Vehicle and refrigerant / coolant heat exchanger

Abstract

This vehicle comprises: a secondary battery module group which supplies electric power to an electric motor; a battery heat exchanger through which a coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the secondary battery module group; a coolant circuit which circulates the coolant through the battery heat exchanger; a refrigerant circuit which comprises at least a compressor and is capable of exchanging heat with at least indoor air of a vehicle body, and through which a refrigerant flows; and a refrigerant / coolant heat exchanger which is capable of exchanging heat with the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant / coolant heat exchanger comprises: a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows; a refrigerant pipe which has at least a part thereof located in the coolant chamber and through which the refrigerant flows; and a heater which has at least a part thereof located in the coolant chamber and generates heat by using electric power from the outside. Said part of the heater is disposed in contact with the refrigerant pipe.

Description

Vehicle and refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack heat management system for an electric vehicle. The battery pack heat management system includes a refrigerant cycle circuit that circulates refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator, a coolant circulation circuit in which water circulates through a battery pack by a circulation pump, a heat exchange module arranged to share a part of the refrigerant cycle circuit and the coolant circulation circuit, and cools the battery pack using water or electrically heats the water and then heats the battery pack using the heated water so as to exchange heat between the refrigerant branched from the refrigerant cycle circuit and water.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 200144

[0004] Since Patent Document 1 electrically heats water and then uses the heated water to heat the refrigerant, the heating loss is large.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a technique for reducing the heating loss of a refrigerant and / or a coolant.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle including a vehicle body, a first wheel and a second wheel attached to the vehicle body, an electric motor that drives at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel, a secondary battery module group arranged in the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor, a battery heat exchanger through which a coolant flows and exchanges heat with the secondary battery module group, a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the battery heat exchanger, a refrigerant circuit that includes at least a compressor and is capable of exchanging heat with at least the indoor air of the vehicle body and through which a refrigerant flows, and a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger includes a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows, a refrigerant pipe at least part of which is in the coolant chamber and through which the refrigerant flows, and a heater that generates heat with external power and at least part of which is arranged in contact with the refrigerant pipe.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger configured to be mounted on a vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; first wheels and second wheels attached to the vehicle body; an electric motor for driving at least one of the first wheels and the second wheels; a group of secondary battery modules arranged on the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor; a battery heat exchanger through which coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the group of secondary battery modules; a coolant circuit for circulating the coolant to the battery heat exchanger; and a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compressor, which is capable of exchanging heat with at least the interior air of the vehicle body and through which a refrigerant flows, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger comprises: a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows; a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber; and a heater, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber and which generates heat from external power, wherein a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with the refrigerant pipe.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0009] According to this disclosure, heating losses of the refrigerant and / or coolant can be reduced.

[0010] Plan view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 Left side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 Figure for explaining an example of the electrical circuit provided by the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 Figure showing an example of the configuration of the first coolant circuit, second coolant circuit and refrigerant circuit mounted on vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 Perspective cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 Plan cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 Side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 Surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe according to Embodiment 1 Figure 13 shows a perspective view illustrating an example of the fin shape, a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the shape of the fin surface in contact with the heater according to Embodiment 1, a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration in which an aluminum plate is placed on the outside of the fin according to Embodiment 1, a perspective view illustrating a first modified example of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1, a perspective view illustrating only the heater of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger shown in Figure 11, a perspective view illustrating a second modified example of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1, and an enlarged view of the refrigerant pipe and heater portion shown in Figure 13. The battery pack according to Embodiment 1 is heated, and the refrigerant and coolant are used when the in-car air conditioning is set to heating (operating mode A). To explain the flow, the battery pack according to the first embodiment in Figure 1 is heated; to explain the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to OFF (operating mode B), the battery pack according to the first embodiment in Figure 1 is heated; to explain the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling (operating mode C), the battery pack according to the first embodiment in Figure 1 is cooled; to explain the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the first control method (operating mode D1) when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating, the battery pack according to the first embodiment in Figure 1 is cooled; and to explain the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the second control method when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating... The battery pack according to the Illustrated Embodiment 1 for illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant in operation mode D2 is cooled, the battery pack according to the Illustrated Embodiment 1 for illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the third control method (operation mode D3) when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating is cooled, the battery pack according to the Illustrated Embodiment 1 for illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to OFF (operation mode E) is cooled, and the temperature control of the battery pack according to the Illustrated Embodiment 1 for illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling (operation mode F) is not performed.Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to heating (operating mode G), and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling (operating mode H, and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to heating (operating mode H), and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 2 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 3 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 4 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 5 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 6 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 7 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 8 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 9 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the vehicle's air conditioning is set to cooling, and Figure 1 illustrates the flow of refrigerant and coolant

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims. Furthermore, the functions of one configuration shown in this embodiment may be realized by two or more physical configurations, or the functions of two or more configurations may be realized by, for example, one physical configuration.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Vehicle Configuration> Figure 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a left side view showing an example of the configuration of vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] For the sake of explanation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the axis extending in the height direction of vehicle 1 is defined as the Z-axis. The axis perpendicular to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the ground) and extending in the direction of vehicle 1's movement is defined as the Y-axis. The axis perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis (i.e., the axis in the width direction of vehicle 1) is defined as the X-axis. Also, for the sake of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as "up," the negative direction of the Z-axis as "down," the positive direction of the Y-axis as "forward," the negative direction of the Y-axis as "backward," the positive direction of the X-axis as "right," and the negative direction of the X-axis as "left." These expressions are also used in other drawings that indicate the XYZ axes. These directional expressions are used for the sake of explanation and are not intended to limit the orientation of the structure during actual use.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 comprises a body 2, wheels 3, an electric motor 4, a control device 5, a battery pack 6, and a battery heat exchanger 7.

[0015] The wheels 3 are connected to the vehicle body 2. Although Figures 1 and 2 show a vehicle 1 having four wheels 3, the vehicle 1 only needs to have at least one wheel 3. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a motorcycle with two wheels 3, or a vehicle with three or five or more wheels 3. Furthermore, one of the multiple wheels 3 of the vehicle 1 may be called the first wheel 3a, and one of the multiple wheels 3 that is different from the first wheel 3a may be called the second wheel 3b. The first wheel 3a may be the front wheel of the vehicle 1, and the second wheel 3b may be the rear wheel of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is movable in a predetermined direction (for example, the front-to-back direction of the vehicle 1) by the first wheel 3a and the second wheel 3b.

