Heat medium circuit

Abstract

[Problem] Air conditioning systems of electric vehicles and the like have a problem in that immediately after a vehicular air conditioner is started, a heat medium that had been stored in a reserve tank is at a relatively high temperature, and therefore a cooling effect cannot be exhibited fully until the water temperature drops to a certain extent, the required cabin air temperature is not met, and comfort is impaired for a vehicle occupant. [Solution] A reserve tank according to the present invention has: a plurality of chambers including an inflow chamber provided with an inflow part into which a heat medium flows, an outflow chamber provided with an outflow part from which the heat medium flows out, and at least one intermediate chamber; a plurality of partition walls that separate the plurality of chambers; and a plurality of communicating parts, each of which is provided in a respectively corresponding partition wall and through which the heat medium flows. Furthermore, the reserve tank has a specific chamber adjacent to one of the plurality of chambers, and a specific communicating part comprising an on–off valve is provided in a specific partition wall that separates the specific chamber and one of the plurality of chambers.

Description

Heat medium circuit

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat medium circuit.

[0002] Vehicles such as electric vehicles are provided with a reserve tank to absorb expansion and contraction due to temperature changes or pressure changes of the heat medium flowing through the cold water circuit, hot water circuit, and battery circuit. Also, in the reserve tank, the gas mixed in the heat medium is separated.

[0003] For example, in the cooling mode, the heat medium cooled by the refrigeration unit is sent to the air conditioning unit and exchanges heat with the passing air, so that the blown air temperature of the in-vehicle air conditioner can be set to the passenger's required value (for example, 3°C). Then, the heat medium that has absorbed heat in the air conditioning unit circulates through the cold water circuit via the reserve tank and the pressure pump, and is cooled again by the refrigeration unit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The conventional reserve tank 100 is composed of, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a tank body 102, an inflow portion 106 where the heat medium flows in from the heat medium flow path, an outflow portion 108 where the heat medium flows out from the tank body 102 to the heat medium flow path, and a pressure cap 104 for adjusting the air pressure inside the tank body 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the tank body 102 is partitioned into a plurality of rooms (110, 112, 114a, 114b) by partitions 116 (116a to 116d). The inflow room 110 is provided with the inflow portion 106, and the heat medium flows into the inflow room 110 from the heat medium flow path. The outflow room 112 is provided with the outflow portion 108, and the heat medium flows out from the outflow room 112 to the heat medium flow path.

[0005] In addition to the inflow room 110 and the outflow room 112, the reserve tank 100 has, for example, two intermediate rooms 114 (114a, 114b). Therefore, the reserve tank 100 illustrated in FIG. 9 is composed of a total of four rooms. The adjacent rooms are separated by partitions 116 (116a to 116d).

[0006] Communication sections 118 (118a to 118c) are formed in partitions 116a to 116c other than partition 116d between the inlet chamber 110 and the outlet chamber 112. The heat transfer medium can circulate to the adjacent chamber through the communication sections 118 (118a to 118c).

[0007] The flow of the heat transfer medium in the reserve tank 100 is as follows. The heat transfer medium that flows into the tank body 102 from the inlet 106 flows through the connecting section 118 (118a to 118c) in the order of the inlet chamber 110, intermediate chamber 114a, intermediate chamber 114b, and outlet chamber 112, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 9, and flows out into the heat transfer medium flow path. In this flow process, as shown in Figure 10, gases such as air mixed in with the heat transfer medium are separated and rise, forming a gas phase layer 120, and the heat transfer medium flows below it as a liquid phase layer 122. In Figure 10, the boundary between the gas phase layer 120 and the liquid phase layer 122 is shown by a dashed line.

