Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed are a thermal management system (400) and a vehicle (1000), the thermal management system (400) comprising a refrigerant circuit (50), a first heat exchange circuit (60), a second heat exchange circuit (70), and a third heat exchange circuit (80). The refrigerant circuit (50) is connected to the first heat exchange circuit (60) and the second heat exchange circuit (70) by means of a first heat exchanger (62). The first heat exchange circuit (60) comprises a heating core (61) for heating a passenger compartment, and the second heat exchange circuit (70) is used for exchanging heat with a battery (100). The first heat exchange circuit (60) and the second heat exchange circuit (70) are connected to the third heat exchange circuit (80) by means of a second heat exchanger (81), and the third heat exchange circuit (80) is used for exchanging heat with a range extender (500). The third heat exchange circuit (80) is used for transferring heat from the range extender (500) to the first heat exchange circuit (60) and the second heat exchange circuit (70) by means of the second heat exchanger (81), so that the heat of the range extender (500) heats the passenger compartment and the battery (100). The refrigerant circuit (50) is used for exchanging heat with the first heat exchange circuit (60) and the second heat exchange circuit (70) by means of the first heat exchanger (62), and is used for heating and cooling the passenger compartment and the battery (100).

Description

Thermal management system and vehicle

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits to patent application No. 202411929163.8, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of vehicles, specifically to a thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, electric vehicles include range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), which use a range extender to charge the battery and increase the vehicle's range. For REEVs, effectively utilizing the heat from the range extender when the vehicle needs heating is a key technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application provides a thermal management system and vehicle that can effectively solve the problem of heat utilization of the range extender to a certain extent.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, the thermal management system including a refrigerant circuit, a first heat exchange circuit, a second heat exchange circuit and a third heat exchange circuit;

[0007] The refrigerant circuit is connected to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit via a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchange circuit includes a heating core for heating the passenger compartment, and the second heat exchange circuit is used for heat exchange with the battery.

[0008] The first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit are connected to the third heat exchange circuit through a second heat exchanger. The third heat exchange circuit is used to exchange heat with the range extender.

[0009] The third heat exchange circuit is used to transfer the heat of the range extender to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger, so that the heat of the range extender heats the passenger compartment and the battery.

[0010] The refrigerant circuit is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the first heat exchanger, and to heat and cool the crew compartment and the battery.

[0011] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, on the one hand, the third heat exchange circuit can transfer the heat of the range extender to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger, so that the heat of the range extender can heat the passenger compartment and the battery, thereby effectively utilizing the heat of the range extender to a certain extent. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the first heat exchanger, and heat and cool the passenger compartment and the battery.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third heat exchange circuit includes a first multi-way valve connected to the range extender and the second heat exchanger, the first multi-way valve being used to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium from the range extender to the second heat exchanger.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first multi-way valve includes a three-way valve, wherein a first port of the three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the range extender, a second port of the three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and a third port of the three-way valve is connected to both the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the range extender.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first multi-way valve includes a two-way valve, the first port of the two-way valve being connected to the outlet of the range extender, the second port of the two-way valve being connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger being connected to the inlet of the range extender.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first multi-way valve includes a four-way valve, wherein a first port of the four-way valve is connected to the outlet of the range extender, a second port of the four-way valve is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, a third port of the four-way valve is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger, and a fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the inlet of the range extender.

[0016] In some embodiments, the third heat exchange circuit includes a high-temperature radiator connected to the range extender.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange circuit includes a heater pump and a first check valve, and the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the heater core, the first check valve and the heater pump are connected to form the first heat exchange circuit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange circuit includes a battery water pump for connection to the battery.

[0019] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a third heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve, wherein the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger are connected, and the third heat exchanger is used to cool the passenger compartment.

[0020] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a fourth heat exchange circuit for exchanging heat with an electric drive system, the refrigerant circuit is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit via a fourth heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange circuit is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit via a second multi-way valve and a third multi-way valve.

[0021] The refrigerant circuit is used to exchange heat with the fourth heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchange circuit. The second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit exchange heat through the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve, so that the refrigerant circuit can cool the battery and the electric drive system, heat the battery, and enable the fourth heat exchange circuit to heat the battery.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fourth heat exchange circuit includes a cryogenic radiator, and the second multi-way valve is connected to the electric drive system both through and without the cryogenic radiator.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fourth heat exchange circuit includes an electric water pump, the low-temperature radiator is connected to the electric drive system through the electric water pump, and the second multi-way valve is connected to the electric drive system through the electric water pump.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is used to cut off the flow of the heat exchange medium of the third heat exchange circuit to the second heat exchanger when cooling the passenger compartment and the battery, to cool the passenger compartment using the refrigerant circuit, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a battery cooling circuit and a first high-temperature heat release circuit.

[0025] The battery cooling circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit to cool the battery.

[0026] The first high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circuit and the electric drive system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger when the passenger compartment and the battery are heated and the range extender is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a first low-temperature heat absorption circuit and a second high-temperature heat release circuit.

[0028] The first low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to absorb heat from the electric drive system and the environment, and to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit.

[0029] The second high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to utilize the heat from the refrigerant circuit to heat the crew compartment and the battery.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is configured to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger and control the opening states of the second and third multi-way valves to form a battery heating circuit and a first passenger compartment heating circuit when the passenger compartment and the battery are heated and the range extender is not in operation.

[0031] The battery heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system to heat the battery using the heat from the electric drive system.

[0032] The first crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger in order to use the heat from the refrigerant circuit to heat the crew compartment.

[0033] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger and control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a second low-temperature heat absorption circuit and a second passenger compartment heating circuit when the passenger compartment is heated and the range extender is not working.

[0034] The second low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system and the battery and to transfer the heat of the electric drive system and the battery to the refrigerant circuit.

[0035] The second crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to heat the crew compartment using the heat from the refrigerant circuit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is configured to control the refrigerant circuit to stop working when the passenger compartment and the battery are being heated and the range extender is operating, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a first passenger compartment and battery heating circuit.

[0037] The first passenger compartment and battery heating circuit are used to exchange heat with the third heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger to heat the passenger compartment and the battery using the heat from the range extender.

[0038] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to cool the air before it enters the passenger compartment when the passenger compartment is dehumidified and the range extender is working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a second passenger compartment and a battery heating circuit.

[0039] The second passenger compartment and the battery heating circuit are used to exchange heat with the third heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger to heat the battery using the heat from the range extender, and to heat the cooled air so that the heated air is introduced into the passenger compartment to heat the passenger compartment.

[0040] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle that includes a thermal management system according to any of the above embodiments.

[0041] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, on the one hand, the third heat exchange circuit can transfer the heat of the range extender to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger, so that the heat of the range extender can heat the passenger compartment and the battery, thereby effectively utilizing the heat of the range extender to a certain extent. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the first heat exchanger, and heat and cool the passenger compartment and the battery.

[0042] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figures 2 to 5 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figures 6 to 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the thermal management system according to some embodiments of this application.

