttling element 10, different thermal management modes described below can be easily implemented, making switching between thermal management modes simple and convenient.

[0054] It should be noted that Figures 1 to 9 only schematically depict the connection relationship of the thermal management system of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations and modifications are within the scope of protection of this disclosure as long as the coolant circuit can enable the cooler core to be selectively connected in series with the first heat exchanger and / or the second heat exchanger.

[0055] The various operating modes of the thermal management system of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The thermal management system of this disclosure can also have more modes than those shown in Figures 1 to 9. Figures 1 to 9 are illustrative examples, but these modes are equally applicable to other possible thermal management systems different from those shown in the figures. Dashed lines in the figures indicate that the circuit may or may not have fluid flow. Dotted lines in the figures indicate that there is no fluid flow in the circuit, while solid lines indicate that there is fluid flow in the circuit. Arrows on the circuits only schematically indicate the direction of fluid flow. Bidirectional arrows between valve ports indicate the opening of the corresponding valve port.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the thermal management system is in AC / AC+Chiller mode, where AC stands for air conditioning. In this mode, the thermal management system operates in a second state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 can be opened or closed, while the second throttling element 10 is open. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 1 releases heat at the condenser 11, and then flows sequentially through the dryer bottle 12 and the high-pressure flow channel 61 of the internal heat exchanger 6, reaching the first junction point J1. When the first throttling element 9 is open, at the first junction point J1, a portion of the refrigerant flows to the first throttling element 9, and another portion flows to the second throttling element 10. After being throttled and expanded by the first throttling element 9, the portion of the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, and then to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows back to the compressor 1. After being throttled and expanded by the second throttling element 10, the other portion of the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, and then to the low-pressure inlet 63 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. When the first throttling element 9 is closed, the refrigerant only flows to the second throttling element 10, and the subsequent flow is similar to that described above. The coolant in the second coolant circuit L2 flows through the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and the cooler core 2 under the action of the second pump 17. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and absorbs heat from the air flowing through it at the cooler core 2, thereby forming cold air to be delivered to the vehicle compartment. Alternatively, the first throttling element 9 can be opened. In this case, the coolant in the first coolant circuit L1 flows through the battery temperature regulating device 15 and the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 under the action of the first pump 18. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 and absorbs heat at the battery temperature regulating device 15, thereby cooling the vehicle battery, i.e., additionally realizing the Chiller mode. In addition, the third coolant circuit L3, the fourth coolant circuit L4, the seventh coolant circuit L7, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the eighth coolant circuit L8, and the fifth coolant circuit L5 are connected in sequence through the second valve 21, the third valve 22, the fourth valve 23, and the fifth valve 24 (the specific valve port connection is shown in the figure), thereby connecting the second heat exchange section 112 of the condenser 11, the heater core 13, the low-temperature radiator 16, and the motor assembly 14 in series in one circuit.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the thermal management system is in Chiller mode. In this mode, the thermal management system operates in a second state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is open while the second throttling element 10 is closed. The refrigerant flows only to the first throttling element 9 after passing through the first junction J1. After being throttled and expanded by the first throttling element 9, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, and then to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. The coolant in the first coolant circuit L1 flows through the battery temperature regulating device 15 and the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 under the action of the first pump 18. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 and absorbs heat at the battery temperature regulating device 15, thereby cooling the vehicle battery and achieving Chiller mode. The connections of other coolant circuits are similar to or the same as those in Figure 1, and will not be described further here.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the thermal management system is in the first AC dehumidification mode. In this mode, the thermal management system is in a second operating state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is closed while the second throttling element 10 is open. After flowing through the first junction J1, the refrigerant flows only to the second throttling element 10. After being throttled and expanded by the second throttling element 10, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, and then to the low-pressure inlet 63 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. The coolant in the second coolant circuit L2 flows through the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and the cooler core 2 under the action of the second pump 17. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and absorbs the heat of the air flowing through it at the cooler core 2, thus achieving dehumidification. Because the first throttling element 9 is closed, no refrigerant flows to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. However, the first pump 18 can also be turned on to pump coolant to the battery temperature regulating device 15, so that the coolant in the coolant circuit where the battery is located is circulated, so as to achieve the purpose of uniform temperature of various parts of the battery, that is, to achieve battery self-heating. The connection of other coolant circuits is similar to or the same as that in Figure 1, and will not be described again here.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the thermal management system is in the second AC dehumidification mode. In this mode, the thermal management system is in a first operating state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 are connected in series to form a loop, and the first throttling element 9 is open while the second throttling element 10 is closed. After flowing through the first junction J1, the refrigerant flows only to the first throttling element 9. After being throttled and expanded by the first throttling element 9, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, and then to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. The coolant in the first coolant circuit L1 flows through the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4, the cooler core 2, the battery temperature regulating device 15, and the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 under the action of the first pump 18 and / or the second pump 17. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3 and absorbs the heat of the air flowing through it at the cooler core 2, thus achieving dehumidification. In Figure 4, the third coolant circuit L3, the fourth coolant circuit L4, the seventh coolant circuit L7, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the eighth coolant circuit L8, and the fifth coolant circuit L5 are connected in sequence through the second valve 21, the third valve 22, the fourth valve 23, and the fifth valve 24 (the specific valve port connections are shown in the figure), thereby connecting the second heat exchange section 112 of the condenser 11, the heater core 13, the low-temperature radiator 16, and the motor assembly 14 in series in one circuit.