[0016] The electric motor 4 uses power supplied from a secondary battery to drive at least one wheel 3 (for example, the first wheel 3a). The vehicle 1 is equipped with at least one electric motor 4. The vehicle 1 may be configured such that the electric motor 4 drives the front wheels (i.e., front-wheel drive). Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be configured such that the electric motor 4 drives the rear wheels (i.e., rear-wheel drive), or the electric motor 4 drives both the front and rear wheels (i.e., four-wheel drive). Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with multiple electric motors 4, each of which drives a wheel 3 individually. The electric motors 4 may be installed in a motor room (engine room) located at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0017] The control device 5 performs various controls on the vehicle 1. The control device 5 may also be read as a vehicle control device, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), processor, or controller, etc.

[0018] The battery pack 6 has one or more rechargeable secondary batteries. One or more battery packs 6 may be read as a group of secondary battery modules. An example of a secondary battery is a lithium-ion battery. The secondary battery supplies (discharges) the stored power to the electric motor 4, etc. The secondary battery may also store (charge) the power generated by the electric motor 4 through regenerative energy. The battery heat exchanger 7 and the battery pack 6 may be housed under the floor in the center of the vehicle body 2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0019] The battery heat exchanger 7 may be arranged along a predetermined direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1). Alternatively, the battery heat exchanger 7 may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1), and the perpendicular direction may be the horizontal direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1).

[0020] The battery pack 6 is positioned on top of the battery heat exchanger 7, in contact with the battery heat exchanger 7. The battery pack 6 and the battery heat exchanger 7 are housed in the vehicle body 2.

[0021] The battery heat exchanger 7 has a coolant flowing through it, and the battery pack 6 and the coolant exchange heat, thereby controlling the temperature of the battery pack 6 (heating or cooling).

[0022] <Configuration of the electrical circuit> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electrical circuit provided in the vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] The battery pack 6, which includes a secondary battery, has a high-voltage connector and a low-voltage connector. In this disclosure, the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector are referred to as electrical connectors without distinction.

[0024] A high-voltage distributor may be connected to the high-voltage connector. The high-voltage distributor may be connected to a drive inverter, electric compressor, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), onboard charger, and fast charging port. The low-voltage connector may be connected to a Controller Area Network (CAN) and a 12V power supply system.

[0025] An electric motor 4 may be connected to the drive inverter. That is, the power output from the secondary battery may be supplied to the electric motor 4 through a high-voltage connector, a high-voltage distributor, and a drive inverter.

[0026] <Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit and Coolant Circuit> Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the first coolant circuit 100, the second coolant circuit 200, and the refrigerant circuit 300 installed in the vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Vehicle 1 includes a first coolant circuit 100, a second coolant circuit 200, and a refrigerant circuit 300.

[0028] The first coolant circuit 100 is a circuit through which the coolant circulates via at least a portion of the first water pump 101, a battery heat exchanger 7 capable of exchanging heat with the battery pack 6, a first four-way valve 111, a second four-way valve 112, and a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10.

[0029] The coolant flowing through the first coolant circuit 100 can heat or cool the battery pack 6 by exchanging heat with it as it flows through the battery heat exchanger 7.

[0030] The second coolant circuit 200 is a path through which the coolant circulates via at least a portion of the second water pump 201, the three-way valve 202, the water-cooled condenser 302, the second four-way valve 112, and the radiator 206.

[0031] The coolant flowing through the second coolant circuit 200 can cool the motor 203, inverter 204, and charger 205, etc., by exchanging heat with them, which are located in the middle of the second coolant circuit 200.

[0032] Furthermore, when the radiator 206 is in operation, the coolant flowing through it may be cooled down by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0033] The circuit through which the coolant circulates changes depending on the opening and closing (switching) of the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, and the three-way valve 202. For example, by opening the second four-way valve 112, a part of the first coolant circuit 100 and a part of the second coolant circuit 200 may be connected, and the coolant may circulate through that connected coolant circuit. Further details will be described later.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit 300 is a circuit through which the refrigerant circulates via the compressor 301, the first valve 311, the water-cooled condenser 302, the second valve 312, the condenser 303, the first EXV 321, the evaporator 304, the second EXV 322, and at least a portion of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. EXV stands for Electronic Expansion Valves. EXV may be read as expansion valve. The circuit through which the refrigerant circulates changes depending on the opening and closing of the first valve 311, the second valve 312, the first EXV 321, and the second EXV 322.

[0035] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 can cool or heat the air inside the vehicle by exchanging heat with the air inside the vehicle in the evaporator 304 or condenser 303.

[0036] The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 and the coolant flowing through the first coolant circuit 100. In other words, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 functions as a chiller. Furthermore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 is equipped with a heater 40, and by turning on the heater 40, the refrigerant and / or coolant flowing inside can be heated. Next, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 will be described in detail.

[0037] <Refrigerant Coolant Heat Exchanger> Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a plan cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 comprises a housing 11, a coolant chamber 12 through which coolant flows, a coolant pipe 20 through which refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber 12, and a heater 40 that generates heat from external power, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber 12. A portion of the heater 40 is positioned in contact with the coolant pipe 20. The shape of the heater 40 may be tubular or plate-shaped. At least a portion of the coolant chamber 12 is formed by the inner surface of the housing 11. In Figure 5, the front surface of the housing 11 is shown as open, but in reality, the front surface of the housing 11 is closed, and for example, the housing 11 may have a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0039] The housing 11 includes a coolant input section 31 through which coolant enters the coolant chamber 12, and a coolant output section 32 through which coolant exits the coolant chamber 12. The coolant input section 31 and the coolant output section 32 are connected to the first coolant circuit 100.

[0040] The housing 11 includes a refrigerant input section 21 through which a refrigerant pipe 20 passes. Inside the refrigerant pipe 20 of the refrigerant input section 21, refrigerant enters at least the interior of the housing 11. Furthermore, the housing 11 includes a refrigerant output section 22 through which a refrigerant pipe 20 passes. Inside the refrigerant pipe 20 of the refrigerant output section 22, refrigerant exits at least the interior of the housing 11. The refrigerant input section 21 and the refrigerant output section 22 are connected to a refrigerant circuit 300.

[0041] The refrigerant pipe 20 has a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B inside the coolant chamber 12.

[0042] The first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A has a first surface 23A and a second surface 23B opposite to the first surface 23A. The refrigerant flows between the first surface 23A and the second surface 23B of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A. Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the first surface 23A of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the second surface 23B.

[0043] The first portion 41 of the heater 40 is positioned in contact with a part of the second surface 23B of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A of the refrigerant pipe 20.