[0047] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: Vehicle 1000; Battery 100; Controller 200; Motor 300; Thermal management system 400; Refrigerant circuit 50, Compressor 51, First heat exchanger 62, First expansion valve 52, Third heat exchanger 53, Gas-liquid separator 54, Bypass valve 55, Second expansion valve 56, Fourth heat exchanger 57, Second check valve 58; First heat exchange circuit 60, Heater core 61, First heat exchanger 62, Heater water pump 63, First check valve 64, Temperature sensor 65, Pressure sensor 66, Temperature and pressure sensor 67; Second heat exchange circuit 70, Battery water pump 71; Third heat exchange circuit 80, Second heat exchanger 81, First multi-way valve 82, Three-way valve 83, Two-way valve 84, Four-way valve 85, High-temperature radiator 86, High-temperature water tank 87, First exhaust pipe 88, First replenishment pipe 89; Fourth heat exchange circuit 90, second multi-way valve 91, third multi-way valve 92, low-temperature radiator 93, low-temperature water tank 94, second exhaust pipe 95, second replenishment pipe 96, electric drive water pump 97; range extender 500, engine 501, thermostat 502, range extender water pump 503; electric drive system 600. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0051] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0052] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a range-extended electric vehicle. A battery 100 can be installed inside the vehicle 1000. Specifically, for example, the battery 100 and a thermal management system can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The thermal management system can regulate the temperature of the battery 100, the passenger compartment, and the electric drive system. The temperature regulation mentioned here includes, but is not limited to, cooling the battery 100, the passenger compartment, and the electric drive system, and may also include heating the battery 100, the passenger compartment, and the electric drive system to meet driving requirements.

[0057] The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used, for example, to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300. The battery 100 can be used for starting the vehicle 1000, navigation, etc. Of course, the battery 100 can also be used to drive the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide propulsion for the vehicle 1000.

[0058] Currently, range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) use range extenders to charge batteries (such as power batteries) to increase the vehicle's driving range. For REEVs, how to effectively utilize the heat from the range extender when the vehicle needs heating is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0059] To address the issue of effectively utilizing the heat from a range extender, this application provides a vehicle thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit, a first heat exchange circuit, a second heat exchange circuit, and a third heat exchange circuit. The refrigerant circuit is connected to the first and second heat exchange circuits via a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchange circuit includes a heater core for heating the passenger compartment, and the second heat exchange circuit is used for heat exchange with the battery. The first and second heat exchange circuits are connected to the third heat exchange circuit via a second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchange circuit is used for heat exchange with the range extender.

[0060] The third heat exchange circuit is used to transfer heat from the range extender to the first and second heat exchange circuits via the second heat exchanger, so that the heat from the range extender heats the passenger compartment and the battery. The refrigerant circuit is used to exchange heat with the first and second heat exchange circuits via the first heat exchanger, and to heat and cool the passenger compartment and the battery.

[0061] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, on the one hand, the third heat exchange circuit can transfer the heat of the range extender to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger, so that the heat of the range extender can heat the passenger compartment and the battery, thereby effectively utilizing the heat of the range extender to a certain extent. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the first heat exchanger, and heat and cool the passenger compartment and the battery.

[0062] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery module, and when there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery pack, which includes a housing and individual battery cells, with the individual battery cells or battery modules housed within the housing.

[0065] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0066] In a first aspect, according to some embodiments of this application, and referring to Figures 1 and 2 together, this application provides a thermal management system 400 for a vehicle 1000. The thermal management system 400 for the vehicle 1000 includes a refrigerant circuit 50, a first heat exchange circuit 60, a second heat exchange circuit 70, and a third heat exchange circuit 80.

[0067] The refrigerant circuit 50 is connected to a first heat exchange circuit 60 and a second heat exchange circuit 70 via a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchange circuit 60 includes a heating core 61 for heating the passenger compartment, and the second heat exchange circuit 70 is used for heat exchange with the battery 100. The first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 are connected to a third heat exchange circuit 80 via a second heat exchanger 81. The third heat exchange circuit 80 is used to transfer heat from the range extender 500 to the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 via the second heat exchanger 81, thereby heating the passenger compartment and the battery 100. The refrigerant circuit 50 is used for heat exchange with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 via a first heat exchanger 62, and for heating and cooling the passenger compartment and the battery 100.

[0068] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, on the one hand, the third heat exchange circuit 80 can transfer the heat of the range extender 500 to the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the second heat exchanger 81, so that the heat of the range extender 500 can heat the passenger compartment and the battery 100, thereby effectively utilizing the heat of the range extender 500 to a certain extent. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit 50 can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the first heat exchanger 62, and heat and cool the passenger compartment and the battery 100.

[0069] Specifically, in one embodiment, the range extender 500 may optionally include an engine 501, a thermostat 502, and a range extender water pump 503. The range extender water pump 503 is connected to the inlet of the engine 501, and the thermostat 502 is connected to the outlet of the engine 501. The inlet and outlet of the engine 501 allow heat exchange medium to flow into and out of the engine 501 to remove heat from the engine 501. When the range extender 500 is operating, the engine 501 starts and consumes fuel to drive the generator to produce electrical energy, which charges the battery 100 to increase the vehicle's driving range. The range extender water pump 503 can be activated to accelerate the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. It is worth noting that the name "water pump" is a commonly used term in the industry and does not constitute a limitation on the composition of the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium includes, but is not limited to, water, ethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof (such as ethylene glycol-water mixtures).

[0070] Thermostat 502 is a valve that controls the flow path of the heat exchange medium, serving as an automatic temperature control device. Thermostat 502 may include a temperature sensing component, which can close or reduce the valve's opening through thermal expansion and contraction, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. In the range extender 500, the main function of thermostat 502 is to regulate the cooling system of engine 501, ensuring that engine 501 operates within a suitable temperature range. When the temperature of the heat exchange medium is low, thermostat 502 restricts its flow, allowing engine 501 to heat up more quickly; when the heat exchange medium temperature reaches a certain level, thermostat 502 opens, allowing more heat exchange medium to flow through engine 501, thus lowering engine 501's temperature.

[0071] The refrigerant circuit 50 contains a refrigerant, which includes, but is not limited to, alkanes, tetrafluoroethane, Freon, propane, isobutane, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations on this. Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5, the refrigerant circuit 50 may include a heat pump system, which includes a compressor 51, a first heat exchanger 62, a first expansion valve 52, a third heat exchanger 53, a gas-liquid separator 54, and a bypass valve 55. The compressor 51, the first heat exchanger 62, the first expansion valve 52, the third heat exchanger 53, the gas-liquid separator 54, and the bypass valve 55 are connected to form the refrigerant circuit 50. When the first expansion valve 52 is open, the refrigerant can flow through the third heat exchanger 53. The first heat exchanger 62 may include, but is not limited to, a water-cooled condenser (WCC), and the third heat exchanger 53 may include, but is not limited to, an evaporator.

[0072] In external circulation mode, the air conditioning fan draws in outside air and sends it to the third heat exchanger 53, which cools the air. The cooled air is then sent into the passenger compartment to further cool it. In internal circulation mode, the air conditioning fan draws in passenger compartment air and sends it to the third heat exchanger 53, which cools the air. The cooled air is then sent back into the passenger compartment to further cool it. When the bypass valve 55 is open, refrigerant can flow through the branch containing the bypass valve 55.

[0073] The refrigerant circuit 50 can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the first heat exchanger 62. The heat exchange can refer to heat exchange, that is, heat is transferred from a high temperature position to a low temperature position, or it can be understood as cold exchange, that is, cold is transferred from a low temperature position to a high temperature position.

[0074] Optionally, in one embodiment, the heat pump system includes a second expansion valve 56, a fourth heat exchanger 57, and a second check valve 58. The second expansion valve 56, the fourth heat exchanger 57, and the second check valve 58 are connected to form part of a refrigerant circuit 50. When the second expansion valve 56 is open, refrigerant can flow through the fourth heat exchanger 57. The branch containing the fourth heat exchanger 57 is connected in parallel with the branch containing the third heat exchanger 53. The fourth heat exchanger 57 includes, but is not limited to, a plate heat exchanger (chiller).

