Heat management system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a heat management system with which energy loss and increased power consumption can be suppressed. [Solution] In the present invention, a control device 90 determines whether or not an outdoor heat exchanger is frosted. If it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, the control device acquires reserved heat amount information regarding the amount of heat reserved by each of a plurality of heat absorption sources, and defrosts the outdoor heat exchanger 42 by a heat absorption source having high energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 on the basis of the acquired reserved heat amount information. Due to this configuration, energy loss and increased power consumption can be suppressed.

Description

Heat Management System

[0007] ,

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[0001] The present invention relates to a heat management system.

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for defrosting an outdoor heat exchanger are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for defrosting an outdoor heat exchanger by recovering heat from the air in the vehicle interior and using it as a heat absorption source for a refrigerant circuit. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for defrosting an outdoor heat exchanger by connecting a heat generating device such as a battery to the outdoor heat exchanger and using the exhaust heat of the heat generating device.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-147310, Patent No. 7328171

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat management system capable of suppressing energy loss and an increase in power consumption.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat management system includes a refrigerant circuit having a condenser and an evaporator, a high-temperature side heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser circulates, a low-temperature side heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator circulates, an outdoor heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the outside air, and a control device that controls the operations of the refrigerant circuit, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit. The control device determines whether the outdoor heat exchanger is frosting, and when it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosting, acquires holding heat amount information regarding the amount of heat held by each of a plurality of heat absorption sources, and based on the acquired holding heat amount information, executes defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a heat absorption source that has high energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0006] According to the present invention, a heat management system capable of suppressing energy loss and an increase in power consumption can be provided.

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a thermal management system according to one embodiment, and is a diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor, battery, and waste heat from inside the vehicle as heat absorption sources when there is no heating request. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor and waste heat from inside the vehicle as heat absorption sources when there is no heating request. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using waste heat from inside the vehicle as a heat absorption source when there is no heating request. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor and battery as heat absorption sources when there is no heating request. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor's waste heat as a heat absorption source when there is no heating request. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by heat pump operation using a heat transfer medium heating electric heater when there is no heating request. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by the waste heat of the motor when there is a heating request. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by the waste heat of the motor and battery when there is a heating request. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by the waste heat of the motor without performing heat pump operation. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger is defrosted by the waste heat of the battery without performing heat pump operation. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a general overview of the process when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with time priority. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a general overview of the process when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with efficiency priority. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a general overview of the process when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with efficiency priority.

[0008] [Configuration of the Thermal Management System] One embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment. The thermal management system 1 has a configuration that can suppress energy loss and increase in power consumption. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 has a configuration that can shorten the defrosting time and reliably complete defrosting.

[0009] Thermal management system 1 is installed in vehicles such as electric vehicles. Thermal management system 1 has the function of regulating the temperature and humidity of the air inside the vehicle cabin. Thermal management system 1 is a thermal management system configured to regulate not only the temperature inside the vehicle cabin but also the temperature of the motor and battery installed in the vehicle.

[0010] The thermal management system 1 comprises a refrigerant circuit 10, a first heat transfer medium circuit 30 including a high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit and a low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, and a second heat transfer medium circuit 60. The thermal management system 1 also comprises a control device 90 that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit 10, the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, and the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, and various sensors (not shown). The control device 90 may include various integrated circuits for calculation, storage, and other functions. The operation of the control device 90 may be performed according to programs stored as hardware or software in the various integrated circuits.

[0011] The first heat transfer circuit 30 and the second heat transfer circuit 60 are circuits through which a heat transfer medium flows to exchange heat with the refrigerant circuit 10, and the heat transfer medium carries the necessary heat to various parts of the vehicle. The first heat transfer circuit 30 is configured to switch circuits according to various operations, allowing it to take on various states.

[0012] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22, a pressure reducing device, an evaporator of the low-temperature side heat exchanger, and an accumulator 19, all arranged to allow the refrigerant to circulate. In this embodiment, two sets of pressure reducing devices and evaporators are provided in parallel. Specifically, one of two parallel flow paths, which branch off at a first branching point 111 downstream of the condenser 12 and merge at a first confluence point 121 upstream of the accumulator 19, is provided with a first pressure reducing device 13, a first evaporator 14 of the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24, and a first check valve 15, while the other is provided with a second pressure reducing device 16, a second evaporator 17 of the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27, and a second check valve 18.

[0013] The refrigerant is not limited to this, but for example, propane R290 refrigerant may be used. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a refrigerator or a heat pump. That is, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated in the compressor 11, condenser 12, first pressure reducing device 13 or second pressure reducing device 16, and first evaporator 14 or second evaporator 17, respectively, and these processes are repeated.

[0014] In the high-temperature heat exchanger 22 or the first low-temperature heat exchanger 24, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat transfer medium in the first heat transfer medium circuit 30. Similarly, in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60.

[0015] Specifically, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 circulates. In addition, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first evaporator 14 of the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 circulates. Furthermore, in the second heat transfer circuit 60, which also functions as a low-temperature side heat transfer circuit, the heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second evaporator 17 circulates.

[0016] A heat transfer medium is a fluid, such as coolant. The heat transfer medium circulates throughout the vehicle, heating or cooling each part, or transferring heat from one part to another.

[0017] The thermal management system 1 includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 70. Inside the HVAC unit 70 are a heater core 71 which constitutes part of the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 and a cooler core 72 which constitutes part of the second heat transfer medium circuit 60.

[0018] The heater core 71, located in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, is configured to circulate a heat transfer medium heated by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The heater core 71 is configured to heat the air supplied to the vehicle interior. The heater core 71 can be used when heating the vehicle interior. The cooler core 72 of the second heat transfer circuit 60 is configured to circulate a heat transfer medium cooled by the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27. The cooler core 72 is configured to cool the air supplied to the vehicle interior. The cooler core 72 can be used when cooling the vehicle interior.