[0060] The difference between the second AC dehumidification mode and the first AC dehumidification mode is that the first AC dehumidification mode uses the second heat exchanger 4 to provide cooling for dehumidification, while the second AC dehumidification mode uses the first heat exchanger 3 to provide cooling for dehumidification. Therefore, the cooling provided for dehumidification is different, and it can be applied to different temperature environments, thereby improving the flexibility of the thermal management system of this disclosure.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the thermal management system is in another AC dehumidification mode. In this mode, the thermal management system is in a second operating state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is closed while the second throttling element 10 is open. After flowing through the first junction J1, the refrigerant flows only to the second throttling element 10. After being throttled and expanded by the second throttling element 10, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, and then to the low-pressure inlet 63 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. The coolant in the second coolant circuit L2 flows through the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and the cooler core 2 under the action of the second pump 17. The coolant releases heat at the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4 and absorbs the heat of the air flowing through it at the cooler core 2, thus achieving dehumidification. Because the first throttling element 9 is closed, no refrigerant flows to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. However, the first pump 18 is activated to pump coolant to the battery temperature regulating device 15, causing the coolant in the coolant circuit containing the battery to circulate, thereby achieving uniform temperature distribution throughout the battery, i.e., achieving self-heating of the battery. The connections of other coolant circuits are similar to or the same as those in Figure 1, and will not be described further here. Another AC dehumidification mode is a mode included in the first AC dehumidification mode shown in Figure 3.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the thermal management system is in heat pump dehumidification mode. In this mode, the thermal management system is in a second operating state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is open and the second throttling element 10 is activated. At the first junction J1, a portion of the refrigerant flows to the first throttling element 9, and another portion flows to the second throttling element 10. After being throttled and expanded by the first throttling element 9, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, and then to the middle inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. After being throttled and expanded by the second throttling element 10, the other portion of the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, and then to the low-pressure inlet 63 of the low-pressure flow channel 62 of the internal heat exchanger 6. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure flow channel 61, it flows to the compressor 1. In heat pump dehumidification mode, the first valve port 51 and the second valve port 52 of the first valve 5 are connected, and the third valve port 53 and the fourth valve port 54 of the first valve 5 are connected; the first valve port 211 of the second valve 21 is connected to the fourth valve port 214, and the second valve port 212 and the third valve port 213 of the second valve 21 are closed; the third valve port 223 of the third valve 22 is connected to the fourth valve port 234, and the first valve port 221 and the second valve port 222 of the third valve 22 are closed; the first valve port 231 of the fourth valve 23 is connected to the fourth valve port 234, and the second valve port 232 of the fourth valve 23 is connected to the third valve port 233; the first valve port 241 and the fourth valve port 244 of the fifth valve 24 are closed, and the second valve port 242 of the fifth valve 24 is connected to the third valve port 243. Thus, the second coolant circuit L2 forms an independent circuit; the third coolant circuit L3 forms an independent circuit; and a portion of the first coolant circuit L1 (i.e., the first coolant sub-circuit L11, the second coolant sub-circuit L12, and the third coolant sub-circuit L13 constituting it), the seventh coolant circuit L7, the sixth coolant circuit L6, and the eighth coolant circuit L8 form a series circuit. Alternatively, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the seventh coolant circuit L7, and the eighth coolant circuit L8 form a part of the first coolant circuit L1, such that the first coolant circuit L1 also includes a series-connected motor assembly 14 and a low-temperature radiator 16. In this mode, the cooler core 2 is opened to achieve dehumidification. Specifically, the heat of the coolant flowing through the cooler core 2 is absorbed by the refrigerant evaporating at the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, thus providing cooling capacity for dehumidification. For example, the coolant can absorb ambient heat at the low-temperature radiator 16. For example, the heat in the coolant can be transferred to the refrigerant circuit at the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the thermal management system is in heat pump mode. In this mode, the thermal management system operates in a second state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is open while the second throttling element 10 is closed. The difference from the mode shown in Figure 6 is that the cooler core 2 in Figure 7 is closed, i.e., it is not working.