[0075] Heat exchange medium is provided in the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the third heat exchange circuit 80, and heat is transferred through the flow of the heat exchange medium. Optionally, the heating core 61 can be located downstream of the airflow of the third heat exchanger 53 or in a different air duct than the one where the third heat exchanger 53 is located. When the passenger compartment needs to be heated, the temperature of the heating core 61 is higher, the air conditioning fan starts and sends air to the heating core 61, the heating core 61 heats the air, and the heated air is sent into the passenger compartment, thereby heating the passenger compartment.

[0076] Optionally, the battery 100 may include battery cells and a heat sink. The battery cells are in contact with the heat sink, and the heat exchange medium of the second heat exchange circuit 70 can flow through the heat sink, thereby exchanging heat with the battery cells through the heat sink. The third heat exchange circuit 80 exchanges heat with the range extender 500. Specifically, the heat exchange medium of the third heat exchange circuit 80 can be sent to the engine 501 by the range extender water pump 503 to cool down the engine 501, and then flow out of the engine 501. The heated heat exchange medium can flow through the second heat exchanger 81, transferring heat through the second heat exchanger 81 to the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70.

[0077] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 share the circuit containing the first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81 and the heating core 61. This reduces the number of second heat exchangers 81 and related pipelines, lowers costs, and simplifies the structure of the thermal management system 400.

[0078] When the range extender 500 is operating, the engine 501 starts and drives the generator to produce electricity, which can charge the battery 100. The engine 501 generates heat during operation. The range extender water pump 503 starts, causing the heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80 to circulate within the circuit, thereby transferring the heat from the engine 501 to the second heat exchanger 81. The heat is then transferred via the second heat exchanger 81 to the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70. As the heat exchange medium flows, it transfers heat to the heater core 61 and the battery 100, thus utilizing the heat from the range extender 500 to heat the passenger compartment and the battery 100. At this time, the refrigerant circuit 50 may or may not operate (Figure 10) or may operate (Figure 11).

[0079] When the range extender 500 is not operating, the engine 501 does not start, and there is no heat transfer in the third heat exchange circuit 80. If the passenger compartment and battery 100 require heating, the refrigerant circuit 50 can operate. At this time, the compressor 51 runs, and the high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the first heat exchanger 62, so that the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 heats the passenger compartment and battery 100.

[0080] If the passenger compartment and battery 100 require cooling, the refrigerant circuit 50 can be activated. At this time, the compressor 51 operates, and the low-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the air through the third heat exchanger 53, cooling the air. The cooled air is then sent into the passenger compartment, thus cooling the passenger compartment. The low-temperature refrigerant also exchanges heat with the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the fourth heat exchanger 57, cooling the heat exchange medium within the second heat exchange circuit 70. The cooled heat exchange medium then cools the battery 100, thus utilizing the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the battery 100. If the range extender 500 is activated, the thermal management system 400 can cut off the flow of the heat exchange medium from the third heat exchange circuit 80 to the second heat exchanger 81. It should be noted that the terms "high temperature" and "low temperature" refer only to their relative high and low temperatures, not specific temperatures or temperature ranges.

[0081] In summary, the heat from the range extender 500 can heat the passenger compartment and the battery 100, and the heat pump system of the refrigerant circuit 50 can switch between heating the passenger compartment and the battery 100, minimizing overall vehicle energy consumption. Furthermore, when the aforementioned thermal management system 400 is applied to a pure electric vehicle, since the pure electric vehicle does not have the range extender 500, the third heat exchange circuit 80 (including the second heat exchanger 81) and the range extender 500 can be removed from the thermal management system 400 (as shown in Figure 3). The thermal management system 400 can then be applied to the pure electric vehicle, thereby enabling the thermal management components of the thermal management system 400 in this embodiment to be shared between range extender and pure electric vehicles on the same platform, reducing development costs.

[0082] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the third heat exchange circuit 80 includes a first multi-way valve 82, which is connected to the range extender 500 and the second heat exchanger 81. The first multi-way valve 82 is used to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 to the second heat exchanger 81.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 to the second heat exchanger 81 is controlled by the first multi-way valve 82, thereby adjusting the total heating heat of the crew compartment and the battery 100.

[0084] Specifically, in one embodiment, when the range extender 500 is operating, the first multi-way valve 82 can disconnect the channel between the range extender 500 and the second heat exchanger 81, so that the high-temperature heat exchange medium flowing out of the range extender 500 does not flow into the second heat exchanger 81, and the heat of the range extender 500 is not transferred to the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70, so the total heat of heating the crew compartment and the battery 100 is essentially zero.

[0085] When the first multi-way valve 82 opens the channel between the range extender 500 and the second heat exchanger 81, the high-temperature heat exchange medium flowing out of the range extender 500 can flow to the second heat exchanger 81. The second heat exchanger 81 exchanges heat with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70, thereby heating the passenger compartment and battery 100 with the heat from the range extender 500. Furthermore, the first multi-way valve 82 can adjust the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81, thereby regulating the total heat output to the passenger compartment and battery 100. For example, within the same time frame, a larger flow rate of the heat exchange medium can increase the total heat output to the passenger compartment and battery 100; a smaller flow rate of the heat exchange medium can decrease the total heat output to the passenger compartment and battery 100.

[0086] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the third heat exchange circuit 80 can serve as a thermal management component of the range extender 500. The third heat exchange circuit 80 can be coupled to the thermal management component of the pure electric vehicle through the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81. The thermal management component of the pure electric vehicle can refer to the other components in Figure 2 besides the third heat exchange circuit 80. The thermal management component of the pure electric vehicle (as shown in Figure 3) can be applied to pure electric vehicles. Specifically, if the pure electric vehicle does not have a range extender 500, the third heat exchange circuit 80 (including the second heat exchanger 81) and the range extender 500 can be removed from the thermal management system 400, and the thermal management system 400 can then be applied to the pure electric vehicle. This allows the thermal management system 400 of the embodiments of this application to share thermal management components between range extender vehicles and pure electric vehicles on the same platform, reducing development costs.

[0087] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to FIG2, the first multi-way valve 82 includes a three-way valve 83, the first port of the three-way valve 83 is connected to the outlet of the range extender 500, the second port of the three-way valve 83 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 81, and the third port of the three-way valve 83 is connected to both the outlet of the second heat exchanger 81 and the inlet of the range extender 500.

[0088] In the above embodiments, a three-way valve 83 can be used to control the adjustment of the total heating heat of the crew compartment and the battery 100.

[0089] Specifically, when the range extender 500 is not operating, the range extender water pump 503 is not operating, and there is no flow of heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80, resulting in no high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 in the second heat exchanger 81. If the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 require heating, the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 can be heated through the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0090] When the range extender 500 is operating, the engine 501 and the range extender water pump 503 operate. By adjusting the opening position of the three-way valve 83, the high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 flows through the second heat exchanger 81, thereby transferring heat to the passenger compartment and battery 100. The specific flow path of the heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80 is as follows: 1) Range extender 500 -> Three-way valve 83 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Range extender 500; 2) Range extender 500 -> Three-way valve 83 -> Range extender 500. The three-way valve 83 can be adjusted by changing its valve diameter to regulate the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81, thereby regulating the total heating heat of the passenger compartment and battery 100.

[0091] Optionally, according to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG4, the first multi-way valve 82 includes a two-way valve 84, the first port of the two-way valve 84 is connected to the outlet of the range extender 500, the second port of the two-way valve 84 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 81, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger 81 is connected to the inlet of the range extender 500.

[0092] In the above embodiments, a two-way valve 84 can be used to control the adjustment of the total heating heat of the crew compartment and the battery 100.