[0019] The cooler core 72 is located upstream of the air passage 75 of the HVAC unit 70, and the heater core 71 is located downstream of the air passage 75 of the HVAC unit 70. The HVAC unit 70 is equipped with an intake unit 77 that switches between taking in outside air or inside air. The blower 76 of the HVAC unit 70 supplies air taken in from inside or outside the vehicle into the vehicle through the air passage 75. The air supplied to the vehicle is heated by passing through the heater core 71 or cooled by passing through the cooler core 72 in the HVAC unit 70, thereby heating or cooling the vehicle interior.

[0020] The first heat transfer medium circuit 30 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 42 capable of exchanging heat with the outside air, a motor temperature control unit 81, a battery temperature control unit 82, and a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83. The outdoor heat exchanger 42 is configured so that the heat transfer medium flowing through it can exchange heat with the outside air. In the outdoor heat exchanger 42, the heat transfer medium can release heat to the outside air or absorb heat from the outside air. The motor temperature control unit 81 is configured so that the heat transfer medium flowing through it can exchange heat with the motor. The motor is heated or cooled by the heat transfer medium flowing through the motor temperature control unit 81. The battery temperature control unit 82 is configured so that the heat transfer medium flowing through it can exchange heat with the battery. The battery is heated or cooled by the heat transfer medium flowing through the battery temperature control unit 82. Note that a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control unit 82 can be applied not only to batteries but also to on-board equipment temperature control units for temperature control of other on-board equipment that similarly requires temperature control. Thus, the motor and battery are temperature-controlled devices, and the motor temperature control unit 81 and battery temperature control unit 82 are temperature-controlled devices configured to control the temperature of the temperature-controlled devices. The heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is configured to heat the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 with an electric heater. The heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is arranged in parallel with the battery temperature control unit 82.

[0021] Each component, such as the heater core 71, outdoor heat exchanger 42, motor temperature control unit 81, battery temperature control unit 82, and heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83, is connected to the flow path of the heat transfer medium in the first heat transfer medium circuit 30. The flow path of the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 is provided with a plurality of flow path switching means. In this embodiment, the flow path switching means includes a six-way valve 44. The flow path switching means also includes flow path switching units such as a first three-way valve 32, a second three-way valve 33, a third three-way valve 53, and a fourth three-way valve 54. By switching the connection of each flow path using these flow path switching means, the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 can form various circulation circuits.

[0022] Furthermore, the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 is equipped with multiple pumps for circulating the heat transfer medium through the flow path. Specifically, the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 includes a first pump 31 provided to circulate the heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to the heater core 71, etc., and second pumps 51 and third pumps 52 provided to circulate the heat transfer medium cooled in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 to various parts. Through their operation, these pumps can circulate the heat transfer medium in the circulation circuit formed in the first heat transfer medium circuit 30. In addition, upstream of the first pump 31, the second pump 51, and the third pump 52, a first tank 34, a second tank 56, and a third tank 57 are provided in parallel with the flow path, respectively, in order to adjust the amount of heat transfer medium circulated according to the volume which may vary depending on the flow path. A third check valve 55 is provided upstream of the third tank 57. In this example, by providing two pumps, a second pump 51 and a third pump 52, the battery temperature control unit 82 for the battery, which requires precise temperature control, can be separated from the rest of the unit.

[0023] The cooler core 72 is connected to the flow path through which the heat transfer medium of the second heat transfer circuit 60 flows. The second heat transfer circuit 60 forms a circulation path. The second heat transfer circuit 60 is equipped with a fourth pump 61 and a fourth tank 62. The heat transfer medium discharged from the fourth pump 61 flows through the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 and the cooler core 72 in that order, and then returns to the fourth pump 61.

[0024] [About the defrosting operation mode] The thermal management system 1 is capable of defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 that has accumulated frost. Specifically, the control device 90 controls the operation of each part of the thermal management system 1 to execute the defrosting operation mode, thereby enabling the defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0025] The control device 90 estimates the amount of heat from each heat source based on the temperature of the air inside the vehicle, the motor temperature, the battery temperature, and the temperature of the heat transfer medium passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 42, and determines whether to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 on a time-prioritized basis or on an efficiency-prioritized basis based on the vehicle's condition (battery charge level, presence or absence of heating request, degree of heating request, charging location, past vehicle usage history, etc.).

[0026] Then, when defrosting is performed with time as the priority, the control device 90 selects a defrosting operation mode that allows defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 to be completed within a predetermined time (for example, within 1 minute). In other words, when defrosting is performed with time as the priority, the control device 90 selects a defrosting operation mode with a short defrosting time.

[0027] On the other hand, when defrosting is performed with efficiency as the priority, the control device 90 selects the defrosting operation mode that allows for the most energy-efficient defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42, without using the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 as much as possible. In other words, when defrosting is performed with efficiency as the priority, the control device 90 selects the defrosting operation mode with high energy efficiency.

[0028] For example, if the battery charge level is high and the heating requirement is high, the defrosting mode will be selected to prioritize time. On the other hand, if the vehicle user is at home and the battery is charging, and there is no heating requirement, the defrosting mode will be selected to prioritize efficiency.

[0029] In this embodiment, we will explain using an example in which the exhaust heat from the air inside the vehicle, the exhaust heat from the battery, the exhaust heat from the motor, and the heat generated by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 are used as heat absorption sources.

[0030] The heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 can be used regardless of the situation. Although the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 consumes a lot of power, it can heat the heat transfer medium with high output, making defrosting possible in a short time.

[0031] The air inside the vehicle can utilize waste heat when the air temperature is high (for example, above 15°C). When the air temperature inside the vehicle drops below 0°C, frost will form on the cooler core 72.