[0008] Furthermore, the heights at which the connecting portions 118 (118a to 118c) provided in the partition walls 116a to 116c are arranged are formed to be at different heights, as shown in Figure 10. This promotes the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-19157

[0010] However, as the heat transfer medium passes through the reserve tank 100, the incoming heat transfer medium mixes and exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium stored in the reserve tank 100 before being discharged. Therefore, immediately after starting the vehicle's air conditioning system in the summer, the heat transfer medium stored in the reserve tank 100 is at a relatively high temperature, so the cooling effect cannot be exerted until the water temperature drops to a certain extent, failing to meet the required cabin temperature and compromising the comfort of the vehicle occupants. Conversely, in winter, the heat transfer medium stored in the reserve tank 100 is at a relatively low temperature, so the heating effect cannot be exerted until the water temperature rises to a certain extent, a problem that also manifested when starting the heating mode.

[0011] To solve these problems, the heat transfer medium circuit according to the present invention has the following configuration.

[0012] A heat transfer medium circuit comprising a heat transfer medium flow path comprising: a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat transfer medium and a refrigerant; an air conditioning unit that exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium and air and supplies the heat-exchanged air into the vehicle interior; and a reserve tank, wherein the reserve tank comprises a plurality of rooms including an inlet room provided with an inlet section for the inflow of the heat transfer medium, an outlet room provided with an outlet section for the outflow of the heat transfer medium, and at least one intermediate room; a plurality of partition walls separating the plurality of rooms; and a plurality of communication sections provided in the corresponding partition walls through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein the reserve tank further comprises a specific room adjacent to one of the plurality of rooms, and a specific communication section equipped with an on / off valve is provided in the specific partition wall separating the specific room from one of the plurality of rooms.

[0013] According to the present invention, which has these features, it is possible to meet the requirements for the in-cabin air conditioning temperature without delay, even immediately after starting up the vehicle air conditioning system, thereby providing comfortable air conditioning for the occupants.

[0014] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system including a heat transfer medium circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a reserve tank according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 2. This is a side view of a reserve tank according to the second embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 5. This is a side view of a conventional reserve tank. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Figure 8. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in Figure 8.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is illustrative of an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] Furthermore, the dimensional relationships of each element in the drawings are for the purpose of facilitating understanding and are not intended to restrict the actual dimensional ratios.

[0017] The heat transfer medium circuit 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, for example, to a vehicle air conditioning system 1 mounted in a vehicle that provides air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and controls the temperature of in-vehicle equipment. As illustrated in Figure 1, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 comprises a refrigeration unit R which serves as a heat source, a heat transfer medium circuit 3 which circulates a heat transfer medium whose temperature is controlled by heat exchange with a refrigerant, and an air conditioning unit 20 which supplies air whose temperature has been controlled by the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit 3 into the vehicle cabin.

[0018] The refrigeration unit R is a closed circuit that circulates refrigerant, with a compressor 10, condenser 12, expansion valve 14, evaporator 16, and accumulator 18 sequentially connected by refrigerant piping. Alternatively, the refrigeration unit R may have a circuit that includes, for example, a receiver tank downstream of the condenser 12.

[0019] The heat transfer circuit 3 is composed of a low-temperature heat transfer fluid channel 23, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid channel 24, and a temperature-controlled heat transfer fluid channel 25.

[0020] The low-temperature heat transfer medium flow path 23 is integrated with the evaporator 16 in the refrigeration unit R and includes a low-temperature heat exchanger 26 (cooling section) that performs heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and the refrigerant. The heat transfer medium, which is pumped by the pressure pump 22a, becomes cold due to the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator 16 of the refrigeration unit R as it passes through the low-temperature heat exchanger 26 and circulates.

[0021] The cooled heat transfer medium is sent to the air conditioning unit 20, where it exchanges heat with the air passing through the unit, thereby cooling the air. By supplying the air cooled by the air conditioning unit 20 into the vehicle interior, the vehicle interior can be cooled.

[0022] Subsequently, the heat transfer medium flows through the reserve tank 40a and is again pumped back to the low-temperature heat exchanger 26 by the pressure pump 22a, thus circulating and forming a chilled water circuit.