[0093] Specifically, when the range extender 500 is not operating, the range extender water pump 503 is not operating, and there is no flow of heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80, resulting in no high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 in the second heat exchanger 81. If the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 require heating, the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 can be heated through the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0094] When the range extender 500 is operating, the engine 501 and the range extender water pump 503 operate. By adjusting the opening position of the two-way valve 84, the high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 flows through the second heat exchanger 81, thereby transferring heat to the passenger compartment and battery 100. The specific flow path of the heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80 is as follows: 1) Range extender 500 -> Two-way valve 84 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Range extender 500. The two-way valve 84 can be adjusted by changing its valve diameter to regulate the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81, thereby regulating the total heating heat of the passenger compartment and battery 100.

[0095] In this embodiment, the two-way valve 84 can reduce the cost of the thermal management system 400 compared to the three-way valve 83.

[0096] Optionally, according to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG5, the first multi-way valve 82 includes a four-way valve 85, the first port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the outlet of the range extender 500, the second port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 81, the third port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 81, and the fourth port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the inlet of the range extender 500.

[0097] In the above embodiments, a four-way valve 85 can be used to control the adjustment of the total heating heat of the crew compartment and the battery 100.

[0098] Specifically, when the range extender 500 is not operating, the range extender water pump 503 is not operating, and there is no flow of heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80, resulting in no high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 in the second heat exchanger 81. If the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 require heating, the passenger compartment and / or battery 100 can be heated through the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0099] When the range extender 500 is operating, the engine 501 and the range extender water pump 503 operate. By adjusting the opening state of the four-way valve 85, the high-temperature heat exchange medium from the range extender 500 flows through the second heat exchanger 81, thereby transferring heat to the passenger compartment and battery 100. Specifically, the first port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the second port, and the third port is connected to the fourth port. The specific flow path of the heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80 is as follows: 1) Range extender 500 -> Four-way valve 85 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Four-way valve 85 -> Range extender 500. The four-way valve 85 can be adjusted by changing its valve diameter to regulate the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81, thereby regulating the total heating heat of the passenger compartment and battery 100.

[0100] In this embodiment, the use of the four-way valve 85 can completely isolate the heat exchange medium circuit, thereby reducing the system heat leakage of the refrigerant circuit 50 in both cooling and heating modes and improving system efficiency. Specifically, when the heating core 61 and the battery 100 do not need to exchange heat with the range extender 500, the first port of the four-way valve 85 is connected to the fourth port, and the second port is connected to the third port (as shown in Figure 5). Therefore, the range extender 500 and the four-way valve 85 form one loop, and the second heat exchanger 81 and the four-way valve 85 form another loop. On the one hand, the heat generated when the range extender 500 is working will not be transferred to the second heat exchanger 81 through the four-way valve 85. On the other hand, the refrigerant circuit 50 can exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 in the cooling and heating modes. Even if the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 exchange heat with the second heat exchanger 81, since the second port is connected to the third port, the heat exchange medium in the circulation loop where the second heat exchanger 81 is located is less, thereby reducing the system heat loss of the refrigerant circuit 50 in the cooling and heating modes and improving the system efficiency.

[0101] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the third heat exchange circuit 80 includes a high-temperature radiator 86, which is connected to the range extender 500.

[0102] Therefore, the high-temperature radiator 86 can be used to cool the range extender 500.

[0103] Specifically, the inlet of the high-temperature radiator 86 (HTR) can be connected to the outlet of the range extender 500, and the outlet of the high-temperature radiator 86 can be connected to the inlet of the range extender 500. When the range extender 500 is working, the range extender water pump 503 operates, and the high-temperature heat exchange medium flows from the outlet of the range extender 500 into the high-temperature radiator 86 to dissipate heat, forming a low-temperature heat exchange medium. The low-temperature heat exchange medium then flows from the outlet of the high-temperature radiator 86 into the range extender 500 to absorb heat, and this cycle continues, thus allowing the high-temperature radiator 86 to dissipate heat from the range extender 500.

[0104] Optionally, in one embodiment, the high-temperature radiator 86 may include a heat dissipation substrate and heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation substrate may be made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, steel, or copper. The metal material can effectively transfer heat from the heat exchange medium to the surface of the high-temperature radiator 86.

[0105] Heat dissipation fins are located on the heat dissipation base. These fins increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the high-temperature heat sink 86, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. Heat dissipation fins typically exist in the form of thin plates or fins, arranged at intervals on the heat dissipation base, thus increasing the contact area with air and improving heat dissipation performance.

[0106] The range extender 500 can be connected to the high-temperature radiator 86 via a pipe. The heat exchange medium flows within the pipe and exchanges heat with the heat dissipation substrate of the high-temperature radiator 86, thereby reducing the temperature and forming a low-temperature heat exchange medium. Optionally, the thermal management system 400 may include a cooling fan. When the cooling fan is activated, it can increase the airflow near the high-temperature radiator 86, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0107] Optionally, according to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the third heat exchange circuit 80 includes a high-temperature water tank 87. The high-temperature water tank 87 is connected to the outlet of the range extender 500 and the inlet of the high-temperature radiator 86 via a first exhaust pipe 88, and to the outlet of the high-temperature radiator 86 and the inlet of the range extender 500 via a first replenishment pipe 89. The main function of the high-temperature water tank 87 is to store the heat exchange medium and replenish the heat exchange medium in the pipeline using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. This prevents the system pressure from rising too quickly and falling too quickly, thus promoting stable pressure changes in the system.

[0108] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the first heat exchange circuit 60 includes a warm air pump 63 and a first one-way valve 64. The first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81, the heating core 61, the first one-way valve 64 and the warm air pump 63 are connected to form the first heat exchange circuit 60.

[0109] In the above embodiments, the warm air pump 63 and the first one-way valve 64 can be used to accelerate the flow of the heat exchange medium and ensure a single flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60.

[0110] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81, the heating element 61, the first one-way valve 64, and the heater pump 63 are connected in sequence. When the heater pump 63 is working, the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60 flows from the heater pump 63 through the first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81, the heating element 61, and the first one-way valve 64 in sequence, and then flows back to the heater pump 63. During this process, if the refrigerant circuit 50 is working, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62; if the range extender 500 is working, the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60 exchanges heat with the third heat exchange circuit 80 through the second heat exchanger 81. The heating core 61 can exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60, and the temperature rises. The heated heating core 61 can exchange heat with the air to form high-temperature air, which is then sent into the passenger compartment to heat the passenger compartment.

[0111] When the heater pump 63 starts, it can accelerate the flow of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. The first one-way valve 64 can determine the single flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange circuit 60, which to a certain extent avoids the situation where the heat exchange medium flows back and causes the heat exchange effect to be unsatisfactory.

[0112] Optionally, in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the piping containing the heating element 61, the second heat exchanger 81, the first heat exchanger 62, and the warm air pump 63 is a shared portion of the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70. Therefore, the warm air pump 63 can also accelerate the flow rate of the heat exchange medium within the second heat exchange circuit 70. It is understood that in other embodiments, the connection order of the first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81, the heating element 61, the first one-way valve 64, and the warm air pump 63 is not limited to the order described above.

[0113] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the second heat exchange circuit 70 includes a battery water pump 71, which is used to connect to the battery 100.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the battery water pump 71 can be used to accelerate the flow of the heat exchange medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0115] Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5, the battery water pump 71 is located upstream of the battery 100. That is to say, when the battery water pump 71 is working, the heat exchange medium flows into the battery water pump 71 and then flows out from the battery water pump 71 to the heat dissipation plate that is in contact with the battery cell.