[0032] The motor can utilize waste heat when the temperature is above a lower limit (e.g., -10°C).

[0033] The battery can utilize waste heat if the battery temperature is within the target temperature range (e.g., 10 to 40°C) and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the battery temperature control unit 41 is above the dew point temperature of the outside air. If these conditions are not met, it can lead to battery degradation or a short circuit due to condensation.

[0034] By determining whether the above conditions are met, heat from the cabin air, battery, and motor can be selectively recovered. The heat capacity is largest for battery heat, smallest for cabin air, and intermediate for motor heat. However, in this embodiment, due to the circuit configuration, it is not possible to recover only the battery heat.

[0035] Defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is possible if the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is 3°C or higher. If defrosting is possible with the outside air temperature (for example, if the outside air temperature is 0°C or higher), defrosting will occur naturally without the need for defrosting control.

[0036] Note that the exhaust heat from the air inside the vehicle, the exhaust heat from the battery, the exhaust heat from the motor, and the heat generated by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 are just examples of heat absorption sources, and other heat absorption sources may also be used.

[0037] The defrosting operation mode of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0038] [Defrosting operation mode when there is no heating request] Figures 1 to 6 show the defrosting operation mode for the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when there is no heating request. This operation mode can be selected in either an efficiency-prioritizing or time-prioritizing manner.

[0039] (1) Defrosting operation mode using the motor, battery and exhaust heat from the passenger compartment as heat sources. Figure 1 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is performed, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor, battery and exhaust heat from the passenger compartment as heat sources when there is no heating request. In other words, in Figure 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by combining heat sources. This defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which the exhaust heat from the motor, battery and exhaust heat from the passenger compartment is utilized to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when there is no user, such as after driving has finished, and when the exhaust heat from the motor, battery and exhaust heat from the passenger compartment can be used.

[0040] In this defrosting operation mode, the expansion valves of the first pressure reducing device 13 and the second pressure reducing device 16 are opened in the refrigerant circuit 10. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 and the temperature of the air at the outlet of the cooler core 72. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is determined based on the subcooling at the outlet of the condenser 12.

[0041] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0042] Furthermore, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the second depressurization device 16 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27 as it passes through the second evaporator 17 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19.

[0043] At this time, the fourth pump 61 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27. The rotational speed of the fourth pump 61 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 becomes 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium cooled in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 is sent to the cooler core 72. In the HVAC unit 70, the fan 76 sends heated air from inside the vehicle to the cooler core 72. The amount of air blown by the fan 76 is the target airflow rate. At this time, the heat transfer medium passing through the cooler core 72 is heated by the air inside the vehicle. The heat transfer medium heated by passing through the cooler core 72 passes through the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 again.

[0044] Also, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit of the first heat medium circuit 30, the third pump 52 is stopped and the second pump 51 is operating. The rotation speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotation speed at which the flow rate of the heat medium in the battery temperature control unit 82 becomes 15 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat medium that has radiated heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and given heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is sent to the battery temperature control unit 82 and the heat medium heating electric heater 83 via the third three-way valve 53, the fourth confluence unit 521, the six-way valve 44, and the fourth three-way valve 54. The heat medium heating electric heater 83 is stopped. Therefore, the heat medium is heated in the battery temperature control unit 82 and passes through the motor temperature control unit 81 via the fifth confluence unit 522, the second branch unit 511, and the sixth confluence unit 523. The heat medium is heated in the motor temperature control unit 81 and returns to the second pump 51.

[0045] On the other hand, in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit of the first heat medium circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotation speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotation speed at which the flow rate of the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 becomes 10 L / min. The heat medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the blower fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by passing the high-temperature heat medium heated by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 through the frosted outdoor heat exchanger 42. The heat medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second confluence unit 321.

[0046] The heat management system 1 generally executes the heat pump operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 using the waste heat of the motor in the motor temperature control unit 81, the waste heat of the battery in the battery temperature control unit 82, and the waste heat in the vehicle interior as heat absorption sources on the low-temperature side, and supplies heat to the heater core 71 and the outdoor heat exchanger 42 to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0047] Note that in this defrosting operation mode, the heat medium heating electric heater 83 is stopped, but it is also possible to operate the heat medium heating electric heater 83 to heat the heat medium.

[0048] (2) Defrosting operation mode using the motor and the exhaust heat in the vehicle interior FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration when executing the defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed by heat pump operation using the motor and the exhaust heat in the vehicle interior when there is no heating requirement. That is, in FIG. 2, the defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed by combining heat absorption sources. The defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which, when the user is not present, such as after driving, and the exhaust heat of the motor and the vehicle interior can be utilized, the exhaust heat is utilized for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0049] In the defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valves of the first decompression device 13 and the second decompression device 16 are opened. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first decompression device 13 is determined based on the temperature of the heat medium at the outlet of the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27 and the temperature of the air at the outlet of the cooler core 72. Also, the opening degree of the expansion valve of the second decompression device 16 is determined based on the outlet subcooling of the condenser 12.

[0050] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, radiates heat and condenses in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid, expands in the first decompression device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 when passing through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0051] Also, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, radiates heat and condenses in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid, expands in the second decompression device 16 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27 when passing through the second evaporator 17 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19.

[0052] At this time, the fourth pump 61 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27. The rotational speed of the fourth pump 61 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 becomes 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium cooled in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 is sent to the cooler core 72. In the HVAC unit 70, the fan 76 sends air from inside the vehicle to the cooler core 72. The amount of air blown by the fan 76 is the target airflow rate. At this time, the heat transfer medium passing through the cooler core 72 is heated by the air inside the vehicle. The heat transfer medium heated by passing through the cooler core 72 passes through the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 again.