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, the thermal management system is in heat pump + battery cooling mode. In this mode, the thermal management system operates in a second state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 form independent circuits, and the first throttling element 9 is open while the second throttling element 10 is closed. The difference from the mode shown in Figure 7 is that in Figure 8, the first valve port 211 of the second valve 21 is connected to the fourth valve port 214, and the second valve port 212 and the third valve port 213 of the second valve 21 are connected; the first valve port 241 of the fifth valve 24 is connected to the second valve port 242, and the third valve port 243 of the fifth valve 24 is connected to the fourth valve port 244. Thus, the third coolant circuit L3 forms an independent circuit; a portion of the first coolant circuit L1 (i.e., the first coolant sub-circuit L11 and the third coolant sub-circuit L13 constituting it), the seventh coolant circuit L7, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the eighth coolant circuit L8, the fifth coolant circuit L5, the fourth coolant circuit L4, and a portion of the first coolant circuit L1 (i.e., the fourth coolant sub-circuit L14 and the second coolant sub-circuit L12 constituting it) form a series circuit. Alternatively, the fourth coolant circuit L4, the fifth coolant circuit L5, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the seventh coolant circuit L7, and the eighth coolant circuit L8 form a part of the first coolant circuit L1, such that the first coolant circuit L1 also includes a battery temperature regulating device 15, a motor assembly 14, and a low-temperature radiator 16 connected in series. For example, the coolant absorbs heat generated by the battery in the battery temperature regulating device 15 and releases this heat into the refrigerant circuit at the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3, thereby achieving battery cooling.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the thermal management system is in a fully open water circuit mode. In this mode, the thermal management system is in a first operating state where the first coolant circuit L1 and the second coolant circuit L2 are connected in series to form a single circuit, and both the first throttling element 9 and the second throttling element 10 are open. After flowing through the first junction J1, a portion of the refrigerant is throttled and expanded by the first throttling element 9 and flows to the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, while the other portion is throttled and expanded by the second throttling element 10 and flows to the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. In the fully open waterway mode, the first valve port 51 and the fourth valve port 54 of the first valve 5 are connected, and the second valve port 52 and the third valve port 53 of the first valve 5 are connected; the first valve port 211 and the second valve port 212 of the second valve 21 are connected, and the third valve port 213 and the fourth valve port 214 of the second valve 21 are connected; the third valve port 223 and the fourth valve port 234 of the third valve 22 are connected, and the first valve port 221 and the second valve port 222 of the third valve 22 are connected; the first valve port 231 and the fourth valve port 234 of the fourth valve 23 are connected, and the second valve port 232 and the third valve port 233 of the fourth valve 23 are connected; the first valve port 241 and the second valve port 242 of the fifth valve 24 are connected, and the third valve port 243 and the fourth valve port 244 of the fifth valve 24 are connected. In this way, the third coolant circuit L3, the fourth coolant circuit L4, a portion of the first coolant circuit L1 (i.e., the fourth coolant sub-circuit L14, the second coolant sub-circuit L12, and the first coolant sub-circuit L11 constituting it), the second coolant circuit L2, a portion of the first coolant circuit L1 (i.e., the third coolant sub-circuit L13 constituting it), the seventh coolant circuit L7, the sixth coolant circuit L6, the eighth coolant circuit L8, and the fifth coolant circuit L5 are sequentially connected to form a single circuit, thereby connecting the second heat exchange section 112 of the condenser 11, the heater core 13, the battery temperature regulating device 15, the second heat exchange section 32 of the first heat exchanger 3, the second heat exchange section 42 of the second heat exchanger 4, the cooler core 2, the low-temperature radiator 16, and the motor assembly 14 in series in one circuit. Optionally, multiple temperature measuring sensors, denoted by T, can be installed on the coolant circuit. Optionally, a flow meter, represented by M, may be installed on the second coolant sub-circuit L12 and / or the third coolant circuit L3 and / or the second coolant circuit L2.