[0116] In one embodiment, when the battery water pump 71 is operating, the heat exchange medium in the second heat exchange circuit 70 flows sequentially from the battery water pump 71 through the battery 100, the heater water pump 63, the first heat exchanger 62, the second heat exchanger 81, and the heater core 61 before returning to the battery water pump 71. During this process, if the refrigerant circuit 50 is operating, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62; if the range extender 500 is operating, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the third heat exchange circuit 80 through the second heat exchanger 81. If the battery 100 requires heating, it can exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the second heat exchange circuit 70, thereby heating the battery 100. The start-up of the battery water pump 71 accelerates the flow of the heat exchange medium in the second heat exchange circuit 70, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0117] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the refrigerant circuit 50 includes a compressor 51, a third heat exchanger 53 and a first expansion valve 52. The compressor 51, the first heat exchanger 52, the first expansion valve 52 and the third heat exchanger 53 are connected, and the third heat exchanger 53 is used to cool the crew compartment.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the third heat exchanger 53 of the refrigerant circuit 50 can be used to cool the crew compartment to meet the cooling requirements of the crew compartment.

[0119] Specifically, when there is a cooling demand in the passenger compartment, the refrigerant circuit 50 can operate in cooling mode, the first expansion valve 52 opens, and low-temperature refrigerant flows through the third heat exchanger 53. In external circulation mode, the air conditioning fan can send outside air into the third heat exchanger 53 to exchange heat with the third heat exchanger 53 to form low-temperature air, which is then sent into the passenger compartment to cool it. In internal circulation mode, the air conditioning fan can send passenger compartment air into the third heat exchanger 53 to exchange heat with the third heat exchanger 53 to form low-temperature air, which is then sent back into the passenger compartment to cool it.

[0120] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the thermal management system 400 includes a fourth heat exchange circuit 90, which is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600. The refrigerant circuit 50 is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 through the fourth heat exchanger 57, and the second heat exchange circuit 70 is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 through the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92.

[0121] The refrigerant circuit 50 is used to exchange heat with the fourth heat exchanger 57 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90. The second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 exchange heat through the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, so that the refrigerant circuit 50 can cool the battery 100 and the electric drive system 600, heat the battery 100, and enable the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 to heat the battery 100.

[0122] In the above embodiments, the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 can exchange heat with the electric drive system 600, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is within the normal range to a certain extent. The refrigerant circuit 50 is used to exchange heat with the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 through the fourth heat exchanger 57, and the second heat exchange circuit 70 exchanges heat with the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 through the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can cool the battery 100 and the electric drive system 600, and can also use the heat from the electric drive system 600 to heat the battery 100.

[0123] Specifically, the vehicle has an electric drive system 600, which can be a system that drives the vehicle. The electric drive system 600 includes, but is not limited to, a motor 300 and a gearbox. The electric drive system 600 generates heat when it is working, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 can exchange heat with the electric drive system 600, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is within a normal range to a certain extent.

[0124] Both the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 have multiple openings. By connecting different pairs of openings, a circulation loop is formed to cool the battery 100 and the electric drive system 600, and to heat the battery 100. In one embodiment, by operating the openings of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, the heat exchange medium can flow through the electric drive system 600 and then into the fourth heat exchanger 57, and then flow to the battery 100, thereby using the fourth heat exchanger 57 to cool the battery 100 and the electric drive system 600. In another embodiment, by operating the openings of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, the heat exchange medium can flow through the electric drive system 600 and then into the fourth heat exchanger 57, allowing the heat from the electric drive system 600 to be transferred to the refrigerant circuit 50. The refrigerant circuit 50 can then transfer the heat from the electric drive system 600 to the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the first heat exchanger 62, thereby allowing the second heat exchange circuit 70 to heat the battery 100.

[0125] In one embodiment, by opening the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, the heat exchange medium absorbs heat in the electric drive system 600 to form a high-temperature heat exchange medium. The high-temperature heat exchange medium flows into the second heat exchange circuit 70 through the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, so that the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 can use the heat of the electric drive system 600 to heat the battery 100.

[0126] The term "opening operating state" refers to the connection or disconnection between any two openings of a multi-way valve. Opening operating states include both openings being connected and both openings being closed (not connected). When two openings are connected, the heat exchange medium can flow from one opening to the other. When two openings are closed, the heat exchange medium cannot flow from one opening to the other.

[0127] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 includes a low-temperature radiator 93 (LTR), and the second multi-way valve 91 is connected to the electric drive system 600 through the low-temperature radiator 93 and not through the low-temperature radiator 93.

[0128] In the above embodiments, the second multi-way valve 91 is connected to the electric drive system 600 via the cryogenic radiator 93. When the second multi-way valve 91 is open, the heat exchange medium can flow from the second multi-way valve 91 to the cryogenic radiator 93, where it dissipates heat or absorbs heat from the environment. Alternatively, when the second multi-way valve 91 is not connected to the electric drive system 600 via the cryogenic radiator 93, the heat exchange medium can flow out of the second multi-way valve 91 without passing through the cryogenic radiator 93 and into the electric drive system 600, absorbing heat from the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 to supply the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0129] Specifically, in one embodiment, the heat exchange medium flowing out of the second multi-way valve 91 is directed to the cryogenic radiator 93 by activating the second multi-way valve 91. When a higher-temperature heat exchange medium flows through the cryogenic radiator 93, it exchanges heat with the environment through the cryogenic radiator 93, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat exchange medium, thus allowing the heat exchange medium to dissipate heat through the cryogenic radiator 93. When a lower-temperature heat exchange medium flows through the cryogenic radiator 93, it exchanges heat with the environment through the cryogenic radiator 93, thereby raising the temperature of the heat exchange medium, thus allowing the heat exchange medium to absorb heat from the environment through the cryogenic radiator 93.

[0130] In one embodiment, by opening the second multi-way valve 91, the heat exchange medium flowing out of the second multi-way valve 91 is prevented from flowing to the low-temperature radiator 93, thereby preventing the heat of the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 from being lost through the low-temperature radiator 93. The heat exchange medium of the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 can exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the fourth heat exchanger 57, thereby absorbing the heat of the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 for use by the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0131] Optionally, according to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the thermal management system 400 includes a cryogenic water tank 94. The cryogenic water tank 94 is connected to the outlet of the battery 100 and the inlet of the third multi-way valve 92 via a second exhaust pipe 95, and to the outlet of the cryogenic radiator 93 and the inlet of the electric water pump via a second replenishment pipe 96. The main function of the cryogenic water tank 94 is to store the heat exchange medium and replenish the heat exchange medium in the pipeline using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. This prevents the system pressure from rising too quickly and falling too quickly, thus promoting stable pressure changes in the system.

[0132] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 includes an electric water pump 97, a low-temperature radiator 93 is connected to the electric drive system 600 through the electric water pump 97, and a second multi-way valve 91 is connected to the electric drive system 600 through the electric water pump 97.

[0133] In the above embodiments, an electric water pump 97 can be used to accelerate the flow of the heat exchange medium.

[0134] Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5, the electric water pump 97 is connected between the second multi-way valve 91 and the electric drive system 600, and between the low-temperature radiator 93 and the electric drive system 600. When the electric water pump 97 is working, the heat exchange medium in the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 flows away from the low-temperature radiator 93 or the second multi-way valve 91 and flows into the electric water pump 97. After flowing out of the electric water pump 97, it flows into the electric drive system 600 to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600.

[0135] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 6, the thermal management system 400 is used to cut off the flow of the heat exchange medium from the third heat exchange circuit 80 to the second heat exchanger 81 when cooling the passenger compartment and the battery 100, and to use the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the passenger compartment. The opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 is controlled so that the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a battery 100 cooling circuit and a first high-temperature heat release circuit.

[0136] The battery 100 cooling circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the battery 100.

[0137] The first high-temperature heat dissipation circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 and the electric drive system 600.