[0044] The second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B has a third surface 23C and a fourth surface 23D opposite to the third surface 23C. Refrigerant flows between the third surface 23C and the fourth surface 23D of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B. The second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the coolant at at least a part of the third surface 23C and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the coolant at at least a part of the fourth surface 23D.

[0045] The second part 42 of the heater 40 is disposed in contact with a part of the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B of the refrigerant pipe 20.

[0046] Thus, by directly contacting the first part 41 and the second part 42 of the heater 40 with the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B, respectively, the heat of the heater 40 can be directly transferred to the refrigerant without passing through the coolant, so that the heating loss can be reduced.

[0047] A part of the heater 40 may be tubular. However, the shape of the heater 40 is not limited to a tubular shape and may be, for example, a plate shape.

[0048] The first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A has a first side along a predetermined direction. The second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B has a second side along the same predetermined direction.

[0049] The tubular shape of the heater 40 has a first part 41 that extends between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B.

[0050] The tubular shape of the heater 40 has a second part 42 that extends between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the tubular shape of the heater 40 has a curved portion 43 that connects the first part 41 and the second part 42 in a curved shape between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B.

[0052] At least a part of the first part 41 of the tubular shape of the heater 40 may be in the curved portion 43. At least a part of the second part 42 of the tubular shape of the heater 40 may be in the curved portion 43.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the tubular curved portion 43 of the heater 40 comprises at least a first curved portion 43A that is bent in a first direction, a second curved portion 43B that is bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third curved portion 43C that is bent in the first direction.

[0054] In this way, by curving the heater 40 and arranging it between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B, the area in contact between the heater 40 and the second surface 23B of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B is increased, and the area in contact between the heater 40 and the coolant flowing between the second surface 23B of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B is also increased. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant, the coolant, and the heater 40 is improved.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A of the refrigerant pipe 20 may have a rib 50 on a part of its second surface 23B that protrudes toward the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B, but does not come into contact with the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B.

[0056] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the coolant flowing between the second surface 23B of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the third surface 23C of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B meanders in a plan view due to the ribs 50, and as shown in Figure 7, flows smoothly between adjacent heaters 40 in a side view. Therefore, the coolant can pass smoothly around the heaters 40, improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant, the coolant, and the heaters 40.

[0057] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of the fins 60 on the surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the surface of the fins 60 in contact with the heater 40 according to Embodiment 1.

[0058] The first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B may have fins 60 with an uneven shape as shown in Figure 8 on their surfaces.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, the fins 60 may have holes 61 in the direction in which the coolant flows within the coolant chamber 12. As shown in Figure 8, the fins 60 may be arranged alternately in the direction in which the coolant flows within the coolant chamber 12. The coolant may flow not only on the surface of the fins 60 but also through the holes 61. This allows for efficient heat exchange between the coolant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B and the coolant flowing along the fins 60.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, the fins 60 may have a shape that contacts the curved surface of the heater 40 at the contact surface of the heater 40. This increases heat conduction between the heater 40 and the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B via the fins 60, enabling efficient heat exchange.

[0061] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example configuration in which an aluminum plate 65 is placed on the outside of the fin 60 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 10, an aluminum plate 65 may be provided on the outside of the fin 60 so as to cover the fin 60. By providing the aluminum plate 65 in this way, deformation or damage to the fin 60 can be prevented. Note that the aluminum plate 65 is just an example, and any plate with high thermal conductivity may be used.

[0062] Furthermore, in Figure 10, the coolant can also flow through the gaps in the fins 60. Therefore, the density of the heaters 40 between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B may be increased. This increases the contact area between the heater 40 and the aluminum plate 65, thereby increasing the amount of heat supplied from the heater 40 to the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B. The aluminum plate 65 and the heater 40 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0063] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing only the heater 40 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 shown in Figure 11.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to the first modified example may have a configuration in which a stack of a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B and a heater 40 placed between them are housed in a housing 11. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the heater 40 is made up of a single piece and may have a structure that repeatedly curves in the XY plane and the Z direction so that it can be inserted between multiple first plate-shaped refrigerant pipes 20A and second plate-shaped refrigerant pipes 20B. As a result, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 can be easily manufactured by inserting the heater 40 shown in Figure 12 from the Y direction between multiple first plate-shaped refrigerant pipes 20A and second plate-shaped refrigerant pipes 20B.

[0065] The refrigerant flowing through the stacked first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B may be heated by a heater 40 placed between them.

[0066] Furthermore, the coolant that enters the coolant chamber 12 of the housing 11 may exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the stacked first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A and second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B, and / or with the heater 40, and then exit the coolant chamber 12.

[0067] This makes it possible to increase the amount of heat exchange between the coolant, refrigerant, and heater 40 in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to the first modified example.

[0068] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the refrigerant pipe 20 and heater 40 shown in Figure 13.

[0069] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to the second modified example may have a configuration in which a refrigerant pipe 20 is wound around a rod-shaped heater 40, and a plurality of fins 60 are provided on the heater 40 and the refrigerant pipe 20, and this is housed in a housing 11. The heater 40, the refrigerant pipe 20 and the plurality of fins 60 may be made of the same material. Note that the housing 11 is not shown in Figure 13.

[0070] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 20 wrapped around the heater 40 may be heated by the heater 40.

[0071] Furthermore, the coolant that enters the coolant chamber 12 of the housing 11 may also exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 20 and / or the heater 40 via the fins 60, and then exit the coolant chamber 12.

[0072] As a result, heat exchange can be performed between the coolant, the refrigerant, and the heater 40 within the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 according to the second modified example.

[0073] Next, we will explain the operation in each pattern (hereinafter referred to as "operating mode") in the circuit configuration including the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 shown in Figure 4, where the battery pack 6 is heated or cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating, OFF, or cooling.

[0074] <Operating Mode A: When the battery pack 6 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating> Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating (operating mode A).

[0075] In operating mode A, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: ON First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: OFF Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: ON

[0076] In operating mode A, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 heats the battery pack 6.

[0077] In operating mode A, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the condenser 303, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant flowing through the condenser 303 heats the air inside the vehicle.

[0078] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives the coolant that has lost heat to the battery pack 6 and the refrigerant that has lost heat to the air inside the vehicle. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 heats the coolant and refrigerant with the ON heater 40 and outputs the heat. As a result, the battery pack 6 is heated by the circulating coolant and the air inside the vehicle is heated by the circulating refrigerant.

[0079] <Operating Mode B: When the battery pack 6 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is turned OFF> Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is turned OFF (operating mode B).