[0066] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate variations of the thermal management system according to this disclosure, and only portions of the refrigerant circuit are shown schematically. Except for the internal heat exchanger, the thermal management system shown in Figures 10 and 11 may have the same or similar construction and arrangement as those shown in Figures 1 through 9.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, instead of a single internal heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger 6 of the thermal management system according to this disclosure includes a first internal heat exchanger 7 and a second internal heat exchanger 8 arranged in series. The first internal heat exchanger 7 has a high-pressure flow channel 71 and a low-pressure flow channel 72. The low-pressure flow channel 72 has a low-pressure inlet 73 and a low-pressure outlet 74 at its two ends, and the high-pressure flow channel 71 has a high-pressure inlet 76 and a high-pressure outlet 77 at its two ends. The second internal heat exchanger 8 has a high-pressure flow channel 81 and a low-pressure flow channel 82. The low-pressure flow channel 82 has a low-pressure inlet 83 and a low-pressure outlet 84 at its two ends, and the high-pressure flow channel 81 has a high-pressure inlet 86 and a high-pressure outlet 87 at its two ends. The intermediate inlet 65 of the low-pressure flow channel described above is located between the low-pressure inlet 73 of the first internal heat exchanger 7 and the low-pressure outlet 84 of the second internal heat exchanger 8, for example, in a pipe between them, and can be implemented, for example, through a tee structure.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 10, when the first heat exchanger 3 is working, only the first internal heat exchanger 7 is working, that is, only one internal heat exchanger is active; when the second heat exchanger 4 is working, both the first internal heat exchanger 7 and the second internal heat exchanger 8 can work, that is, both internal heat exchangers are active simultaneously. Different cooling capacities shown in Figures 1 to 9 can also be achieved by connecting at least two internal heat exchangers in series in this way.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, instead of a single internal heat exchanger, the thermal management system according to this disclosure includes a first internal heat exchanger 7 and a second internal heat exchanger 8 arranged in parallel in the refrigerant circuit. Their construction is similar to that in Figure 10 and will not be described again here. The first internal heat exchanger 7 is connected in series with the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3. The second internal heat exchanger 8 is connected in series with the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4. Furthermore, a second junction J2 is provided on the refrigerant circuit, which is connected to the low-pressure outlet 74 of the low-pressure flow channel 72 of the first internal heat exchanger 7 and the low-pressure outlet 84 of the low-pressure flow channel 82 of the second internal heat exchanger 8. For example, the refrigerant flowing through the first junction J1 can selectively flow sequentially through the high-pressure flow channel 71 of the first internal heat exchanger 7, the first throttling element 9, the first heat exchange section 31 of the first heat exchanger 3, the low-pressure flow channel 72 of the first internal heat exchanger 7, and the second junction J2, before returning to the compressor 1. For example, the refrigerant flowing through the first junction J1 can sequentially flow through the high-pressure channel 81 of the second internal heat exchanger 8, the second throttling element 10, the first heat exchange section 41 of the second heat exchanger 4, the low-pressure channel 82 of the second internal heat exchanger 8, and the second junction J2, and then return to the compressor 1. This can be achieved by opening the throttling element.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 11, when the first internal heat exchanger 7 and / or the second internal heat exchanger 8 are working, the associated internal heat exchanger is working, thereby enabling the different cooling capacities shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0071] For example, the power of the first internal heat exchanger 7 and the power of the second internal heat exchanger 8 may be different. Different cooling capacities can be achieved by operating either the first internal heat exchanger 7 or the second internal heat exchanger 8. As described above with reference to Figures 1 and 9, in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11 or variations thereof, it is also possible that when the second heat exchanger 4 is operating, the first internal heat exchanger 7 and the second internal heat exchanger 8 are turned on, i.e., operational.