[0138] In the above embodiments, the crew compartment, battery 100, and electric drive system 600 can be cooled by using the open working state of the multi-way valve.

[0139] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the passenger compartment and battery 100 require cooling, the controller can control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82, cutting off the flow path relationship between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81. Therefore, regardless of whether the range extender 500 is operating, the heat from the range extender 500 cannot be transferred to the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70 via the second heat exchanger 81, thus affecting the cooling effect of the passenger compartment and battery 100. The controller of the thermal management system 400 may be the same controller as the controller 200 of the vehicle 1000, or a different controller; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0140] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, if the range extender 500 is working, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange circuit 80 is: 1) Range extender 500 -> First multi-way valve 82 -> Range extender 500; 2) Range extender 500 -> High-temperature radiator 86 -> Range extender 500.

[0141] The controller can control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the passenger compartment. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 6, the refrigerant flow path within the refrigerant circuit 50 is as follows: 1) Compressor 51 -> First heat exchanger 62 -> Second expansion valve 56 -> Fourth heat exchanger 57 -> Second check valve 58 -> Gas-liquid separator 54 -> Compressor 51; 2) Compressor 51 -> First heat exchanger 62 -> First expansion valve 52 -> Third heat exchanger 53 -> Gas-liquid separator 54 -> Compressor 51. The third heat exchanger 53 can cool the air entering the passenger compartment, thereby cooling the passenger compartment.

[0142] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, so that the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a battery 100 cooling circuit and a first high-temperature heat release circuit. The battery 100 cooling circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the battery 100. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 6, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the battery 100 cooling circuit is: second multi-way valve 91 -> battery water pump 71 -> battery 100 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> second multi-way valve 91. Thus, the battery 100 cooling circuit cools the battery 100 through the fourth heat exchanger 57.

[0143] The first high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 and the electric drive system 600. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 6, the first high-temperature heat release circuit can utilize the low-temperature radiator 93 to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 and the electric drive system 600. The flow path of the heat exchange medium in the first high-temperature heat release circuit is: first heat exchanger 62 -> second heat exchanger 81 -> heater core 61 -> second multi-way valve 91 -> low-temperature radiator 93 -> electric drive water pump 97 -> electric drive system 600 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> heater water pump 63 -> first heat exchanger 62. Thus, the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 can be transferred through the first heat exchanger 62 to the heat exchange medium in the first high-temperature heat release circuit, where it is dissipated by the low-temperature radiator 93. The electric drive system 600 can also dissipate heat through the low-temperature radiator 93.

[0144] In addition, by switching the air duct, the air before entering the crew cabin does not flow through the heating core 61, thus not affecting the cooling effect of the crew cabin.

[0145] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the thermal management system 400 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the first heat exchanger 62 when the crew compartment and battery 100 are being heated and the range extender 500 is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a first low-temperature heat absorption circuit and a second high-temperature heat release circuit;

[0146] The first low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to absorb heat from the electric drive system 600 and the environment, and to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0147] The second high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to utilize the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment and battery 100.

[0148] In the above embodiments, when the range extender 500 is not working, the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 can be used to heat the battery 100 and the passenger compartment by opening the multi-way valve.

[0149] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the passenger compartment and battery 100 require heating and the range extender 500 is not operating, the controller may optionally control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82 to cut off the flow path relationship between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81.

[0150] The controller can control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50, so that the refrigerant circuit 50 heats the first heat exchanger 62. The heat from the first heat exchanger 62 can be transferred to the second high-temperature heat release circuit. The second high-temperature heat release circuit can use the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment and the battery 100. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant circuit 50 is: 1) Compressor 51 -> First heat exchanger 62 -> Second expansion valve 56 -> Fourth heat exchanger 57 -> Second check valve 58 -> Gas-liquid separator 54 -> Compressor 51.

[0151] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a first low-temperature heat absorption circuit and a second high-temperature heat release circuit. The first low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to absorb heat from the electric drive system 600 and the environment, and exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the first low-temperature heat absorption circuit is: second multi-way valve 91 -> low-temperature radiator 93 -> electric drive water pump 97 -> electric drive system 600 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> second multi-way valve 91. Thus, the first low-temperature heat absorption circuit can absorb heat from the electric drive system 600 and from the environment through the low-temperature radiator 93, and transfer the heat to the refrigerant circuit 50 through the fourth heat exchanger 57. The refrigerant circuit 50 can use this heat to heat the first heat exchanger 62.

[0152] The second high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment and battery 100 using the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 7, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the second high-temperature heat release circuit is as follows: 1) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Heater water pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 2) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> First one-way valve 64 -> Heater water pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 3) Third multi-way valve 92 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can transfer heat to the second high-temperature heat release circuit through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment and battery 100. This allows the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the passenger compartment and battery 100 (without activating the range extender 500). Additionally, the third multi-way valve 92 can adjust the water flow distribution to the second multi-way valve 91 and the heater pump 63. Through the distribution of the heat exchange medium flow in the high-temperature heat exchange medium circuit, the refrigerant circuit 50 can simultaneously heat the passenger compartment and battery 100, maintaining their temperatures within a reasonable range.

[0153] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 8, the thermal management system 400 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the first heat exchanger 62 when the passenger compartment and battery 100 are being heated and the range extender 500 is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a battery 100 heating circuit and a first passenger compartment heating circuit;

[0154] The heating circuit of the battery 100 is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600 so as to use the heat of the electric drive system 600 to heat the battery 100.

[0155] The first crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 in order to use the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment.

[0156] In the above embodiments, when the range extender 500 is not working, the battery 100 can be heated by the heat from the electric drive system 600 through the open state of the multi-way valve, and the passenger compartment can be heated by the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0157] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the passenger compartment and battery 100 require heating and the range extender 500 is not operating, the controller may optionally control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82 to cut off the flow path relationship between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81.

[0158] The controller can control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50, so that the refrigerant circuit 50 heats the first heat exchanger 62. The heat from the first heat exchanger 62 can be transferred to the first crew compartment heating circuit. The first crew compartment heating circuit can use the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 8, the refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant circuit 50 is: 1) Compressor 51 -> First heat exchanger 62 -> First expansion valve 52 -> Third heat exchanger 53 -> Gas-liquid separator 54 -> Compressor 51; 2) Compressor 51 -> Bypass valve 55 -> Gas-liquid separator 54 -> Compressor 51.

[0159] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92, so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a battery 100 heating circuit and a first crew compartment heating circuit. The battery 100 heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600 to heat the battery 100 using the heat from the electric drive system 600. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 8, the heat exchange medium flow path of the battery 100 heating circuit is: second multi-way valve 91 -> electric drive water pump 97 -> electric drive system 600 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> second multi-way valve 91 -> battery water pump 71 -> battery 100 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> second multi-way valve 91. Thus, the battery 100 heating circuit can absorb heat from the electric drive system 600 to heat the battery 100. Because the second expansion valve 56 is closed, the heat from the battery 100 heating circuit is not transferred to the refrigerant circuit 50 through the fourth heat exchanger 57.

[0160] The first crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment using the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 8, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the first crew compartment heating circuit is: first heat exchanger 62 -> second heat exchanger 81 -> heater core 61 -> water circuit one-way valve -> heater pump 63 -> first heat exchanger 62. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can transfer heat to the first crew compartment heating circuit through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment, thereby achieving the goal of the refrigerant circuit 50 heating the crew compartment and the heat from the electric drive system 600 heating the battery 100.