[0080] In operating mode B, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: OFF First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: OFF Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: OFF Compressor 301: OFF Heater 40: ON

[0081] In operating mode B, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 heats the battery pack 6.

[0082] In operating mode B, the refrigerant does not circulate through the refrigerant circuit 300.

[0083] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives the coolant from which heat has been removed by the battery pack 6, but no refrigerant is received. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 heats the coolant with the ON heater 40 and outputs it. This allows the battery pack 6 to be heated by the circulating coolant.

[0084] <Operating Mode C: When the battery pack 6 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling> Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is heated and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling (operating mode C).

[0085] In operating mode C, each device is set as follows: First valve 311: ON Second valve 312: OFF First EXV 321: ON Second EXV 322: OFF Three-way valve 202: ON First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: ON

[0086] In operating mode C, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 heats the battery pack 6.

[0087] In operating mode C, the coolant circulates through the second coolant circuit 200, passing through the second water pump 201, the water-cooled condenser 302, and the operating radiator 206. The coolant flowing through the second coolant circuit 200 cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205.

[0088] In operating mode C, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the water-cooled condenser 302, the first EXV 321, and the evaporator 304. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 cools the air inside the vehicle in the evaporator 304.

[0089] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives the coolant from which heat has been removed by the battery pack 6, but no refrigerant is received. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 heats the coolant with the ON heater 40 and outputs it. This allows the battery pack 6 to be heated by the circulating coolant.

[0090] Furthermore, since the refrigerant is cooled in the water-cooled condenser 302 by the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit 200, the evaporator 304 can cool the air inside the vehicle.

[0091] <Operating Mode D1: When the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating (1)> Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the first control method (operating mode D1) according to Embodiment 1 when the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating.

[0092] In operating mode D1, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: ON First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: OFF Second four-way valve 112: OFF First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: ON

[0093] In operating mode D1, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, and the three-way valve 202 are turned OFF, and a portion of the first coolant circuit 100 and the second coolant circuit 200 are connected, and the coolant circulates as follows: The coolant circulates through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, the operating radiator 206, and the second water pump 201. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 cools the battery pack 6. In addition, the coolant cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205. The coolant that has absorbed heat through this cooling is cooled as it passes through the operating radiator 206. As a result, the battery pack 6 can be cooled by the circulating coolant.

[0094] In operating mode D1, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the condenser 303, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 heats the air inside the vehicle in the condenser 303.

[0095] Therefore, the refrigerant that has had its heat absorbed by the air inside the vehicle in the condenser 303 is input to the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, but no coolant is input. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 heats the refrigerant with the ON heater 40 and outputs it. This allows the air inside the vehicle to be heated by the circulating refrigerant.

[0096] <Operating Mode D2: When the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating (2)> Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the second control method (operating mode D2) according to Embodiment 1 when the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating. Operating mode D2 may be applied when the in-vehicle heating load is small and the temperature of the battery pack 6 is high. In operating mode D2, the refrigerant is heated using the waste heat from the battery pack 6.

[0097] In operating mode D2, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: ON First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: OFF Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: OFF

[0098] In operating mode D2, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 cools the battery pack 6.

[0099] In operating mode D2, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the condenser 303, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 heats the air inside the vehicle in the condenser 303.

[0100] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives coolant that has absorbed heat from the battery pack 6 and refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the air inside the vehicle. Heat exchange takes place between the coolant and refrigerant in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, causing the coolant to cool down and the refrigerant to heat up. Consequently, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 outputs cooled coolant and heated refrigerant. This allows the battery pack 6 to be cooled by the circulating coolant and the air inside the vehicle to be heated by the circulating refrigerant.

[0101] <Operating Mode D3: When the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating (3)> Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the third control method (operating mode D3) according to Embodiment 1 when the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating. Operating mode D3 may be applied when the heating load is small and the temperature of the battery pack 6 is high. In operating mode D3, the refrigerant is heated using the waste heat from the powertrain (motor 203, inverter 204, charger 205) and the exhaust heat from the battery pack 6.

[0102] In operating mode D3, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: ON First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: OFF First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: OFF

[0103] In operating mode D3, the first four-way valve 111 is ON, the second four-way valve 112 is OFF, and the three-way valve 202 is OFF, connecting a portion of the first coolant circuit 100 and the second coolant circuit 200, and the coolant circulates as follows: The coolant circulates through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, the second water pump 201, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. In operating mode D3, the radiator 206 does not need to be operated. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 cools the battery pack 6. In addition, the coolant cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205.

[0104] In operating mode D3, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the condenser 303, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 heats the air inside the vehicle in the condenser 303.

[0105] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives coolant that has absorbed heat from the battery pack 6 and the powertrain (motor 203, inverter 204, charger 205), and refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the air inside the vehicle. Heat exchange takes place between the coolant and refrigerant in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, causing the coolant to cool down and the refrigerant to heat up. Consequently, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 outputs cooled coolant and heated refrigerant. This allows the circulating coolant to cool the battery pack 6 and the powertrain, and the circulating refrigerant to heat the air inside the vehicle.

[0106] <Operating Mode E: When the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is turned OFF> Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is turned OFF (operating mode E).

[0107] In operating mode E, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: ON Second valve 312: OFF First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: ON First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: OFF

[0108] In operating mode E, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 cools the battery pack 6.

[0109] In operating mode E, the coolant circulates through the second coolant circuit 200, passing through the second water pump 201, the water-cooled condenser 302, and the operating radiator 206. The coolant flowing through the second coolant circuit 200 cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205.

[0110] In operating mode E, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, through the compressor 301, the water-cooled condenser 302, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10.

[0111] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives the coolant that has absorbed heat from the battery pack 6 and the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the water-cooled condenser 302. Heat exchange takes place between the coolant and the refrigerant in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, causing the coolant to cool down and the refrigerant to heat up. Consequently, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 outputs the cooled coolant and the heated refrigerant. This allows the battery pack 6 to be cooled by the coolant circulating in the first coolant circuit 100.

[0112] <Operating Mode F: When the battery pack 6 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling> Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is cooled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling (operating mode F).

[0113] In operating mode F, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: ON Second valve 312: OFF First EXV 321: ON Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: ON First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: ON Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: OFF

[0114] In operating mode F, the coolant circulates through the first coolant circuit 100, passing through the first water pump 101, the battery heat exchanger 7 where the battery pack 6 is located, and the coolant chamber 12 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 7 cools the battery pack 6.

