Cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle and operating method for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle, comprising: - at least one coolant pump (210) which is designed to circulate a coolant in a coolant circuit of the cooling and / or heating system; - at least one first heat exchanger (222) which is designed to exchange heat between the coolant and ambient air; - at least one second heat exchanger (230) which is designed to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger; and - at least one control module which is designed to adjust at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system on the basis of the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that a coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to the formation of ice on at least one first heat exchanger.

Description

[0001] 24-0793

[0002] Cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle and operating procedures for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle, a vehicle with such a cooling and / or heating system, an operating method for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle, and a storage medium for executing the operating method. The present disclosure relates in particular to an anti-icing device for vehicle radiators.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Heat pump systems that draw their thermal potential from the environment face a fundamental challenge: at ambient temperatures below 0°C and corresponding humidity, the condenser often ices up. This effect not only prevents further heat extraction from the environment but also leads to physical stress on the condenser and cooling fins due to the resulting ice structure.

[0006] Previously, this problem was addressed by minimizing the temperature difference between the coolant and the environment. While this effectively prevents icing of the radiator, it comes at the expense of the heating system's efficiency, as the ambient thermal potential is not fully utilized. A higher temperature difference in heat pumps generally leads to lower efficiency, although it is still greater than one. However, if the subcooling is limited, the missing heating requirement can be met by an electric system (an "auxiliary heater"), which typically has an efficiency no higher than one. Stationary systems, in particular, address icing through active heating, but this incurs additional energy consumption and negatively impacts the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0007] 17.03.202524-0793

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to specify a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle, a vehicle with such a cooling and / or heating system, an operating method for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle and a storage medium for carrying out the operating method, which maximizes the use of the thermal potential of the environment while preventing icing of a heat exchanger.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The cooling and / or heating system comprises:

[0012] at least one coolant pump designed to circulate a coolant in a cooling circuit of the cooling and / or heating system;

[0013] at least one first heat exchanger designed for heat exchange between the coolant and ambient air;

[0014] at least a second heat exchanger designed to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger; and

[0015] at least one control module configured to adjust at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that the coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0016] 17.03.202524-0793

[0017] According to the invention, the control of coolant actuators, such as a pump and / or a fan, takes into account the temperature and humidity of the ambient air in order to minimize or completely prevent icing of the heat exchanger or cooler. The coolant temperature is specifically regulated by the control of the coolant actuators in such a way that condensation and subsequent freezing of moisture from the ambient air are reduced or avoided. This enables maximum utilization of the ambient thermal potential, which increases the overall energy efficiency of the cooling and / or heating system.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the coolant pumps is a centrifugal pump. A centrifugal pump, also known as a centrifugal pump, is a type of rotating machine that moves coolant by using centrifugal force.

[0019] Preferably, the coolant is selected from or consists of the group comprising water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and water mixtures with additives (e.g. corrosion protection).

[0020] Preferably, the at least one first heat exchanger, which is designed for heat exchange between the coolant and the ambient air, is a radiator cooled from the outside by an airflow. The airflow can be generated by the movement of the vehicle and / or by at least one fan. The radiator thus enables the dissipation of heat from the coolant.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one second heat exchanger, which is configured to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger, is a chiller. The chiller extracts thermal energy from the coolant of the cooling circuit and transfers this thermal energy to another medium.

[0022] 17.03.202524-0793

[0023] Preferably, at least one second heat exchanger is provided to extract heat from the coolant of the cooling circuit and to supply it to a refrigerant of a refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system.

[0024] Preferably, the refrigerant is selected from or consists of the group comprising R-134a (tetrafluoroethane), R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf), CO2 (carbon dioxide, R-744) and propane.

[0025] Preferably, the cooling and / or heating system is an indirect cooling and / or heating system.

[0026] Preferably, the indirect cooling and / or heating system comprises at least one primary circuit and at least one secondary circuit. The refrigerant circulates in the at least one primary circuit, while the coolant circulates in the at least one secondary circuit, exchanging heat with the at least one primary circuit and being transported to the areas in the vehicle where cooling or heating is required – such as the drive energy storage system in hybrid or electric vehicles, a vehicle interior, or other components to be cooled or heated.