[0023] The high-temperature heat transfer fluid channel 24 is integrated with the condenser 12 in the refrigeration unit R and includes a high-temperature heat exchanger 27 (heating section) that performs heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid, which is pumped by the pressure pump 22b, becomes hot due to the heat dissipation of the refrigerant in the condenser 12 in the refrigeration unit R as it passes through the high-temperature heat exchanger 27 and circulates.

[0024] The heated heat transfer medium is sent to the air conditioning unit 20, where it exchanges heat with the air passing through the unit, thereby heating the air. The heat transfer medium circuit 3 illustrated in Figure 1 shows the operation during dehumidifying cooling.

[0025] Subsequently, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid passage 24 is connected to the temperature-controlled heat transfer fluid passage 25. The heat transfer fluid then passes through the radiator 32 and the motor cooling unit 31, which controls the temperature of the drive motor, and flows through the reserve tank 40b. It is then pumped to the high-temperature heat exchanger 27 by the pressure pump 22b, and the circulation is repeated.

[0026] The ECH 33 and the battery cooling unit 30, which controls the temperature of the battery in the electric vehicle, are located on a temperature-controlled heat transfer medium flow path 25, separate from the motor cooling unit 31, and the refrigerant cooled by the low-temperature heat exchanger 26 circulates sequentially through them. A reserve tank 40c and a pressure pump 22c are located between the low-temperature heat exchanger 26 and the ECH 33, respectively, and the heat transfer medium is pumped by the pressure pump 22c.

[0027] In addition, the heat transfer fluid circuit 3 is equipped with a three-way valve 34, a four-way valve 35, an eight-way valve 36, a three-way joint 37, etc., which are used to control the hot water flow circuit as appropriate.

[0028] (First Embodiment) The reserve tanks 40a, 40b, and 40c according to the present invention are used, for example, when air conditioning is being used indoors. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 2 to 4, with the reserve tank 40a being used as an example during cooling.

[0029] A reserve tank 40a according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2 for example, comprises a tank body 42, an inlet 46 through which heat transfer fluid flows in from a heat transfer fluid channel, an outlet 47 through which heat transfer fluid flows out of the tank body 42 into the heat transfer fluid channel, and a pressure cap 44 for adjusting the air pressure inside the tank body 42. As shown in Figure 3, the tank body 42 is divided into a plurality of chambers (48, 49, 50a, 50b) by partition walls 52 (52a to 52d). An inlet 46 is provided in the inlet chamber 48, and heat transfer fluid flows into the inlet chamber 48 from the heat transfer fluid channel. An outlet 47 is provided in the outlet chamber 49, and heat transfer fluid flows out of the outlet chamber 49 into the heat transfer fluid channel.

[0030] In addition to the inlet chamber 48 and outlet chamber 49, the reserve tank 40a has, for example, two intermediate chambers 50 (50a, 50b) and a specific chamber 60. Therefore, the reserve tank 40a illustrated in Figure 3 has a total of five chambers. Furthermore, adjacent chambers are separated by partition walls 52 (52a to 52d) and a specific partition wall 62. Note that the number of intermediate chambers 50 (50a, 50b) is not limited to two, and the number of chambers can be adjusted as needed by increasing the number of partition walls 52 (52a to 52d).

[0031] The sizes (capacities) of the multiple chambers 48, 49, 50a, and 50b within the reserve tank 40a are set to the minimum size necessary for gas-liquid separation of the heat transfer medium of the vehicle air conditioning system 1.

[0032] Communication sections 54 (54a to 54c) are formed in partitions 52a to 52c other than partition 52d between the inlet room 48 and the outlet room 49. The heat transfer medium can circulate to the adjacent room through the communication sections 54 (54a to 54c).

[0033] The reserve tank 40a has one of several rooms (48, 49, 50a, 50b) and an adjacent specific room 60.