[0115] In operating mode F, the coolant circulates through the second coolant circuit 200, passing through the second water pump 201, the water-cooled condenser 302, and the operating radiator 206. The coolant flowing through the second coolant circuit 200 cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205.

[0116] In operating mode F, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, through the compressor 301, the water-cooled condenser 302, the first EXV 321, the evaporator 304, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. As shown in Figure 22, the refrigerant may circulate in parallel between the first EXV 321 and the evaporator 304, and between the second EXV and the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10.

[0117] Therefore, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 receives the coolant that has absorbed heat from the battery pack 6 and the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the water-cooled condenser 302. Heat exchange takes place between the coolant and the refrigerant in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, causing the coolant to cool down and the refrigerant to heat up. Consequently, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 outputs the cooled coolant and the heated refrigerant. This allows the battery pack 6 to be cooled by the circulating coolant.

[0118] Furthermore, since the refrigerant cooled by the water-cooled condenser 302 is input to the evaporator 304, the refrigerant can cool the air inside the vehicle.

[0119] <Operating Mode G: When the temperature of the battery pack 6 is not controlled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating> Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the temperature of the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is not controlled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to heating (operating mode G).

[0120] In operating mode G, each device is controlled as follows: First valve 311: OFF Second valve 312: ON First EXV 321: OFF Second EXV 322: ON Three-way valve 202: OFF First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: OFF Second water pump 201: OFF Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: ON

[0121] In operating mode G, the first coolant circuit 100 does not operate.

[0122] In operating mode G, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the condenser 303, the second EXV 322, and the refrigerant pipes 20 of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant flowing through the condenser 303 heats the air inside the vehicle.

[0123] Therefore, the refrigerant, which has had heat removed by the air inside the vehicle, is input to the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, but no coolant is input. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 heats the refrigerant with the ON heater 40 and outputs the heat. This allows the refrigerant, which has had heat removed by the air inside the vehicle, to be heated.

[0124] <Operating Mode H: When the temperature of the battery pack 6 is not controlled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling> Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant and coolant when the temperature of the battery pack 6 according to Embodiment 1 is not controlled and the in-vehicle air conditioning is set to cooling (operating mode H).

[0125] In operating mode H, each component is set as follows: First valve 311: ON Second valve 312: OFF First EXV 321: ON Second EXV 322: OFF Three-way valve 202: ON First four-way valve 111: ON Second four-way valve 112: ON First water pump 101: OFF Second water pump 201: ON Compressor 301: ON Heater 40: OFF

[0126] In operating mode H, the first coolant circuit 100 does not operate.

[0127] In operating mode H, the coolant circulates through the second coolant circuit 200, passing through the second water pump 201, the water-cooled condenser 302, and the operating radiator 206. The coolant flowing through the second coolant circuit 200 cools the motor 203, the inverter 204, and the charger 205.

[0128] In operating mode H, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 300, passing through the compressor 301, the water-cooled condenser 302, the first EXV 321, and the evaporator 304. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 300 cools the air inside the vehicle in the evaporator 304.

[0129] The refrigerant, which has absorbed heat from the air inside the vehicle, is cooled in the water-cooled condenser 302 by exchanging heat with the coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit. This allows the circulating refrigerant to cool the air inside the vehicle.

[0130] The above-mentioned operating mode D2 or operating mode D3 may be read as the first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the heater 40 in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 consumes first power and transfers first heat quantity per unit time from the coolant to the refrigerant. Here, the heater 40 is OFF and the first power is basically 0, but the first power may be a very small value. As a result, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 can transfer the waste heat obtained from the battery pack 6 to the refrigerant and heat the refrigerant. In other words, the waste heat from the battery pack 6 can be used for heating the inside of the vehicle.

[0131] The above-mentioned operating modes A, B, or C may be interpreted as the second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the heater 40 is ON in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, and the heater 40 consumes a second power greater than the first power, and transfers a second amount of heat smaller than the first amount of heat per unit time from the coolant to the refrigerant. As a result, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 can heat the coolant with the heater 40. In other words, the heater 40 can heat the battery pack 6.

[0132] The above-mentioned operating modes A, D1, or G may be interpreted as the third operating mode. In the third operating mode, the heater 40 is ON in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10, and the heater 40 consumes a third power greater than the first power, and transfers heat from the coolant to the refrigerant by a third heat amount greater than the second heat amount per unit time. As a result, the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 10 can heat the refrigerant with the heater 40. In other words, the heater 40 can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0133] Furthermore, in the third operating mode described above, the compressor 301 of the refrigerant circuit 300 may be operated at a predetermined intensity or higher. This allows the interior of the vehicle to be heated more strongly.

[0134] <Flowchart> Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for switching operating modes according to Embodiment 1. Next, the above-described method for switching operating modes will be explained with reference to Figure 25.

[0135] The control device 5 detects the battery temperature Tbat (S101). The battery temperature Tbat is the temperature of the battery pack 6 and may be measured by a battery temperature sensor 71 (see Figure 4) attached to the battery pack 6.

[0136] The control device 5 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is less than the lower limit temperature Tmin of the battery (S102). The lower limit temperature Tmin of the battery may be a value predetermined based on the characteristics of the battery pack 6, for example, 5°C.

[0137] Next, we will explain the case in step S102 when the control device 5 determines that the battery temperature Tbat is less than the lower limit temperature Tmin of the battery (S102: YES).

[0138] The control device 5 determines whether the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "heating," "off," or "cooling" (S103).

[0139] When the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is set to "heating" (S103: heating), the control device 5 controls each device in the case of operating mode A as described in Figure 15 (S104). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, the compressor 301, and the heater 40 (S104). Then the process returns to step S101.

[0140] If the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "OFF" (S103: OFF), the control device 5 controls each device in the case of operating mode B as described in Figure 16 (S105). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, and the heater 40. Then the process returns to step S101.

[0141] When the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is set to "cooling" (S103: Cooling), the control device 5 controls each device in the case of operating mode C as described in Figure 17 (S106). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the first valve 311, the first EXV 321, the three-way valve 202, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, the compressor 301, and the heater 40 (S106). Then the process returns to step S101.

[0142] In step S102, if it is determined that the battery temperature Tbat is greater than or equal to the lower limit temperature Tmin (S102: NO), the control device 5 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is greater than the upper limit temperature Tmax (S110). The upper limit temperature Tmax may be a value predetermined based on the characteristics of the battery pack 6, for example, 50°C.

[0143] Next, we will explain the case in step S110 when it is determined that the battery temperature Tbat is greater than the upper limit temperature Tmax of the battery (S110: YES).

[0144] The control device 5 determines whether the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "heating," "off," or "cooling" (S111).