[0053] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the third pump 52 is stopped, and the second pump 51 is operating. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the battery temperature control unit 82 is 15 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat transfer medium, which has released heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and given heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10, is sent to the motor temperature control unit 81 via the third three-way valve 53, the six-way valve 44, and the sixth junction 523. Thus, the heat transfer medium is heated in the motor temperature control unit 81 and returned to the second pump 51.

[0054] On the other hand, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42, which has accumulated frost, is defrosted as the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 passes through it. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second junction 321.

[0055] The thermal management system 1 generally uses the exhaust heat from the motor in the motor temperature control unit 81 and the exhaust heat from inside the vehicle as low-temperature heat absorption sources to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10, supplying heat to the heater core 71 and the outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0056] In this defrosting operation mode, the low-temperature heat transfer medium that has released heat from the first low-temperature heat exchanger 24 and supplied heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 does not flow to the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the third three-way valve 53, and therefore the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 cannot be used.

[0057] (3) Defrosting operation mode using exhaust heat from the vehicle interior as a heat absorption source. Figure 3 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is executed, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by heat pump operation using exhaust heat from the vehicle interior as a heat absorption source when there is no heating request. In other words, in Figure 3, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed without combining it with a heat absorption source. This defrosting operation mode is an operation mode that utilizes the exhaust heat of the air inside the vehicle interior, which has been heated by the heating system, to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when there is no user, such as after driving has finished.

[0058] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is fully closed, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is opened. The degree of opening of the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0059] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the second depressurization device 16 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the second low-temperature side heat exchanger 27 as it passes through the second evaporator 17 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19.

[0060] At this time, the fourth pump 61 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27. The rotational speed of the fourth pump 61 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 becomes 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium cooled in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 is sent to the cooler core 72. In the HVAC unit 70, the fan 76 sends heated air from inside the vehicle to the cooler core 72. The amount of air blown by the fan 76 is the target airflow rate. At this time, the heat transfer medium passing through the cooler core 72 is heated by the air inside the vehicle. The heat transfer medium heated by passing through the cooler core 72 passes through the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27 again.

[0061] Furthermore, since the second pump 51 and the third pump 52 are stopped, the heat transfer medium in the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit of the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24.

[0062] On the other hand, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42, which has accumulated frost, is defrosted as the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 passes through it. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second junction 321.

[0063] The thermal management system 1 generally uses the waste heat from inside the vehicle as a low-temperature heat absorption source to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10, supplying heat to the heater core 71 and the outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0064] In this defrosting operation mode, the second pump 51 and the third pump 52 are stopped, so the heat transfer medium does not flow to the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83, and therefore the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 cannot be used.

[0065] (4) Defrosting operation mode using waste heat from the motor and battery as a heat absorption source. Figure 4 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is performed, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by heat pump operation using waste heat from the motor and battery as a heat absorption source when there is no heating request. In other words, in Figure 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by combining heat absorption sources. This defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which the waste heat from the motor and battery is utilized to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when there is no user, such as after driving has finished, and when the waste heat from the motor and battery can be used.

[0066] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is opened, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is fully closed. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0067] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0068] At this time, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0069] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the battery temperature control unit 82 becomes 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat transfer medium, which has released heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and given heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10, is sent to the battery temperature control unit 82 and the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the third three-way valve 53, the fourth junction 521, the six-way valve 44, and the fourth three-way valve 54. The heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is stopped. Therefore, the heat transfer medium is heated in the battery temperature control unit 82 and passes through the motor temperature control unit 81 via the fifth junction 522, the second branch 511, and the sixth junction 523. The heat transfer medium is heated in the motor temperature control unit 81 and returned to the second pump 51.

[0070] On the other hand, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42, which has accumulated frost, is defrosted as the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 passes through it. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second junction 321.

[0071] The thermal management system 1 generally uses the exhaust heat from the motor in the motor temperature control unit 81 and the exhaust heat from the battery in the battery temperature control unit 82 as low-temperature heat absorption sources to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10, supplying heat to the heater core 71 and the outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0072] In this defrosting mode, the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is stopped, but it is also possible to operate the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 to heat the heat transfer medium.

[0073] (5) Defrosting operation mode using the motor's waste heat as a heat absorption source. Figure 5 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is executed, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by heat pump operation using the motor's waste heat as a heat absorption source when there is no heating request. In other words, in Figure 5, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed without combining it with a heat absorption source. This defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which the waste heat from the motor is utilized to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when there is no user, such as after driving has finished, and when the motor's waste heat can be used.

[0074] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is opened, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is fully closed. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0075] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0076] At this time, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0077] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the battery temperature control unit 82 becomes 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat transfer medium, which has released heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and supplied heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10, passes through the motor temperature control unit 81 via the third three-way valve 53, the six-way valve 44, and the sixth junction 523. The heat transfer medium is heated in the motor temperature control unit 81 and returns to the second pump 51.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32 and the third junction 322. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42, which has accumulated frost, is defrosted as the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 passes through it. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second junction 321.

[0079] In general, the thermal management system 1 uses the exhaust heat from the motor in the motor temperature control unit 81 as a low-temperature heat absorption source to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10, supplying heat to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 and defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0080] (6) Defrosting operation mode using a heat transfer medium heating electric heater Figure 6 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is performed, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by heat pump operation using a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 when there is no heating request. In other words, in Figure 6, the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted without combining it with a heat absorption source. This defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted using a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 when there is no means of recovering waste heat.

[0081] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is opened, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is fully closed. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0082] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22, the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the heater core 71, and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0083] At this time, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0084] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium sent to the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat transfer medium, which has released heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and given heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10, is sent to the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the third three-way valve 53, the fourth junction 521, the six-way valve 44, and the fourth three-way valve 54. The heat transfer medium is heated by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83, passes through the fifth junction 522, the second branch 511, and the sixth junction 523, passes through the motor temperature control unit 81, and returns to the second pump 51. Furthermore, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 does not flow to the battery temperature control unit 82.