[0027] Within the scope of this disclosure, the terms "refrigerant" and "refrigeration circuit" may be used when referring to the at least one primary circuit. Conversely, the terms "coolant" and "cooling circuit" may be used when referring to the at least one secondary circuit.

[0028] Preferably, the refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system operates in heat pump mode. In heat pump mode, the refrigeration circuit can extract thermal energy from the refrigerant and use it, for example, for interior heating. The refrigerant actuators, controlled according to the invention, regulate the temperature of the refrigerant after heat extraction by the

[0029] 17.03.202524-0793

[0030] By specifically increasing the heat pump's operating temperature, icing of the heat exchanger or cooler can be effectively prevented. This allows for a larger temperature differential, increases the heat pump's availability, and improves the overall efficiency of the heating system.

[0031] Preferably, at least one control module is configured to further adjust at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on at least one operating parameter for heat pump operation. This allows not only the properties of the ambient air to be taken into account when controlling the coolant actuators, but also the requirements and / or characteristics of the heat pump.

[0032] Preferably, at least one operating parameter for heat pump operation relates to or includes a temperature parameter, such as a minimum temperature required or desired for heat pump operation. The minimum temperature is an inlet or outlet temperature of the chiller, which, depending on the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit, is the minimum required to meet the requested heating demand.

[0033] Preferably, the cooling and / or heating system comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to detect the ambient air temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the ambient air temperature can be obtained additionally or alternatively by other methods, such as by retrieving it from a weather service via a communication interface.

[0034] In the context of a vehicle, the term "ambient air" refers to the air immediately surrounding the vehicle, which, for example, the cooling and / or heating system can access. The ambient air temperature is therefore the outside temperature directly surrounding the vehicle.

[0035] 17.03.202524-0793

[0036] The term "humidity" refers to the proportion of water vapor contained in the ambient air of the vehicle. It can be expressed, for example, as relative humidity (e.g., in percent), which describes the ratio of the actual amount of water vapor present to the maximum possible amount at a given temperature.

[0037] Preferably, the cooling and / or heating system includes a humidity control module designed to determine the humidity of the ambient air.

[0038] Preferably, the humidity measurement module is configured to determine the humidity based on sensor data from at least one sensor module of the cooling and / or heating system. This at least one sensor module can, for example, include a humidity sensor and / or a camera. For instance, the camera can detect fog, rain, or frost, allowing inferences to be made about the humidity.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine humidity based on temporal model data. This temporal model data can, for example, specify an annual humidity trend model, allowing inferences to be drawn about the humidity based on a given time.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine the humidity based on operating data from at least one vehicle function, such as windshield wiper operating data. If the windshield wipers are active, inferences can be drawn about the humidity, optionally also taking into account a

[0041] 17.03.202524-0793

[0042] Operating mode (e.g. interval or highest level) and / or a time course of the operation of the windshield wiper (e.g. short operating time or long operating time).

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine the humidity based on the vehicle's location data. For example, a specific humidity level might be typical for a particular location at a certain time of year.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity control module can be configured to determine humidity based on weather data. This weather data can be obtained, for example, by retrieving it from a weather service via the vehicle's communication interface.

[0045] Preferably, the cooling and / or heating system includes a dew point determination module configured to determine the dew point of the ambient air based on its temperature and humidity. The dew point is the temperature at which the moisture contained in the ambient air begins to condense into water vapor and turn into liquid water. For example, at an air temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 50%, the dew point is approximately 9.3°C. If the vehicle radiator cools below this temperature, condensation or ice will form, depending on the ambient conditions.

[0046] The at least one control module is configured to adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system such that the coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than the temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger. Preferably, the temperature threshold is based on the dew point or corresponds to (or is) the dew point. By adjusting the temperature of the coolant, the system can...

[0047] 17.03.202524-0793

[0048] Above the dew point of the ambient air, condensation of moisture on the vehicle radiator can be reduced or prevented, so there is no risk of ice formation on the vehicle radiator.