[0161] It should be noted that the third heat exchanger 53 can be either heat-releasing or heat-absorbing depending on the control strategy. Specifically, in Figure 8, because the passenger compartment needs to be heated, the first heat exchanger 62 is hot (heat-releasing). By controlling the opening of the bypass valve 55, the low-pressure of the refrigerant circuit 50 can be controlled, thereby enabling the third heat exchanger 53 to either release or absorb heat. For example, the opening of the bypass valve 55 can control the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third heat exchanger 53. If the refrigerant temperature is higher than the air temperature, the third heat exchanger 53 is heat-releasing; if the refrigerant temperature is lower than the air temperature, the third heat exchanger 53 is heat-absorbing.

[0162] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 9, the thermal management system 400 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the first heat exchanger 62 when the crew compartment is being heated and the range extender 500 is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a second low-temperature heat absorption circuit and a second crew compartment heating circuit;

[0163] The second low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 and to transfer the heat of the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 to the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0164] The second crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment using the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0165] In the above embodiments, when the range extender 500 is not working, the crew compartment can be heated by using the heat from the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 through the open state of the multi-way valve.

[0166] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the crew cabin requires heating and the range extender 500 is not operating, the controller may optionally control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82 to cut off the flow path relationship between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81.

[0167] The controller can control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50, causing the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the first heat exchanger 62. The heat from the first heat exchanger 62 can be transferred to the second crew compartment heating circuit, which can then use the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment. Optionally, the refrigerant flow path within the refrigerant circuit 50 is: compressor 51 -> first heat exchanger 62 -> second expansion valve 56 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> gas-liquid separator 54 -> compressor 51. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can heat the first heat exchanger 62.

[0168] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 to form a second cryogenic heat absorption circuit and a second crew compartment heating circuit in the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90. The second cryogenic heat absorption circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 and to transfer the heat from the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 to the refrigerant circuit 50. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 9, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the second cryogenic heat absorption circuit is: second multi-way valve 91 -> electric drive water pump 97 -> electric drive system 600 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> second multi-way valve 91 -> battery water pump 71 -> battery 100 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> second multi-way valve 91. Thus, the second cryogenic heat absorption circuit can absorb heat from the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 and transfer the heat to the refrigerant circuit 50 through the fourth heat exchanger 57. The refrigerant circuit 50 can use this heat to heat the first heat exchanger 62.

[0169] The second crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 50 through the first heat exchanger 62 to heat the crew compartment using the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 9, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the second crew compartment heating circuit is: first heat exchanger 62 -> second heat exchanger 81 -> heater core 61 -> water circuit one-way valve -> heater pump 63 -> first heat exchanger 62. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can transfer heat to the second crew compartment heating circuit through the first heat exchanger 62, allowing the second crew compartment heating circuit to utilize the heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to heat the crew compartment, thereby enabling the heat from the electric drive system 600 and the battery 100 to heat the crew compartment through the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0170] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 10, the thermal management system 400 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 50 to stop working when the passenger compartment and battery 100 are being heated and the range extender 500 is working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a first passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit;

[0171] The first crew compartment and battery 100 heating circuit is used to exchange heat through the second heat exchanger 81 and the third heat exchange circuit 80 to use the heat from the range extender 500 to heat the crew compartment and battery 100.

[0172] In the above embodiments, when the range extender 500 is working, the heat from the range extender 500 can be used to heat the passenger compartment and battery 100 by opening the multi-way valve.

[0173] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the crew compartment and battery 100 require heating and the range extender 500 is operating, the controller may optionally control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82, connect the flow path between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81, and adjust the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81 through the first multi-way valve 82, thereby regulating the total heat of heating the crew compartment and battery 100.

[0174] The controller can stop the refrigerant circuit 50 from working to save energy.

[0175] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 to form a first passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit by the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90. The first passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchanger 81 and the third heat exchange circuit 80 to heat the passenger compartment and battery 100 using the heat from the range extender 500. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 10, the heat exchange medium flow path of the heating circuit between the first passenger compartment and the battery 100 is as follows: 1) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> Water circuit one-way valve -> Heater pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 2) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Heater pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 3) Third multi-way valve 92 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92. Therefore, the third heat exchange circuit 80 can transfer the heat from the range extender 500 to the heating circuit between the first passenger compartment and the battery 100 through the second heat exchanger 81 to heat the passenger compartment and the battery 100, thereby achieving the goal of heating the passenger compartment and the battery 100 with the heat from the range extender 500 when it starts.

[0176] In addition, the water flow distribution into the second multi-way valve 91 and the warm air pump 63 can be adjusted through the third multi-way valve 92, and the refrigerant circuit 50 can simultaneously heat the crew cabin and the battery 100 through the heat exchange medium flow distribution of the high temperature heat exchange medium circuit.

[0177] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 10, the controller can control the opening state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 to form an electric drive heat storage circuit between the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70. When the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is high, the low-temperature radiator 93 can dissipate heat from the electric drive system 600. Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the electric drive heat storage circuit is: 1) Second multi-way valve 91 -> Low-temperature radiator 93 -> Electric drive water pump 97 -> Electric drive system 600 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Fourth heat exchanger 57 -> Second multi-way valve 91.

[0178] When the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is normal, the heat exchange medium does not need to flow through the low-temperature radiator 93. Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the electric drive heat storage circuit is: 2) Second multi-way valve 91 -> Electric drive water pump 97 -> Electric drive system 600 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Fourth heat exchanger 57 -> Second multi-way valve 91.

[0179] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 11, the thermal management system 400 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 50 to cool the air before it enters the passenger compartment when the passenger compartment is dehumidified and the range extender 500 is working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 so that the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70 and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90 form a second passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit;

[0180] The second passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit is used to exchange heat through the second heat exchanger 81 and the third heat exchange circuit 80 to heat the battery 100 using the heat from the range extender 500, and to heat the cooled air so that the heated air is introduced into the passenger compartment to heat the passenger compartment.

[0181] In the above embodiments, when the range extender 500 is working, the heat from the range extender 500 can be used to supplement the heating of the passenger compartment and the battery 100, and the refrigerant circuit 50 can be used to dehumidify the passenger compartment, through the open working state of the multi-way valve.

[0182] Optionally, in one embodiment, the thermal management system 400 may include a controller. When the passenger compartment and battery 100 require heating and the range extender 500 is operating, the controller may optionally control the valve position of the first multi-way valve 82, connecting the flow path between the first multi-way valve 82 and the second heat exchanger 81. The controller can also adjust the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering the second heat exchanger 81 through the first multi-way valve 82, thereby regulating the total heating heat of the passenger compartment and battery 100. Simultaneously, it addresses the problem of insufficient heat during dehumidification mode by supplementing heat through the second heat exchanger 81, ensuring that the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the heating core 61 reaches the target requirement. At this time, the controller can also control the refrigerant circuit 50 to operate, using the first heat exchanger 62 to transfer heat from the refrigerant circuit 50 to the heating circuit of the second passenger compartment and battery 100, thereby heating the passenger compartment and battery 100. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 11, the refrigerant flow path within the refrigerant circuit 50 is: compressor 51 -> first heat exchanger 62 -> first expansion valve 52 -> third heat exchanger 53 -> gas-liquid separator 54 -> compressor 51. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 50 can heat the first heat exchanger 62.

[0183] When air flows through the third heat exchanger 53, it can first be cooled and dehumidified, and then the dry air flows through the heating core 61, thus forming dry hot air that can heat the crew cabin.