[0085] Meanwhile, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the first three-way valve 32 and the third junction 322. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The outdoor heat exchanger 42, which has accumulated frost, is defrosted as the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 passes through it. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 returns to the first pump 31 via the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the second junction 321.

[0086] The thermal management system 1 generally uses the heat from the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 as a low-temperature heat absorption source to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10, supplying heat to the heater core 71 and the outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0087] [Defrosting operation mode for the outdoor heat exchanger when heating is required] Figures 7 and 8 show the defrosting operation mode for the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when heating is required. This operation mode can be selected based on either efficiency priority or time priority.

[0088] (7) Defrosting operation mode using the exhaust heat of the motor as a heat absorption source. Figure 7 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is executed, in which heating operation is performed by heat pump operation using the exhaust heat of the motor as a heat absorption source while defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed when there is a heating request. In other words, in Figure 7, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed without combining it with a heat absorption source.

[0089] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is opened, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is fully closed. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0090] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0091] At this time, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the heater core 71 via the first three-way valve 32. In the HVAC unit 70, air is sent to the heater core 71 by the blower 76. Heat exchange takes place in the heater core 71 through which the high-temperature heat transfer medium flows, heating the air, and the warmed air is sent into the vehicle interior. Heating is performed in this manner. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the heater core 71 returns to the first pump 31 via the second junction 321.

[0092] On the other hand, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0093] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The heat transfer medium dissipates heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and transfers heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10. The low-temperature heat transfer medium that has dissipated heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the third three-way valve 53, the fourth junction 521, the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33, and the third junction 322. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is sent to the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the six-way valve 44 and the fourth three-way valve 54. The heat transfer medium is heated by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 as needed, and then passes through the motor temperature control unit 81 via the fifth junction 522, the second branch 511, and the sixth junction 523, and returns to the second pump 51. In this defrosting operation mode, the frosted outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by the exhaust heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81, or by the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the exhaust heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 and the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 passing through it.

[0094] The control device 90 determines whether or not to heat the heat transfer medium using the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42. Specifically, if the amount of heat generated by the exhaust heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 does not reach the amount of heat required for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42, the control device 90 heats the heat transfer medium so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 3°C) required for defrosting.

[0095] The thermal management system 1 can generally defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using the waste heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81. In addition, the thermal management system 1 generally uses the waste heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 as a low-temperature heat absorption source to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10 and supply heat to the heater core 71. As a result, the heat from the heater core 71 can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0096] (8) Defrosting operation mode using waste heat from the motor and battery as a heat absorption source. Figure 8 shows the circuit configuration when a defrosting operation mode is performed, in which heating operation is performed by heat pump operation using waste heat from the motor and battery as a heat absorption source while defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed when there is a heating request. In other words, in Figure 8, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed by combining heat absorption sources.

[0097] In this defrosting operation mode, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is opened, and the expansion valve of the second pressure reducing device 16 is fully closed. The opening degree of the expansion valve of the first pressure reducing device 13 is determined based on the outlet subcool of the condenser 12.

[0098] In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, condenses and releases heat in the condenser 12 of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the first depressurization device 13 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, absorbs heat and evaporates in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 as it passes through the first evaporator 14 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 19. The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 and the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0099] At this time, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 operates to send the heat transfer medium to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22. The rotational speed of the first pump 31 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium heated in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 22 is sent to the heater core 71 via the first three-way valve 32. In the HVAC unit 70, air is sent to the heater core 71 by the blower 76. Heat exchange takes place in the heater core 71 through which the high-temperature heat transfer medium flows, heating the air, and the warmed air is sent into the vehicle interior. Heating is performed in this manner. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the heater core 71 returns to the first pump 31 via the second junction 321.

[0100] On the other hand, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0101] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the battery temperature control unit 82 becomes 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The low-temperature heat transfer medium that has released heat in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24 and supplied heat to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is sent to the battery temperature control unit 82 and the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the third three-way valve 53, the fourth junction 521, the six-way valve 44, and the fourth three-way valve 54. Therefore, the heat transfer medium is heated only in the battery temperature control unit 82 or, if necessary, also in the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83, and passes through the motor temperature control unit 81 via the fifth junction 522, the second branch 511, and the sixth junction 523. The heat transfer medium is heated in the motor temperature control unit 81 and returned to the second pump 51. In this defrosting operation mode, the frosted outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted by passing a high-temperature heat transfer medium, heated by the motor waste heat from the motor temperature control unit 81, the battery waste heat from the battery temperature control unit 41, or, in addition to these, by the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83.

[0102] The control device 90 determines whether or not to heat the heat transfer medium using the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42. Specifically, if the amount of heat generated by the exhaust heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 does not reach the amount of heat required for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42, the control device 90 heats the heat transfer medium so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 3°C) required for defrosting.

[0103] The thermal management system 1 can generally defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using the waste heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 and the battery of the battery temperature control unit 41. In addition, the thermal management system 1 generally uses the waste heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81 and the battery of the battery temperature control unit 41 as a low-temperature heat absorption source to operate the heat pump of the refrigerant circuit 10 and supply heat to the heater core 71. As a result, the heat from the heater core 71 can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0104] [Defrosting operation mode that performs defrosting without operating the heat pump] Figures 9 to 10 show a defrosting operation mode that performs defrosting without operating the heat pump. This defrosting operation mode can only be selected when efficiency is the priority.

[0105] (9) Defrosting operation mode using the exhaust heat of the motor as a heat absorption source. Figure 9 shows the circuit configuration when performing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted using the exhaust heat of the motor as a heat absorption source without performing heat pump operation. In other words, in Figure 9, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed without combining it with a heat absorption source.