[0049] Preferably, the at least one control module is further configured to adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system such that the coolant temperature is higher than the temperature threshold when the ambient air temperature is equal to or lower than the freezing point of water. The freezing point of water is the temperature at which water transitions from a liquid to a solid state (ice). Under normal atmospheric pressure conditions (1 ltm or 1013 hPa), this temperature is 0°C (273.15 K). By setting the coolant temperature to a value above the ambient air dew point when outside temperatures are below the freezing point, condensation of moisture on the vehicle radiator can be reduced or completely prevented. This effectively prevents ice formation from condensed water on the vehicle radiator caused by low outside temperatures.

[0050] Preferably, at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system relates to or includes a mass flow rate or volume flow rate of the at least one coolant pump. The mass flow rate indicates the mass of coolant pumped per unit of time. The volume flow rate indicates the volume of coolant pumped per unit of time. A higher mass flow rate / volume flow rate through at least one secondary heat exchanger (e.g., chiller) means that, with a constant heat absorption by the refrigerant, the temperature of the coolant is reduced less.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system relates to or includes an operating characteristic of at least one fan of the at least one first heat exchanger, such as the rotational speed of the at least one fan. In particular, the heating output is controlled by a corresponding

[0052] 17.03.202524-0793

[0053] Subcooling is provided. If the subcooling triggers the icing protection, the volume flow is increased to reduce the subcooling, and at the same time the fan is controlled to raise the coolant temperature after the radiator.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system relates to or includes at least one air flap of the at least one first heat exchanger. For example, depending on the fan control, the air flaps can be opened to allow airflow through the radiator.

[0055] Preferably, the cooling circuit includes at least one bypass for the at least one first heat exchanger. A first end or inlet of the bypass can be arranged between the inlet of the at least one first heat exchanger and an outlet of the at least one second heat exchanger. Optionally, a second end or outlet of the bypass can be arranged between the inlet of the at least one second heat exchanger and an outlet of the at least one coolant pump. If no further increase in volume flow and air mass flow is possible, and thus icing can no longer be prevented, the radiator bypass is activated to protect the radiator and prevent further undercooling.

[0056] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The vehicle comprises the cooling and / or heating system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, vans, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, etc., used for the transport of people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

[0058] 17.03.202524-0793

[0059] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, an operating method for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The operating method comprises:

[0060] Operating at least one coolant pump to circulate a coolant in a cooling circuit of the cooling and / or heating system, wherein the cooling and / or heating system comprises at least one first heat exchanger configured for heat exchange between the coolant and ambient air, and at least one second heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger;

[0061] Determining the temperature and humidity of the ambient air; and adjusting, by at least one control module, at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that a coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0062] The operating procedure can implement aspects of the cooling and / or heating system described in this document.

[0063] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is specified. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby execute the operating procedure described in this document for a vehicle cooling and / or heating system.

[0064] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is specified. The storage medium may include a software program configured to run on one or more processors.

[0065] 17.03.202524-0793

[0066] to be, and thereby to carry out the operating procedure for a vehicle cooling and / or heating system as described in this document.

[0067] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is specified. The software is designed to carry out the operating procedure for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0068] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system is specified. The system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors to carry out the operating procedure described in this document for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle.

[0069] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e., a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby advances an algorithm (process).

[0070] Brief description of the drawings

[0071] Examples of the manifestation of the revelation are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show:

[0072] Figure 1 schematically shows a cooling circuit of a cooling and / or heating system according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0073] Figure 2 schematically shows an overview of an exemplary functional principle according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0074] 17.03.202524-0793

[0075] Figure 3 schematically shows a time diagram according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0076] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an operating procedure for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] Implementations of the revelation

[0078] Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements in the following.

[0079] Figure 1 schematically shows a cooling circuit 200 of a cooling and / or heating system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 schematically shows an overview of an exemplary operating principle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] For clarity, Figure 1 shows only those components that are related to the basic concept of the present disclosure or that are helpful for its description. It should be understood that numerous additional components, such as valves, further heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, and systems to be cooled and / or heated, may also be present.