[0184] The controller can control the opening and operating states of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 to form a second passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit by the first heat exchange circuit 60, the second heat exchange circuit 70, and the fourth heat exchange circuit 90. The second passenger compartment and battery 100 heating circuit is used to exchange heat through the second heat exchanger 81 and the third heat exchange circuit 80 to heat the battery 100 using the heat from the range extender 500, and to heat the cooled air so that the heated air is introduced into the passenger compartment. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 11, the heat exchange medium flow path between the second crew compartment and the battery 100 heating circuit is as follows: 1) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> Water circuit one-way valve -> Heater pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 2) First heat exchanger 62 -> Second heat exchanger 81 -> Heater core 61 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Heater pump 63 -> First heat exchanger 62; 3) Third multi-way valve 92 -> Second multi-way valve 91 -> Battery water pump 71 -> Battery 100 -> Third multi-way valve 92. Therefore, the third heat exchange circuit 80 can transfer heat from the range extender 500 to the second crew compartment and battery 100 heating circuit through the second heat exchanger 81 for supplementary heating to solve the problem of insufficient heat during dehumidification mode.

[0185] In addition, the water flow distribution into the second multi-way valve 91 and the warm air pump 63 can be adjusted through the third multi-way valve 92, and the refrigerant circuit 50 can simultaneously heat the crew cabin and the battery 100 through the heat exchange medium flow distribution of the high temperature heat exchange medium circuit.

[0186] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 11, the controller can control the opening state of the second multi-way valve 91 and the third multi-way valve 92 to form an electric drive heat storage circuit between the first heat exchange circuit 60 and the second heat exchange circuit 70. When the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is high, the low-temperature radiator 93 can dissipate heat from the electric drive system 600. Referring to Figures 2 and 11, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the electric drive heat storage circuit is: 1) Second multi-way valve 91 -> Low-temperature radiator 93 -> Electric drive water pump 97 -> Electric drive system 600 -> Third multi-way valve 92 -> Fourth heat exchanger 57 -> Second multi-way valve 91.

[0187] When the temperature of the electric drive system 600 is normal, the heat exchange medium does not need to flow through the low-temperature radiator 93. Referring to Figures 2 and 11, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the electric drive heat storage circuit is: 2) Second multi-way valve 91 -> electric drive water pump 97 -> electric drive system 600 -> third multi-way valve 92 -> fourth heat exchanger 57 -> second multi-way valve 91.

[0188] It should be noted that the thermal management system 400 may include a temperature sensor 65, a pressure sensor 66, and a temperature and pressure sensor 67 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, as well as the temperature of the heat exchange medium. In Figures 6 to 11, the dashed lines indicate pipelines where no heat exchange medium or refrigerant flows during the operation of the thermal management system 400. The operation mode of the thermal management system 400 in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5 can be referred to the above explanation of the embodiments and beneficial effects of the thermal management system 400 in Figures 2, 6 to 11. To avoid redundancy, this application will not elaborate on this in detail.

[0189] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle 1000, which includes a thermal management system 400 according to any of the above embodiments.

[0190] Specifically, vehicle 1000 can be a range-extended vehicle, which can use range extender 500 to generate electricity to charge battery 100, thereby increasing the driving range of vehicle 1000.

[0191] It should be noted that the above explanation of the embodiments and beneficial effects of the thermal management system 400 also applies to the vehicle 1000 in this embodiment. To avoid redundancy, it will not be elaborated in detail here.

[0192] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a refrigerant circuit, a first heat exchange circuit, a second heat exchange circuit, and a third heat exchange circuit; The refrigerant circuit is connected to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit via a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchange circuit includes a heating core for heating the passenger compartment, and the second heat exchange circuit is used for heat exchange with the battery. The first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit are connected to the third heat exchange circuit through a second heat exchanger. The third heat exchange circuit is used to exchange heat with the range extender. The third heat exchange circuit is used to transfer the heat of the range extender to the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger, so that the heat of the range extender heats the passenger compartment and the battery. The refrigerant circuit is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchange circuit through the first heat exchanger, and to heat and cool the crew compartment and the battery.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third heat exchange circuit includes a first multi-way valve, which is connected to the range extender and the second heat exchanger. The first multi-way valve is used to control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium from the range extender to the second heat exchanger.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first multi-way valve includes a three-way valve, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the range extender, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the third port of which is connected to both the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the range extender.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first multi-way valve includes a two-way valve, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the range extender, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the range extender.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first multi-way valve includes a four-way valve, the first port of which is connected to the outlet of the range extender, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, the third port of which is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger, and the fourth port of which is connected to the inlet of the range extender.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The third heat exchange circuit includes a high-temperature radiator, which is connected to the range extender.

7. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first heat exchange circuit includes a heater pump and a first check valve. The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the heater core, the first check valve and the heater pump are connected to form the first heat exchange circuit.

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second heat exchange circuit includes a battery water pump, which is used to connect to the battery.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a third heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger are connected. The third heat exchanger is used to cool the crew compartment.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a fourth heat exchange circuit, which is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system. The refrigerant circuit is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit through a fourth heat exchanger. The second heat exchange circuit is connected to the fourth heat exchange circuit through a second multi-way valve and a third multi-way valve. The refrigerant circuit is used to exchange heat with the fourth heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchange circuit. The second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit exchange heat through the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve, so that the refrigerant circuit can cool the battery and the electric drive system, heat the battery, and enable the fourth heat exchange circuit to heat the battery.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fourth heat exchange circuit includes a low-temperature radiator, and the second multi-way valve is connected to the electric drive system both through and without the low-temperature radiator.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fourth heat exchange circuit includes an electric water pump, the low-temperature radiator is connected to the electric drive system through the electric water pump, and the second multi-way valve is connected to the electric drive system through the electric water pump.

13. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to cut off the flow of the heat exchange medium of the third heat exchange circuit to the second heat exchanger when cooling the crew compartment and the battery, and to use the refrigerant circuit to cool the crew compartment. It also controls the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a battery cooling circuit and a first high-temperature heat release circuit. The battery cooling circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit to cool the battery. The first high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to dissipate heat from the refrigerant circuit and the electric drive system.

14. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger when the crew compartment and the battery are heated and the range extender is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a first low temperature heat absorption circuit and a second high temperature heat release circuit. The first low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to absorb heat from the electric drive system and the environment, and to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit. The second high-temperature heat release circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to utilize the heat from the refrigerant circuit to heat the crew compartment and the battery.

15. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger when the passenger compartment and the battery are heated and the range extender is not working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a battery heating circuit and a first passenger compartment heating circuit. The battery heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system to heat the battery using the heat from the electric drive system. The first crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger in order to use the heat from the refrigerant circuit to heat the crew compartment.

16. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to heat the first heat exchanger and control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve when the crew compartment is heated and the range extender is not working, so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a second low temperature heat absorption circuit and a second crew compartment heating circuit. The second low-temperature heat absorption circuit is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system and the battery and to transfer the heat of the electric drive system and the battery to the refrigerant circuit. The second crew compartment heating circuit is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit through the first heat exchanger to heat the crew compartment using the heat from the refrigerant circuit.

17. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to stop working when the passenger compartment and the battery are being heated and the range extender is working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a first passenger compartment and battery heating circuit. The first passenger compartment and battery heating circuit are used to exchange heat with the third heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger to heat the passenger compartment and the battery using the heat from the range extender.

18. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The thermal management system is used to control the refrigerant circuit to cool the air before it enters the passenger compartment when the passenger compartment is dehumidified and the range extender is working, and to control the opening working state of the second multi-way valve and the third multi-way valve so that the first heat exchange circuit, the second heat exchange circuit and the fourth heat exchange circuit form a second passenger compartment and a battery heating circuit. The second passenger compartment and the battery heating circuit are used to exchange heat with the third heat exchange circuit through the second heat exchanger to heat the battery using the heat from the range extender, and to heat the cooled air so that the heated air is introduced into the passenger compartment to heat the passenger compartment.

19. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-18.

Images