[0106] In this defrosting operation mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is stopped, the refrigerant does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the high-temperature heat exchanger 22, the first low-temperature heat exchanger 24, and the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0107] At this time, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 is stopped, and the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30 is not circulating.

[0108] Furthermore, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, and the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 is not circulating.

[0109] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is operating and the third pump 52 is stopped. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is 10 L / min. The second pump 51 sends the heat transfer medium to the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. The heat transfer medium is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the third three-way valve 53, the six-way valve 44, the second three-way valve 33 and the third junction 322 without undergoing heat exchange in the first low-temperature side heat exchanger 24. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 passes through the six-way valve 44 and the sixth junction 523 and the motor temperature control unit 81 and returns to the second pump 51. In this defrosting operation mode, the high-temperature heat transfer medium that has passed through the motor temperature control unit 81 passes through the frosted outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0110] In general, the thermal management system 1 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using the exhaust heat from the motor of the motor temperature control unit 81.

[0111] (10) Defrosting operation mode using the waste heat of the battery as a heat absorption source Figure 10 shows the circuit configuration when executing a defrosting operation mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is defrosted using the waste heat of the battery as a heat absorption source without performing heat pump operation. In other words, in Figure 9, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is performed without combining a heat absorption source.

[0112] In this defrosting operation mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is stopped, the refrigerant does not circulate, and no heat exchange takes place in the high-temperature heat exchanger 22, the first low-temperature heat exchanger 24, and the second low-temperature heat exchanger 27.

[0113] At this time, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the first pump 31 is stopped, and the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30 is not circulating.

[0114] Furthermore, the fourth pump 61 is stopped, and the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit 60 is not circulating.

[0115] Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit of the first heat transfer circuit 30, the second pump 51 is stopped, and the third pump 52 is operating. The rotational speed of the second pump 51 is, for example, the rotational speed at which the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is 10 L / min. The heat transfer medium is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 via the fourth junction 521, the six-way valve 44, and the second three-way valve 33. At this time, the shutter of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is closed and the fan that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is stopped. The heat transfer medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is sent to the battery temperature control unit 82 and the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 via the six-way valve 44 and the fourth three-way valve 54. The heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 is stopped. The heat transfer medium is heated in the battery temperature control unit 41 and returns to the third pump 52 via the fifth junction 522 and the second branch 511. In this defrosting operation mode, the high-temperature heat transfer medium that has passed through the battery temperature control unit 41 passes through the frosted outdoor heat exchanger 42, thereby defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0116] In general, the thermal management system 1 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using the waste heat from the battery of the battery temperature control unit 41.

[0117] [Operational control when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with priority given to time] An example of operational control when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 with priority given to time will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic flowchart of an example of the operation of the control device 90 when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with priority given to time.

[0118] In step S1, the control device 90 determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted. The control device 90 determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted based, for example, on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42. If it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is not frosted, the process ends.

[0119] In step S2, the control device 90 acquires vehicle information. This vehicle information includes, for example, the battery charge level, whether or not heating is requested, the degree of heating request, the current time, the vehicle's parking location, the vehicle's usage history, and the vehicle's charging status.

[0120] In step S3, the control device 90 determines whether or not to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 based on the vehicle information acquired in step S2, prioritizing time. If it is determined that defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 should not be performed prioritizing time, the process ends. If it is determined that defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 should be performed prioritizing time, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0121] In step S4, the control device 90 acquires information on the amount of heat held by each of the multiple heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). The information on the amount of heat held includes, for example, the temperature inside the vehicle, the temperature of the motor, the temperature of the battery, the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the motor temperature control unit 81, the temperature of the outside air, the humidity of the outside air, the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 42, and the temperature of the heat transfer medium passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 42.

[0122] In step S5, the control device 90 determines available heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) based on the heat amount information acquired in step S4. If there are multiple available heat absorption sources, the control device 90 determines the combination of available heat sources.

[0123] In step S6, the control device 90 determines whether or not there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source. If it is determined that there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source, the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined that there are no restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0124] Here, we will explain a specific example of how to determine whether or not there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source. For example, in this embodiment, since the heat transfer medium is always flowing to the motor temperature control unit 81, if the battery temperature is higher than the motor temperature, the motor will absorb heat from the heat transfer medium. Therefore, under these conditions, a time loss occurs when defrosting is performed, and it is determined that the use of the motor as a heat absorption source is restricted.

[0125] Furthermore, if, for example, the ambient temperature is such that condensation occurs on the battery, it is determined that the use of the battery as a heat source is restricted.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle's parking location and time are obtained from vehicle information, and it can be determined from the vehicle information that a user is about to board (for example, if the user has left the vehicle to go shopping), using the air inside the vehicle as a heat source would cause a decrease in the temperature inside the vehicle, resulting in the disadvantage of causing discomfort to the user. Therefore, it is determined that the use of the air inside the vehicle as a heat source should be restricted.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle's parking location and time are obtained from the vehicle information, and it can be determined from the vehicle information that a long time has passed since the user boarded the vehicle (for example, if the user has charged the battery after returning home), then it becomes possible to preferentially use the air inside the vehicle as a heat absorption source, and it is determined that there are no restrictions on the use of heat absorption sources.

[0128] In step S7, the control device 90 identifies a defrosting operation mode that can be performed when the use of the heat absorption source is restricted.

[0129] In step S8, the control device 90 estimates the defrosting time for each defrosting operation mode. At this time, if the use of the heat absorption source is restricted, the defrosting time for the defrosting operation mode identified in step S7 is estimated. On the other hand, if the use of the heat absorption source is not restricted, the defrosting time for all defrosting operation modes that can be executed with time priority is estimated.