[0081] The cooling and / or heating system 100 can be an indirect cooling and heating system with at least one primary circuit (not shown) and at least one secondary circuit. A refrigerant circulates in the at least one primary circuit or refrigeration circuit, while a coolant circulates in the at least one secondary circuit or cooling circuit 200, which exchanges heat with the at least one primary circuit and is transported to the areas in the vehicle where cooling or heating is required – such as the drive energy storage system.

[0082] 17.03.202524-0793

[0083] Hybrid or electric vehicles, a vehicle interior and / or other components that need to be cooled or heated.

[0084] The cooling and / or heating system 100 includes:

[0085] at least one coolant pump 210, which is set up to circulate the coolant KM in the cooling circuit 200 of the cooling and / or heating system 100;

[0086] at least one first heat exchanger 220, which is designed for heat exchange between the coolant KM, which flows through the at least one first heat exchanger 220, and an ambient air UL;

[0087] at least one second heat exchanger 230, which is configured to extract heat from the coolant KM before the coolant KM enters the at least one first heat exchanger 220; and

[0088] at least one control module configured to set at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 based on a temperature T and humidity RH of the ambient air UL, such that a coolant temperature at which the coolant KM enters the at least one first heat exchanger 220 is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger 222.

[0089] The coolant temperature can be measured, for example, by means of a temperature sensor 240, which is arranged between the at least one first heat exchanger 220 and the at least one second heat exchanger 230, and used as a control variable.

[0090] In some embodiments, the at least one first heat exchanger 220, which is configured for heat exchange between the coolant KM and the ambient air UL, comprises a cooler 222 through which the coolant KM flows and which is cooled from the outside by an airflow. The airflow can be controlled by a movement of the

[0091] 17.03.202524-0793

[0092] The vehicle and / or are generated by at least one fan 224. The radiator 222 thus enables the dissipation of heat from the coolant KM.

[0093] In some embodiments, the at least one second heat exchanger 230, which is configured to extract heat from the coolant KM before the coolant KM enters the at least one first heat exchanger 221, is a chiller. The chiller extracts thermal energy from the coolant KM of the cooling circuit 200 and transfers this thermal energy to another medium.

[0094] In some embodiments, the at least one second heat exchanger 230 is arranged to extract heat from the coolant KM of the cooling circuit 200 and to supply it to a refrigerant of a refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system 100 (not shown).

[0095] In some embodiments, the refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system 100 operates in heat pump mode. In heat pump mode, the refrigeration circuit can extract thermal energy from the refrigerant KM and use it, for example, for interior heating. By controlling the refrigerant actuators according to the invention, which selectively increases the temperature T of the refrigerant KM after heat extraction by the heat pump, icing of the heat exchanger 220 or radiator 222 can be effectively prevented. This allows for a larger temperature differential, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency and availability of the heat pump.

[0096] In some embodiments, the at least one control module is configured to further adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 based on at least one operating parameter for heat pump operation. This allows not only the properties of the ambient air UL to be taken into account when controlling the coolant actuators, but also

[0097] 17.03.202524-0793

[0098] Requirements and / or characteristics of the heat pump, such as a minimum temperature required or desired for heat pump operation.

[0099] In some embodiments, the cooling and / or heating system 200 comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to detect the ambient air temperature T UL. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the ambient air temperature T UL can be obtained additionally or alternatively by other methods, such as by retrieving it from a weather service via a communication interface.

[0100] In some embodiments, the cooling and / or heating system 100 includes a humidity determination module configured to determine the humidity RH of the ambient air UL.

[0101] As schematically shown in Figure 2, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine the relative humidity (RH) based on sensor data from at least one sensor module of the cooling and / or heating system 100. The at least one sensor module can, for example, include a humidity sensor and / or a camera. For instance, the camera can detect fog, rain, or frost, which allows inferences to be made about the relative humidity (RH).