[0072] In some other examples, the first coolant circuit L1 may be equipped with a motor assembly 14 instead of the battery temperature regulating device 15 shown in Figures 1 to 9. This can be achieved by modifying the connections of the various multi-way valves and wiring. Furthermore, in some other examples, the first coolant circuit L1 may be equipped with both the motor assembly 14 and the battery temperature regulating device 15.

[0073] As described above, the thermal management system of this disclosure arranges the first and second heat exchangers in parallel, connecting them respectively to internal heat exchange structures with different heat exchange capacities. Furthermore, the first and second heat exchangers are connected in series with the cooler core of the coolant circuit. This allows for the selective activation of either the first or second heat exchanger based on the cooling demand of the cooler core, for example, by activating a corresponding throttling mechanism. Such a thermal management system can save energy while meeting cooling requirements. In addition, the thermal management system of this disclosure is highly flexible, capable of implementing multiple modes, and allows for convenient and free switching between modes.

[0074] The technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations of the disclosed features with other features. Those skilled in the art can also make other combinations of the technical features according to the purpose of the invention, in order to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, wherein, The thermal management system includes: A refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit is equipped with a compressor (1); Coolant circuit, wherein the coolant circuit is provided with a cooler core (2); A first heat exchanger (3), the first heat exchanger having a first heat exchange section (31) disposed in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section (32) disposed in the coolant circuit; and The second heat exchanger (4) has a first heat exchange section (41) disposed in the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section (42) disposed in the coolant circuit. The first heat exchange section (31) of the first heat exchanger (3) and the first heat exchange section (41) of the second heat exchanger (4) are arranged in parallel. in, The coolant circuit includes a first coolant circuit (L1) and a second coolant circuit (L2). The first coolant circuit (L1) is provided with a second heat exchange section (32) of the first heat exchanger (3). The second coolant circuit (L2) is connected in series with the second heat exchange section (42) of the second heat exchanger (4) and the cooler core (2). The thermal management system has a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first working state, the first coolant circuit (L1) and the second coolant circuit (L2) are connected in series to form a circuit, wherein the cooler core (2) is connected in series with the second heat exchange section (32) of the first heat exchanger (3); In the second operating state, the first coolant circuit (L1) and the second coolant circuit (L2) each form an independent circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal management system also includes a first valve (5) having multiple valve ports. The two ends of the first coolant circuit (L1) are respectively connected to the first valve port (51) and the second valve port (52) of the first valve (5). The two ends of the second coolant circuit (L2) are respectively connected to the third valve port (53) and the fourth valve port (54) of the first valve (5).

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein, In the first working state, the first valve port (51) and the fourth valve port (54) of the first valve (5) are connected, and the second valve port (52) and the third valve port (53) of the first valve (5) are connected. In the second working state, the first valve port (51) and the second valve port (52) of the first valve (5) are connected, and the third valve port (53) and the fourth valve port (54) of the first valve (5) are connected.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal management system further includes an internal heat exchanger (6) disposed in the refrigerant circuit, the internal heat exchanger having a high-pressure flow channel (61) and a low-pressure flow channel (62). The low-pressure flow channel (62) has a low-pressure inlet (63) and a low-pressure outlet (64) at both ends thereon, and an intermediate inlet (65) located between the low-pressure inlet (63) and the low-pressure outlet (64). The outlet of the first heat exchange section (31) of the first heat exchanger (3) is connected to the intermediate inlet (65). The outlet of the first heat exchange section (41) of the second heat exchanger (4) is connected to the low-pressure inlet (63).

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein, The internal heat exchanger (6) includes a first internal heat exchanger (7) and a second internal heat exchanger (8) arranged in series. The intermediate inlet (65) is located between the low-pressure inlet (73) of the first internal heat exchanger (7) and the low-pressure outlet (84) of the second internal heat exchanger (8).

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal management system also includes a first internal heat exchanger (7) and a second internal heat exchanger (8) arranged in parallel in the refrigerant circuit. The first internal heat exchanger (7) is connected in series with the first heat exchange section (31) of the first heat exchanger (3). The second internal heat exchanger (8) is connected in series with the first heat exchange section (41) of the second heat exchanger (4).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The power of the first internal heat exchanger (7) is different from that of the second internal heat exchanger (8).

8. The thermal management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, When the second heat exchanger (4) is working, the first internal heat exchanger (7) and the second internal heat exchanger (8) are turned on.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The thermal management system further includes a first throttling element (9) connected in series upstream of the first heat exchange section (31) of the first heat exchanger (3) and a second throttling element (10) connected in series upstream of the first heat exchange section (41) of the second heat exchanger (4).

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein, In the first operating state, the second throttling element (10) is turned off.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein, In the second operating state, the first throttling element (9) and / or the second throttling element (10) are turned on.

12. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first heat exchanger (3) is a cooler; and / or The second heat exchanger (4) is a cooler; and / or The cooler core (2) is the cooling core in the vehicle air conditioning system.

13. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first coolant circuit (L1) is also provided with a battery temperature regulating device (15) and / or a motor assembly (14).

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