[0130] In step S9, the control device 90 determines, based on the estimation result in step S8, whether the shortest defrosting time exceeds a predetermined time. That is, if the use of the heat absorption source is restricted, it determines whether the operating time of the defrosting operation mode with the shortest defrosting time among the defrosting operation modes identified in step S7 exceeds a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the use of the heat absorption source is not restricted, it determines whether the operating time of the defrosting operation mode with the shortest defrosting time among all defrosting operation modes that can be executed with time priority exceeds a predetermined time.

[0131] If it is determined that the shortest defrosting time exceeds the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that the shortest defrosting time does not exceed the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0132] In step S10, the control device 90 performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a heat pump operation (HP operation) that includes a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) as the heat absorption source. In this embodiment, the heat pump operation is performed using the circuit configuration shown in Figure 1, Figure 4, Figure 6, Figure 7, or Figure 8.

[0133] In step S11, the control device 90 performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a heat pump operation (HP operation) that does not include a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) as a heat absorption source. In this embodiment, the heat pump operation is performed using the circuit configuration shown in Figures 1 to 8.

[0134] In step S12, the control device 90 determines whether or not defrosting is complete. If it is determined that defrosting is not complete, the process returns to step S6. If it is determined that defrosting is complete, the process ends.

[0135] As described above, the control device 90 performs the process in step S4, then makes the determination in step S9, and then performs the process in step S10 or step S11, thereby enabling the defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 to be completed within a predetermined time. As a result, the control device 90 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a heat absorption source that shortens the defrosting time when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42, based on the acquired heat content information. Therefore, the defrosting time can be shortened and defrosting can be completed reliably.

[0136] Furthermore, by executing the process in step S10 or step S11, the control device 90 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a combination of heat absorption sources that shortens the defrosting time, based on the acquired heat energy information. Therefore, the defrosting time can be shortened and defrosting can be completed reliably.

[0137] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device 90 defrosts the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when the vehicle has finished operating. In this case, this can be done by adding a step to determine whether or not the vehicle has finished operating before step S1. If it is determined that the vehicle has finished operating, the process can proceed to step S1. This makes it possible to perform defrosting without causing discomfort to the user, even when defrosting is performed using the exhaust heat of the air inside the vehicle.

[0138] [Operational control when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with efficiency as the priority] An example of operational control when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42 with efficiency as the priority will be explained. Figures 12 and 13 are schematic flowcharts of an example of the operation of the control device 90 when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger with efficiency as the priority.

[0139] In step S20, the control device 90 determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted. The control device 90 determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted based, for example, on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 42. If it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is frosted, the process proceeds to step S21. If it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 42 is not frosted, the process ends.

[0140] In step S21, the control device 90 acquires vehicle information. Specific examples of vehicle information are as described above.

[0141] In step S22, the control device 90 determines whether or not to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 in an efficiency-first manner based on the vehicle information acquired in step S21. If it is determined that defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 should not be performed in an efficiency-first manner, the process ends. If it is determined that defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 42 should be performed in an efficiency-first manner, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0142] In step S23, the control device 90 acquires information on the amount of heat possessed by each of the multiple heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). Specific examples of the heat possessed information are as described above.

[0143] In step S24, the control device 90 determines available heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) based on the heat amount information acquired in step S22.

[0144] In step S25, the control device 90 determines whether or not there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source. If it is determined that there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source, the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that there are no restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source, the process proceeds to step S27. Specific examples of how to determine whether or not there are restrictions on the use of the heat absorption source are as described above.

[0145] In step S26, the control device 90 reflects the limiting information, which indicates the amount of heat from the heat absorption source to be restricted, into the retained heat information acquired in step S23.

[0146] In step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a heating request. If there is a heating request, the process proceeds to step S28. If there is no heating request, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0147] In step S28, it is determined whether the amount of heat contained in the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat contained, other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH), exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting. In other words, it is determined whether defrosting is possible using the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat contained without performing heat pump operation (HP operation). If it is determined that the amount of heat contained in the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat contained exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S29. If it is determined that the amount of heat contained in the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat contained does not exceed the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0148] In step S29, the control device 90 performs defrosting by circulating the heat transfer medium between the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat stored, other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH), and the outdoor heat exchanger 42, without performing heat pump operation (HP operation). In this case, defrosting can be performed without combining heat absorption sources. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium is circulated by the circuit configuration shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10.

[0149] In step S30, it is determined whether the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat remaining, other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH), exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting. In other words, it is determined whether defrosting is possible by heat pump operation without a heat absorption source. If it is determined that the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat remaining exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using the heat absorption source with the largest amount of heat remaining does not exceed the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0150] In step S31, the control device 90 performs defrosting using a heat pump operation (HP operation) with the heat absorption source having the largest amount of heat other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). In this case, defrosting is performed by a heat pump operation (HP operation) without combining it with a heat absorption source. In this embodiment, the heat pump operation is performed with the circuit configuration shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0151] In step S32, the control device 90 determines the priority of use for heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). That is, when combining heat absorption sources, the control device determines the priority of use for heat absorption sources by selecting the heat absorption source that results in the lowest power consumption combination as the heat absorption source with the highest priority. For example, it determines that the priority of use for the air inside the vehicle should be increased when there is no heating request, the priority of use for the air inside the vehicle should be decreased when there is an upcoming passenger scheduled to ride, and the priority of use for the battery should be increased when the temperature of the battery, which has a large heat capacity, is high.

[0152] In step S33, it is determined whether the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using the combination of heat absorption sources based on the utilization priority determined in step S32 exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting. If it is determined that the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using a combination of heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) exceeds the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S34. If it is determined that the amount of heat that can be generated by the heat pump operation (HP operation) using a combination of heat absorption sources other than the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) does not exceed the amount of heat required for defrosting, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0153] In step S34, the control device 90 performs defrosting using a heat pump operation (HP operation) with a combination of heat absorption sources that does not include the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). In this embodiment, the heat pump operation is performed using the circuit configuration shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, or Figure 4.