[0034] A specific partition wall 62 separating a specific room 60 from an adjacent room is provided with a specific communication section 66 controlled by an on-off valve 64. The control unit 90 controls the on-off valve 64 to control the flow of the heat transfer medium between the two rooms. Furthermore, the specific partition wall 62 is made of insulating material, which suppresses heat conduction between the specific room 60 and the room adjacent to it. The size of the specific room 60 is such that it can absorb the expansion and contraction of the heat transfer medium due to seasonal changes in water temperature and pressure, which would be insufficient with just multiple rooms (48, 49, 50a, 50b).

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 3, the specific room 60 is adjacent to the intermediate room 50b. However, the room adjacent to the specific room 60 is not limited to this; any room within the reserve tank 40a is acceptable, for example, the intermediate room 50a or the inflow room 48.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the heights of the connecting sections 54 (54a to 54c) and specific connecting sections 66 provided in the partition walls 52a to 52c are formed to be different from each other. This promotes the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the upper edges a of the partition walls 52 (52a to 52d) and the specific partition wall 62 and the upper inner wall surface b of the reserve tank 40a are spaced apart by a predetermined length, allowing air to circulate. With this configuration, when the on / off valve 64 is in the open position, the liquid levels of the heat transfer fluid in all rooms, including the specific room 60, can be made equal.

[0038] The flow of the heat transfer medium in the reserve tank 40a when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started is as follows:

[0039] When the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started, the pressure pump 22a is started, and the control unit 90 controls the on-off valve 64 to a closed state. Therefore, the heat transfer medium that flows into the tank body 42 from the inlet 46 flows through the communication section 54 (54a to 54c) in the order of the inlet chamber 48, intermediate chamber 50a, intermediate chamber 50b, and outlet chamber 49, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 3, and flows out into the heat transfer medium flow path. In this flow process, as shown in Figure 4, gases such as air mixed in with the heat transfer medium are separated from the heat transfer medium and rise, forming a gas phase layer 56. The heat transfer medium flows below it as a liquid phase layer 58. In Figure 4, the boundary between the gas phase layer 56 and the liquid phase layer 58 is shown by a dashed line.

[0040] When the vehicle air conditioner 1 is started, the rooms in the reserve tank 40a through which the heat medium flows are only the rooms 48, 49, 50a, and 50b formed to have the minimum size necessary for gas-liquid separation. Compared with the conventional reserve tank 100, the size (capacity) is smaller, so the amount of the stored heat medium is also smaller. Further, since the specific partition wall 62 between the adjacent specific room 60 is formed of a heat insulating material, it is not affected by the conducted heat from the specific room 60. Therefore, the time until the water temperature at the start of the vehicle air conditioner 1 drops can be significantly shortened. Thus, it is possible to respond to the vehicle interior temperature required by the occupant without delay, and it is possible to improve the comfort of the occupant.

[0041] Next, the flow of the heat medium in the reserve tank 40a after a predetermined time has elapsed will be described.

[0042] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the vehicle air conditioner 1 and it is regarded that the interior air conditioning has stabilized to some extent, or when the water temperatures of the plurality of rooms 48, 49, 50a, and 50b in the reserve tank 40a have dropped, the control unit 90 sets the on-off valve 64 to the open state. By setting the on-off valve 64 to the open state, the heat medium can flow to the specific room 60, so it is possible to absorb the expansion and contraction due to the change in the water temperature and pressure of the heat medium in the specific room 60. Also, since the water temperature of the specific room 60 gradually drops, it is possible to store cold water in the specific room 60.

[0043] As the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the vehicle air conditioner 1 and the control unit 90 changes the on-off valve 64 from the closed state to the open state, a plurality of timings are assumed.

[0044] For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pressure pump 22a, when the temperature of the heat medium and the air conditioning temperature are monitored and the temperature difference from the required temperature of the passenger becomes a predetermined value or less, or a combination thereof. Also, when the water temperatures of the plurality of rooms 48, 49, 50a, and 50b in the reserve tank 40a are monitored and reach a predetermined temperature corresponding to the required temperature of the passenger, and the like.