[0145] If the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "heating" (S111: heating), the control device 5 performs waste heat utilization control (S112). Details of the waste heat utilization control will be described later (see Figure 26). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0146] If the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "OFF" (S111: OFF), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode E described in Figure 21 (S113). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the first valve 311, the second EXV 322, the three-way valve 202, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, and the compressor 301. Then the process returns to step S101.

[0147] When the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is set to "cooling" (S111: Cooling), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode F described in Figure 22 (S114). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the first valve 311, the first EXV 321, the second EXV 322, the three-way valve 202, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, and the compressor 301 (S115). Then the process returns to step S101.

[0148] Next, we will explain the case in step S110 when it is determined that the battery temperature Tbat is less than or equal to the upper limit temperature Tmax of the battery (S110: NO).

[0149] The control device 5 determines whether the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "heating," "off," or "cooling" (S121).

[0150] When the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is "heating" (S121: heating), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode G described in Figure 23 (S122). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the compressor 301, and the heater 40. Then the process returns to step S101.

[0151] If the in-car air conditioning setting is "OFF" (S121: OFF), the process returns to step S101.

[0152] When the in-vehicle air conditioning setting is set to "cooling" (S121: Cooling), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode H described in Figure 24 (S123). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the first valve 311, the first EXV 321, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the second water pump 201, and the compressor 301. Then the process returns to step S101.

[0153] <Waste Heat Utilization Control> Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of waste heat utilization control according to Embodiment 1. Figure 26 corresponds to a detailed explanation of step S112 in Figure 25.

[0154] The control device 5 acquires the outside air temperature Tair and the coolant temperature Twat (S201). The outside air temperature Tair is the temperature of the air outside the vehicle and may be measured by an outside air temperature sensor 72 (see Figure 4) mounted on the outside of the vehicle 1. The coolant temperature Twat is the temperature of the coolant just before it enters the radiator 206 and may be measured by a water temperature sensor 73 (see Figure 4) mounted just before the radiator 206 of the second coolant circuit 200.

[0155] The control device 5 determines whether the ambient temperature Tair is greater than the ambient threshold temperature Tair1 (S202). The ambient threshold temperature Tair1 may be a predetermined threshold, for example, 10°C.

[0156] If the ambient temperature Tair is less than or equal to the ambient threshold temperature Tair1 (S202: NO), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode D1 described in Figure 18 (S210). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, the compressor 301, and the heater 40. Then, the process returns to step S101 in Figure 25.

[0157] If the ambient temperature Tair is greater than the ambient threshold temperature Tair1 (S202: YES), the control device 5 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is greater than the battery threshold temperature Tbat1 (S203). The battery threshold temperature Tbat1 may be a predetermined threshold, for example, 55°C.

[0158] If the battery temperature Tbat is less than or equal to the battery threshold temperature Tbat1 (S203: NO), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode D1 described in Figure 18 (S210). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, the compressor 301, and the heater 40. Then, the process returns to step S101 in Figure 25.

[0159] If the battery temperature Tbat is greater than the battery threshold temperature Tbat1 (S203: YES), the control device 5 determines whether the coolant temperature Twat is greater than the coolant threshold temperature Twat1 (S204). The coolant threshold temperature Twat1 may be a predetermined threshold, for example, 55°C.

[0160] If the coolant temperature Twat is less than or equal to the coolant threshold temperature Twat1 (S204: NO), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode D2 described in Figure 19 (S205). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first four-way valve 111, the second four-way valve 112, the first water pump 101, and the compressor 301. Then the process returns to step S101 in Figure 25.

[0161] If the coolant temperature Twat is greater than the coolant threshold temperature Twat1 (S204: YES), the control device 5 controls each device in the operating mode D3 described in Figure 20 (S206). Specifically, the control device 5 turns on the second valve 312, the second EXV 322, the first four-way valve 111, the first water pump 101, the second water pump 201, and the compressor 301. Then the process returns to step S101 in Figure 25.

[0162] As shown in Figures 25 and 26 above, an appropriate operating mode is selected based on the temperature of the battery pack 6, the setting of the in-vehicle air conditioning, the outside air temperature, and the coolant temperature, thereby enabling proper temperature control of the battery pack 6 and the air inside the vehicle. Furthermore, as shown in operating modes D2 and D3 of Figure 26, waste heat from the battery pack 6 and / or the powertrain (motor 203, inverter 204, charger 205) can be used to heat the coolant, depending on the outside air temperature and the coolant temperature.

[0163] (Summary of Embodiment 1) The following technology is disclosed based on the description of Embodiment 1 above.

[0164] <Technical 1> The vehicle (1) according to Embodiment 1 comprises a vehicle body (2), a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) attached to the vehicle body, an electric motor (4) that drives at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel, a group of secondary battery modules (e.g., a battery pack 6) arranged on the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor, a battery heat exchanger (7) through which coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the group of secondary battery modules, a coolant circuit (e.g., a first coolant circuit 100) that circulates the coolant to the battery heat exchanger, and at least a compressor (301), and at least A vehicle comprising a refrigerant circuit (300) through which a refrigerant flows and which is capable of exchanging heat with the interior air of the vehicle body, a coolant flowing through the coolant circuit, and a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger (10) capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger comprises a coolant chamber (12) through which the coolant flows, a refrigerant pipe (20) through which the refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber, and a heater (40) that generates heat from external power, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber, and a portion of the heater (40) being positioned in contact with the refrigerant pipe. As a result, in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger, at least a portion of the heat from the heater is conducted to the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe without going through the coolant, thereby reducing heating loss.