[0154] In step S35, the control device 90 performs defrosting by heat pump operation (HP operation) using a combination of heat absorption sources including a heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH). In this embodiment, heat pump operation is performed using the circuit configuration shown in Figure 1, Figure 4, or Figure 6.

[0155] In step S36, the control device 90 performs heat pump operation (HP operation) for heating and defrosting. In this embodiment, heat pump operation is performed using the circuit configuration shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8.

[0156] In step S37, the control device 90 determines whether or not defrosting is complete. If it is determined that defrosting is not complete, the process returns to step S25. If it is determined that defrosting is complete, the process ends.

[0157] As described above, the control device 90 performs the process in step S23, then makes the determination in step S28, step S30, or step S33, and then performs the processes in step S29, step S30, step S34, step S35, or step S36 to select a heat absorption source that minimizes power consumption during defrosting and then defrosts the outdoor heat exchanger 42. Specifically, it sets the priority of using the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) to the lowest level, sets the priority of using a combination of heat absorption sources to a lower level than using a single heat absorption source, and sets the priority of executing heat pump operation (HP operation) to a lower level to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42. As a result, the control device 90 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a heat absorption source that has high energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 42, based on the acquired heat amount information. Therefore, energy loss and the increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0158] Furthermore, by executing the process in step S34, the control device 90 can defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 42 using a combination of heat absorption sources that shortens the defrosting time, based on the acquired heat energy information. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the heat transfer medium heating electric heater 83 (ECH) in combination, thus reducing energy loss and increasing power consumption.

[0159] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device 90 defrosts the outdoor heat exchanger 42 when the vehicle has finished operating. In this case, this can be done by adding a step to determine whether or not the vehicle has finished operating before step S20. If it is determined that the vehicle has finished operating, the process can proceed to step S20. This makes it possible to perform defrosting without causing discomfort to the user, even when defrosting is performed using the exhaust heat of the air inside the vehicle.

[0160] This embodiment includes the following inventions.

[0161] (1) A thermal management system comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a condenser and an evaporator; a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser circulates; a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator circulates; an outdoor heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with outside air; and a control device that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit and the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the control device determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, and if it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, it acquires heat quantity information relating to the amount of heat held by each of the plurality of heat absorption sources, and based on the acquired heat quantity information, performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a heat absorption source that is more energy efficient when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0162] This helps to reduce energy loss and the increase in electricity consumption.

[0163] (2) The heat management system according to (1), wherein the control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a combination of heat absorption sources that increases energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger, based on the heat amount information held.

[0164] Therefore, energy loss and increased electricity consumption can be suppressed.

[0165] (3) The control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger when the vehicle operation ends, as described in (1) or (2).

[0166] Therefore, even when defrosting is performed using the exhaust heat from the air inside the vehicle, defrosting can be carried out without causing discomfort to the user.

[0167] (10) A thermal management system comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a condenser and an evaporator; a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser circulates; a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator circulates; an outdoor heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with outside air; and a control device that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit and the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the control device determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted; if it determines that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, it acquires heat quantity information relating to the amount of heat held by each of the plurality of heat absorption sources; and based on the acquired heat quantity information, the thermal management system performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a heat absorption source that shortens the defrosting time when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0168] Therefore, defrosting time can be shortened while ensuring that defrosting is completed reliably.

[0169] (11) The heat management system according to (10), wherein the control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a combination of heat absorption sources that shortens the defrosting time when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger, based on the heat amount information held by the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0170] Therefore, defrosting time can be shortened while ensuring that defrosting is completed reliably.

[0171] (12) The thermal management system according to (10) or (11), wherein the control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger when the vehicle operation ends.

[0172] Therefore, even when defrosting is performed using the exhaust heat from the air inside the vehicle, defrosting can be carried out without causing discomfort to the user.

[0173] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0174] 1: Thermal Management System 10: Refrigerant Circuit, 11: Compressor, 12: Condenser, 13: First Pressure Reducing Device, 14: First Evaporator, 15: First Check Valve, 16: Second Pressure Reducing Device, 17: Second Evaporator, 18: Second Check Valve, 19: Accumulator, 111: First Branch Section, 121: First Junction Section 22: High-Temperature Heat Exchanger, 24: First Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger, 27: Second Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger 30: First Heat Transfer Medium Circuit, 31: First Pump, 32: First Three-Way Valve, 33: Second Three-Way Valve, 34: First Tank, 321: Second Junction Section, 322: Third Junction Section 42: Outdoor Heat Exchanger, 44: Six-Way Valve 51: Second pump, 52: Third pump, 53: Third three-way valve, 54: Fourth three-way valve, 55: Third check valve, 56: Second tank, 57: Third tank, 511: Second branch section, 521: Fourth junction section, 522: Fifth junction section, 523: Sixth junction section 60: Second heat transfer fluid circuit, 61: Fourth pump, 62: Fourth tank 70: HVAC unit, 71: Heater core, 72: Cooler core, 75: Airflow passage, 76: Blower 81: Motor temperature control section, 82: Battery temperature control section, 83: Heat transfer fluid heating electric heater 90: Control device

Claims

1. A thermal management system comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a condenser and an evaporator; a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser circulates; a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator circulates; an outdoor heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with outside air; and a control device that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit and the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the control device determines whether or not the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted; if it determines that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, it acquires heat quantity information relating to the amount of heat held by each of the plurality of heat absorption sources; and based on the acquired heat quantity information, it performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a heat absorption source that has high energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

2. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein the control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger using a combination of heat absorption sources that increases energy efficiency when defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger, based on the retained heat information.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device performs defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger when the vehicle operation ends.

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