[0045] In addition, when cold water is stored in the specific room 60 and the vehicle air conditioner 1 is started again within a predetermined time after the engine is stopped, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the on-off valve 64 is not closed. This is because, within the predetermined time after the engine is stopped, the heat medium in the specific room 60 is still in a low-temperature state, and there is no need to separate the specific room 60.

[0046] With the above configuration, when the on-off valve 64 is in the closed state, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circuit 3 is not mixed and heat-exchanged with the heat medium stored in the specific room 60. Therefore, immediately after the vehicle air conditioner 1 is started, the heat capacity of the circulating heat medium can be reduced. As a result, the cooling responsiveness of the room air conditioner can be improved. In addition, since the energy consumption of the refrigeration unit R immediately after the vehicle air conditioner 1 is started can be suppressed, the energy-saving effect is improved. Also, since the specific room 60 can be enlarged without worrying about the cooling responsiveness, it is possible to cope with the thermal expansion and contraction of a large-capacity heat medium.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) The reserve tanks 70a, 70b, 70c (see FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention are used, for example, during room air conditioning. Hereinafter, similar to the first embodiment, taking the reserve tank 70a during cooling as an example, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0048] The reserve tank 70a according to the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical tank body 71, a pressure cap 72 for adjusting the air pressure in the tank body 71, an inflow portion 73 through which the heat medium flows in from the heat medium flow path, and an outflow portion 74 through which the heat medium flows out from the tank body 71 to the heat medium flow path.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the tank body 71 includes two rooms arranged vertically and separated by a specific partition wall 82.

[0050] The chamber located at the bottom is a centrifugal separation chamber 75 equipped with a centrifugal gas-liquid separation mechanism. As shown by the dotted lines in Figures 6 and 7, the heat transfer medium flowing in from the heat transfer medium channel swirls within the centrifugal separation chamber 75, flowing in roughly concentric circles, and the gas contained in the heat transfer medium is separated due to the difference in centrifugal force between the gas and the heat transfer medium.

[0051] Therefore, the inlet 73 and outlet 74 are arranged in a direction tangent to the circular inner wall surface of the cylindrical centrifugal separation chamber 75 (a direction perpendicular to the diameter of the cylinder), that is, in the tangential direction to the inner wall surface. They are also arranged in harmony with the rotational direction of the heat transfer medium. The inlet 73 and outlet 74 are provided at different heights to enhance the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0052] Furthermore, the centrifugal separation chamber 75 is made to the minimum size necessary for gas-liquid separation of the heat transfer medium in the vehicle air conditioning system 1. By making it the minimum size necessary, it is possible to shorten the cooling time when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started up.

[0053] A specific room 80 is provided above the centrifugal separation chamber 75. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is stored in the specific room 80.

[0054] A truncated cone-shaped air intake section 76, with openings at both ends, is provided in the central part of the specific partition wall 82. The heat transfer medium can circulate between the centrifugal separation chamber 75 and the specific chamber 80 through the air intake section 76. The air separated from the heat transfer medium moves vertically upward through the air intake section 76.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the collection of the air separated in the centrifugal separation chamber 75 into the air intake section 76, the specific partition wall 82 may be formed in a gently convex shape.

[0056] A specific partition wall 82 separating the centrifugal separation chamber 75 from an adjacent specific room 80 is provided with a specific communication section 86 controlled by an on-off valve 84. The control unit 90 controls the on-off valve 84 to control the flow of the heat transfer medium between the two rooms. Furthermore, the specific partition wall 82 is made of insulating material to suppress heat conduction between the specific room 80 and the centrifugal separation chamber 75 adjacent to the specific room 80. The size of the specific room 80 is such that it can absorb the expansion and contraction of the heat transfer medium due to seasonal changes in water temperature and pressure, which would be insufficient with only the centrifugal separation chamber 75. In addition, a predetermined distance is maintained between the upper surface of the heat transfer medium stored in the specific room 80 and the upper inner wall surface of the reserve tank 70a to prevent the heat transfer medium from overflowing from the reserve tank 70a. In Figure 6, the upper surface of the heat transfer medium is shown by a dashed line.