[0165] <Technology 2> The vehicle described in Technology 1, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger further comprises a housing (11), at least a portion of the coolant chamber is formed by the inner surface of the housing, the housing comprises a coolant input section (31) into which the coolant enters at least the coolant chamber, and a coolant output section (32) out of which the coolant exits at least the coolant chamber, the coolant input section and the coolant output section are connected to the coolant circuit. This enables heat exchange between the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber and the heater within the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0166] <Technology 3> The vehicle described in Technology 2, wherein the housing comprises a refrigerant input section (21) through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant enters at least the interior of the housing, and a refrigerant output section (22) through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant exits at least the interior of the housing. This enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe, the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber, and the heater within the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0167] <Technology 4> A vehicle according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a plate-shaped refrigerant pipe (for example, a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20A) inside the coolant chamber, having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the refrigerant flowing between the first surface and the second surface, with heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the first surface, and heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the second surface, and a part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the second surface of the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. This makes it possible to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber, and the heater inside the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0168] <Technology 5> The vehicle described in Technology 4, wherein the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe is a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe (20A), and the refrigerant pipe has a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe (20B) inside the coolant chamber, having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, with the refrigerant flowing between the third surface and the fourth surface, with heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant at least a portion of the third surface, and heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant at least a portion of the fourth surface, with at least a portion of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe facing the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the first portion of the heater being positioned in contact with a portion of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and the second portion of the heater being positioned in contact with a portion of the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. This makes it possible to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater inside the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0169] <Technology 6> The vehicle described in Technology 5, wherein a part of the heater is tubular in shape, the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a first side along a predetermined direction, the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a second side along the predetermined direction, the tubular shape of the heater has a first portion (41) extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, a second portion (42) extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and a curved portion (43) connecting the first portion and the second portion in a curved manner between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, at least a part of the first portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion, and at least a part of the second portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion. This increases the contact area between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and / or the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater, thereby increasing the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater.

[0170] <Technical 7> The vehicle described in Technical 6, wherein the curved portion of the tubular shape of the heater comprises at least a first curved portion (43A) that is bent in a first direction, a second curved portion (43B) that is bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third curved portion (43C) that is bent in the first direction. This increases the contact area between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and / or the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater, thereby increasing the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater.

[0171] <Technical 8> A vehicle according to Technical 6 or 7, wherein a rib (50) is provided on a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipe, protruding toward the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, but not in contact with the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. By providing the rib, the coolant flowing between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe can be made to meander and flow smoothly.

[0172] <Technology 9> A vehicle according to any one of Technologies 1 to 8, comprising: a first operating mode in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger in which the heater consumes a first power and transfers a first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; a second operating mode in which the heater in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger consumes a second power greater than the first power and transfers a second amount of heat less than the first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; and a third operating mode in which the heater in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger consumes a third power greater than the first power and transfers a third amount of heat greater than the second amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time. This allows the waste heat from the secondary battery module group to be used for heating the interior of the vehicle in the first operating mode. In the second operating mode, the secondary battery module group can be heated by the heater of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger. In the third operating mode, the heater in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0173] <Technical 10> In the vehicle described in Technical 9, in the third operating mode, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit is operated at a predetermined intensity or higher. This makes it possible to heat the interior of the vehicle more strongly.

[0174] <Technical 11> The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger (10) according to Embodiment 1 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; first wheels and second wheels attached to the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel; a group of secondary battery modules arranged on the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor; a battery heat exchanger through which coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the group of secondary battery modules; a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant to the battery heat exchanger; and a refrigerant circuit that includes at least a compressor and is capable of exchanging heat with the indoor air of the vehicle body and through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger is capable of exchanging heat with the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, comprising: a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows; a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of which is in the coolant chamber; and a heater, with at least a portion of which is in the coolant chamber and which generates heat from external power, wherein a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with the refrigerant pipe. As a result, in a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger, at least a portion of the heat from the heater is conducted to the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipes without passing through the coolant, thus reducing heating loss.

[0175] <Technical 12> The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger described in Technical 11, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger further comprises a housing, at least a portion of the coolant chamber is formed by the inner surface of the housing, the housing comprises a coolant input section into which the coolant enters at least the coolant chamber, and a coolant output section into which the coolant exits at least the coolant chamber, and the coolant input section and the coolant output section are connected to the coolant circuit. This enables heat exchange between the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber and the heater within the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0176] <Technical 13> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger as described in Technical 12, wherein the housing comprises a refrigerant input section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant enters at least the inside of the housing, and a refrigerant output section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant exits at least the inside of the housing. This enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe, the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber, and the heater within the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0177] <Technology 14> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to any one of technologies 11 to 13, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a plate-shaped refrigerant pipe that has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface inside the coolant chamber, the refrigerant flows between the first surface and the second surface, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the first surface, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the second surface, and a part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the second surface of the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. This makes it possible to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the coolant flowing through the coolant chamber, and the heater inside the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0178] <Technical 15> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger as described in Technical 14, wherein the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe is a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant pipe has a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe which has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface inside the coolant chamber, with the refrigerant flowing between the third surface and the fourth surface, with heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the third surface, and heat exchange occurring between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the fourth surface, with at least a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe facing the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the first part of the heater being positioned in contact with a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and the second part of the heater being positioned in contact with a part of the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. This makes it possible to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater inside the housing of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

[0179] <Technical 16> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger as described in Technical 15, wherein a part of the heater is tubular in shape, the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a first side along a predetermined direction, the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a second side along the predetermined direction, the tubular shape of the heater has a first portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, a second portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and a curved portion connecting the first portion and the second portion in a curved manner between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, at least a part of the first portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion, and at least a part of the second portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion. This increases the contact area between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and / or the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater, thereby increasing the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater.

[0180] <Technical 17> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Technical 16, wherein the curved portion of the tubular shape of the heater comprises at least a first curved portion that is bent in a first direction, a second curved portion that is bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third curved portion that is bent in the first direction. This increases the contact area between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and / or the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater, thereby increasing the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the heater.

[0181] <Technical 18> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to Technical 16 or 17, wherein a rib is provided on a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipe, which protrudes toward the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe but does not come into contact with the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe. By providing the rib, the coolant flowing between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe can be made to meander and flow smoothly.

[0182] <Technology 19> A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to any one of Technologies 11 to 18, comprising: a first operating mode in which the heater consumes a first power and transfers a first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; a second operating mode in which the heater consumes a second power greater than the first power and transfers a second amount of heat less than the first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; and a third operating mode in which the heater consumes a third power greater than the first power and transfers a third amount of heat greater than the second amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time. This allows the waste heat from the secondary battery module group to be used for heating the interior of the vehicle in the first operating mode. In the second operating mode, the secondary battery module group can be heated by the heater of the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger. In the third operating mode, the heater in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0183] <Technical 20> The refrigerant coolant heat exchanger described in Technical 19, wherein in the third operating mode, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit is operated at a predetermined intensity or higher. This makes it possible to heat the interior of the vehicle more strongly.

[0184] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0185] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-016406 filed on February 3, 2025, and its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0186] The technology disclosed herein is useful for temperature control between the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit of a vehicle.