[0057] The flow of the heat transfer medium in the reserve tank 70a when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started is as follows:

[0058] When the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started, the pressure pump 22a is started, and the control unit 90 controls the on-off valve 84 to a closed state. Therefore, the heat transfer medium that flows from the inlet 73 into the tank body 71 flows through the centrifugal separation chamber 75 in roughly concentric circles, as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 6 and 7. At this time, the gas contained in the heat transfer medium is separated due to the difference in centrifugal force with the heat transfer medium.

[0059] Thus, when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started, the only chamber in the reserve tank 70a through which the heat transfer medium flows is a centrifugal separation chamber 75 formed to the minimum necessary size for gas-liquid separation. Compared to a conventional reserve tank 100, its size (capacity) is smaller, so the amount of heat transfer medium mixed and exchanged with the stored heat transfer medium is also smaller than in the conventional system. Furthermore, since the specific partition wall 82 between the adjacent specific chamber 80 is made of insulating material, it is not affected by conductive heat from the specific chamber 80. As a result, the time it takes for the water temperature to drop when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is started can be significantly reduced. Consequently, it is possible to respond without delay to the in-cabin temperature requested by the occupants, thereby improving occupant comfort.

[0060] Next, we will explain the flow of the heat transfer medium in the reserve tank 70a after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the vehicle air conditioning system 1.

[0061] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle air conditioning system 1 was started and the indoor air conditioning temperature is deemed to have stabilized to a certain extent, or when the water temperature in the centrifugal separation chamber 75 in the reserve tank 70a has decreased, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valve 84. By opening the on-off valve 84, the heat transfer medium can circulate with the specific chamber 80, allowing the specific chamber 80 to absorb the expansion and contraction of the heat transfer medium due to changes in water temperature and pressure. Also, since the water temperature in the specific chamber 80 gradually decreases, it becomes possible to store chilled water in the specific chamber 80.

[0062] There are several possible timings for when the control unit 90 changes the on / off valve 84 from the closed state to the open state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle air conditioning system 1 was started.

[0063] For example, this could occur when a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressure pump 22a started, or when the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the air conditioning temperature, as monitored, falls below a predetermined value, or a combination thereof. Another example is when the water temperature in the centrifugal separation chamber 75 in the reserve tank 70a is monitored and reaches a predetermined temperature corresponding to the passenger's requested temperature.

[0064] Furthermore, if chilled water is stored in the designated room 80, and the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is restarted within a predetermined time after the engine has stopped, it is also possible to configure the system so that the on-off valve 84 is not closed. This is because, within a predetermined time after the engine has stopped, the heat transfer medium in the designated room 80 is still at a low temperature, so there is no need to separate the designated room 80.

[0065] With the above configuration, when the on / off valve 84 is closed, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium circuit 3 is not mixed with or heat-exchanged with the heat transfer medium stored in the specific room 80. Therefore, immediately after starting up the vehicle air conditioning system 1, the heat capacity of the circulating heat transfer medium is reduced. Consequently, it is possible to improve the cooling responsiveness of the indoor air conditioning. In addition, the energy consumption of the refrigeration unit R immediately after starting up the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is reduced, thus improving energy saving effects. Furthermore, since the specific room 80 can be enlarged without worrying about cooling responsiveness, it can accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of large-capacity heat transfer medium.

[0066] In this embodiment, the explanation was given using the cooling mode as an example, but it is not limited to this, and the same applies to the heating mode. Also, although the explanation was given using reserve tanks 40a and 70a as examples, the same applies to reserve tanks 40b, 40c, 70b, and 70c.