[0187] 1 Vehicle 2 Body 3 Wheels 3a First wheel 3b Second wheel 4 Electric motor 5 Control device 6 Battery pack 7 Battery heat exchanger 10 Refrigerant coolant heat exchanger 11 Housing 12 Coolant chamber 20 Refrigerant pipe 20A First plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 20B Second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe 21 Refrigerant input section 22 Refrigerant output section 23A First surface 23B Second surface 23C Third surface 23D Fourth surface 31 Coolant input section 32 Coolant output section 40 Heater 41 First section 42 Second section 43 Curved section 43A First curved section 43B Second curved section 43C Third curved section 50 Rib 60 Fin 61 Hole 65 Aluminum plate 71 Battery temperature sensor 72 Ambient temperature sensor 73 Water temperature sensor 100 101 First coolant circuit 111 First water pump 111 First four-way valve 112 Second four-way valve 200 Second coolant circuit 201 Second water pump 202 Three-way valve 203 Motor 204 Inverter 205 Charger 206 Radiator 300 Refrigerant circuit 301 Compressor 302 Water-cooled condenser 303 Condenser 304 Evaporator 311 First valve 312 Second valve 321 First EXV 322 Second EXV Tair Ambient temperature Tair1 Ambient threshold temperature Tbat Battery temperature Tbat1 Battery threshold temperature Tmax Battery upper limit temperature Tmin Battery lower limit temperature Twat Coolant temperature Twat1 Coolant threshold temperature

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; first wheels and second wheels attached to the vehicle body; an electric motor for driving at least one of the first wheels and the second wheels; a group of secondary battery modules arranged in the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor; a battery heat exchanger through which coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the group of secondary battery modules; a coolant circuit for circulating the coolant to the battery heat exchanger; a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compressor, capable of exchanging heat with at least the interior air of the vehicle body and through which a refrigerant flows; and a refrigerant coolant heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger comprises: a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows; a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber; and a heater, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber and generating heat from external power, wherein a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with the refrigerant pipe.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger further comprises a housing, at least a portion of the coolant chamber is formed by the inner surface of the housing, the housing comprises a coolant input section into which the coolant enters at least the coolant chamber, and a coolant output section into which the coolant exits at least the coolant chamber, and the coolant input section and the coolant output section are connected to the coolant circuit.

3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a refrigerant input section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant enters at least the interior of the housing, and a refrigerant output section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant exits at least the interior of the housing.

4. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a plate-shaped refrigerant pipe having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface inside the coolant chamber, the refrigerant flows between the first surface and the second surface, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the first surface, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the second surface, and a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with a portion of the second surface of the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe is a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant pipe has a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe which has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface inside the coolant chamber, the refrigerant flows between the third surface and the fourth surface, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the third surface, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the fourth surface, at least a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe faces the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the first part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and the second part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a part of the heater is tubular, the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a first side along a predetermined direction, the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a second side along the predetermined direction, the tubular shape of the heater has: a first portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe; a second portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe; and a curved portion connecting the first portion and the second portion in a curved manner between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, at least a part of the first portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion, and at least a part of the second portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the curved portion of the tubular shape of the heater comprises at least a first curved portion that is bent in a first direction, a second curved portion that is bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third curved portion that is bent in the first direction.

8. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a rib is provided on a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipe, the rib protruding toward the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe but not in contact with the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

9. A vehicle according to claim 1, comprising: a first operating mode in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger in which the heater consumes a first power and transfers a first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; a second operating mode in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger in which the heater consumes a second power greater than the first power and transfers a second amount of heat less than the first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; and a third operating mode in the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger in which the heater consumes a third power greater than the first power and transfers a third amount of heat greater than the second amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein in the third operating mode, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit is operated at a predetermined intensity or higher.

11. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger configured to be mounted on a vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; first wheels and second wheels attached to the vehicle body; an electric motor for driving at least one of the first wheels and the second wheels; a group of secondary battery modules arranged on the vehicle body and supplying power to the electric motor; a battery heat exchanger through which coolant flows and which exchanges heat with the group of secondary battery modules; a coolant circuit for circulating the coolant to the battery heat exchanger; and a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compressor, capable of exchanging heat with at least the interior air of the vehicle body and through which a refrigerant flows, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger is capable of exchanging heat with the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, comprising: a coolant chamber through which the coolant flows; a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber; and a heater, with at least a portion of it located in the coolant chamber and generating heat from external power, wherein a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with the refrigerant pipe.

12. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the refrigerant coolant heat exchanger further comprises a housing, at least a portion of the coolant chamber is formed by the inner surface of the housing, the housing comprises a coolant input section into which the coolant enters at least the coolant chamber, and a coolant output section into which the coolant exits at least the coolant chamber, the coolant input section and the coolant output section being connected to the coolant circuit.

13. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a refrigerant input section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant enters at least the interior of the housing, and a refrigerant output section through which the refrigerant pipe passes and through which the refrigerant exits at least the interior of the housing.

14. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a plate-shaped refrigerant pipe having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface inside the coolant chamber, the refrigerant flows between the first surface and the second surface, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the first surface, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a portion of the second surface, and a portion of the heater is arranged in contact with a portion of the second surface of the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

15. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein the plate-shaped refrigerant pipe is a first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant pipe has a second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe which has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface inside the coolant chamber, the refrigerant flows between the third surface and the fourth surface, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the third surface, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the coolant on at least a part of the fourth surface, at least a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe faces the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, the first part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and the second part of the heater is positioned in contact with a part of the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

16. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein a part of the heater is tubular in shape, the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a first side along a predetermined direction, the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe has a second side along the predetermined direction, the tubular shape of the heater has a first portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, a second portion extending between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe from the first side of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second side of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, and a curved portion connecting the first portion and the second portion in a curved manner between the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe and the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe, at least a part of the first portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion, and at least a part of the second portion of the tubular shape of the heater is in the curved portion. Refrigerant coolant heat exchanger.

17. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the curved portion of the tubular shape of the heater comprises at least a first curved portion bent in a first direction, a second curved portion bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third curved portion bent in the first direction.

18. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein a rib is provided on a part of the second surface of the first plate-shaped refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant pipe, the rib protruding toward the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe but not in contact with the third surface of the second plate-shaped refrigerant pipe.

19. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 11, comprising: a first operating mode in which the heater consumes a first power and transfers a first amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time; a second operating mode in which the heater consumes a second power greater than the first power and transfers a second amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time less than the first amount of heat; and a third operating mode in which the heater consumes a third power greater than the first power and transfers a third amount of heat from the coolant to the refrigerant per unit time greater than the second amount of heat.

20. A refrigerant coolant heat exchanger according to claim 19, wherein in the third operating mode, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit operates at a predetermined intensity or higher.

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