[0067] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows the reserve tank of the present invention applied to a vehicle air conditioning system 1, it is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a heat exchanger used in an air conditioning system for the interior of a building.

[0068] Furthermore, any changes to the design, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in this invention.

[0069] 1: Vehicle air conditioning system, 3: Heat transfer fluid circuit, 10: Compressor, 12: Condenser, 14: Expansion valve, 16: Evaporator, 18: Accumulator, 20: Air conditioning unit, 22 (22a-22c): Pressure pump, 23: Low-temperature heat transfer fluid passage, 24: High-temperature heat transfer fluid passage, 25: Heat transfer fluid passage for temperature control, 26: Low-temperature heat exchanger, 27: High-temperature heat exchanger, 30: Battery cooling section, 31: Motor cooling section, 32: Radiator, 33: ECH, 34: 3-way valve, 35: 4-way valve, 36: 8-way valve, 37: 3-way joint, 40 (40a-40c): Reserve tank, 42: Tank body, 44: Pressure cap, 46: Inlet, 47: Outlet, 48: Inlet chamber, 49: Outlet chamber, 50 (50a, 50b): Intermediate chamber, 52 (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d): Partition wall, 54 (54a, 54b, 54c): Communication section, 56: Gas phase layer, 58: Liquid phase layer, 60: Specific chamber, 62: Specific partition wall, 64: On / off valve, 66: Specific communication section, 70 (70a-70c): Reserve tank, 71: Tank body, 72: Pressure cap, 73: Inlet, 74: Outlet, 75: Centrifugal separation chamber, 76: Air intake section, 80: Specific chamber, 82: Specific partition wall, 84: On / off valve, 86: Specific communication section, 90: Control unit, 100: Reserve tank, 102: Tank body, 104: Pressure cap, 106: Inlet, 108: Outlet, 110: Inlet chamber, 112: Outlet chamber, 114 (114a, 114b): Intermediate chamber, 116 (116a-116d): Partition wall, 118 (118a-118c): Connecting section, 120: Gas phase layer, 122: Liquid phase layer, R: Refrigeration unit

Claims

1. A heat transfer medium circuit comprising a heat transfer medium flow path comprising: a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat transfer medium and a refrigerant; an air conditioning unit that exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium and air and supplies the heat-exchanged air into the vehicle interior; and a reserve tank, wherein the reserve tank comprises a plurality of rooms including: an inlet chamber provided with an inlet section for the inflow of the heat transfer medium; an outlet chamber provided with an outlet section for the outflow of the heat transfer medium; and at least one intermediate chamber; a plurality of partition walls separating the plurality of rooms; and a plurality of communication sections provided in the corresponding partition walls through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein the reserve tank further comprises a specific room adjacent to one of the plurality of rooms, and a specific communication section equipped with an on / off valve is provided in the specific partition wall separating the specific room from one of the plurality of rooms.

2. A heat transfer medium circuit comprising a heat transfer medium flow path, the heat transfer medium having a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a heat transfer medium and a refrigerant, an air conditioning unit for exchanging heat between the heat transfer medium and air and supplying the heat-exchanged air to the vehicle interior, and a reserve tank, wherein the reserve tank has a chamber equipped with a centrifugal gas-liquid separation mechanism, the chamber equipped with the centrifugal gas-liquid separation mechanism is provided with an inlet for the heat transfer medium to flow in and an outlet for the heat transfer medium to flow out, a specific chamber separated by a specific partition wall is adjacent to the upper part of the chamber equipped with the centrifugal gas-liquid separation mechanism, a frustoconical air intake section with open ends is provided in the central part of the specific partition wall, and a specific communication section equipped with an on / off valve is provided in the specific partition wall.

3. The heat transfer medium circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specific partition wall is formed of an insulating material.

4. The heat transfer medium circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat transfer medium circuit comprises a pressure pump and a control unit, and the control unit closes the on / off valve when the pressure pump is started.

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