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine the relative humidity (RH) based on temporal model data. This temporal model data can, for example, specify an annual trend model of the relative humidity (RH), allowing inferences to be drawn about the relative humidity (RH) based on a given time.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be set up to determine the relative humidity (RH) based on operating data from at least one

[0104] 17.03.202524-0793

[0105] To determine vehicle functions, such as operating data of a windshield wiper. If the windshield wiper is active, inferences can be drawn about the relative humidity (RH), optionally also taking into account an operating mode (e.g., interval or highest setting) and / or a temporal profile of the windshield wiper operation (e.g., short operating time or long operating time).

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity determination module can be configured to determine the relative humidity (RH) based on the vehicle's location data. For example, a specific relative humidity (RH) might be typical for a particular location at a certain time of year.

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, the humidity control module can be configured to determine the relative humidity (RH) based on weather data. This weather data can be obtained, for example, by retrieving it from a weather service via the vehicle's communication interface.

[0108] As shown schematically in Figure 2, the cooling and / or heating system 100 may include a dew point determination module configured to determine the dew point of the ambient air based on the temperature T and humidity RH of the ambient air UL. The dew point is the temperature at which the moisture contained in the ambient air begins to condense as water vapor and turns into liquid water. If the vehicle radiator cools below this temperature, condensation or ice forms, depending on the ambient conditions.

[0109] The at least one control module is configured to adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 such that the coolant temperature at which the coolant KM enters the at least one first heat exchanger 220 is greater than the temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger. Preferably, the temperature threshold is based on the dew point or

[0110] 17.03.202524-0793

[0111] This corresponds to (or is) the dew point. By setting the temperature of the coolant KM above the dew point of the ambient air, condensation of moisture on the vehicle radiator 222 can be reduced or prevented, so that there is no risk of ice formation on the vehicle radiator 222.

[0112] In some embodiments, the at least one control module is further configured to adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 such that the coolant temperature is greater than the temperature threshold when the ambient air temperature T UL is equal to or less than the freezing point of water (see Figure 2). By setting the coolant temperature KM to a value above the dew point of the ambient air UL at outside temperatures below the freezing point, condensation of moisture on the vehicle radiator 222 can be reduced or completely prevented. This effectively prevents ice formation from condensed water on the vehicle radiator 22 caused by the low outside temperatures.

[0113] It is conceivable that at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 is set based on one or more other circumstance parameters, such as the speed of the vehicle.

[0114] In some embodiments, the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 relates to or includes a mass flow rate or volume flow rate of the at least one coolant pump 210. A higher mass flow rate / volume flow rate through the at least one second heat exchanger 220 (e.g. chiller) means that, with constant heat absorption by the refrigerant, the temperature of the coolant KM is reduced less.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 relates to or includes an operating characteristic of the at least one fan 224, such as a speed of the at least one fan 224.

[0116] 17.03.202524-0793

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system 100 relates to or includes at least one air flap of the at least one first heat exchanger 220.

[0118] Referring to Figure 1, the coolant KM can be directed to different components for heat exchange using suitable valves (e.g., multi-way valves 250A, 250B, 250C) and branches along various flow paths of the cooling circuit 200. These components include, for example, a water-cooled condenser (WCC) 260 for additional heat exchange with the refrigeration circuit, an electric drive motor 400 (e.g., on the front axle and / or rear axle), and / or a high-voltage storage device 500.

[0119] In some embodiments, the cooling circuit 200 comprises at least one bypass 270 for the at least one first heat exchanger 220. A first end or inlet of the bypass 270 can be arranged between the inlet of the at least one first heat exchanger 220 and an outlet of the at least one second heat exchanger 230. Optionally, a second end or outlet of the bypass 270 can be arranged between the inlet of the at least one second heat exchanger 230 and an outlet of the at least one coolant pump 210.

[0120] Figure 3 schematically shows a time diagram according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] To meet heating requirements, the chiller deliberately lowers the flow temperature of the cooler. As soon as the flow temperature falls below the ambient temperature (T ext), especially in the critical freezing range below 0°C (T frost), a continuous cooling process takes place.

[0122] 17.03.202524-0793

[0123] Control of the coolant pump and fan. This control is based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the freezing point.

[0124] To prevent the flow temperature from dropping too low, the temperature is not further reduced. Instead, the required enthalpy for the heating demand is provided by increasing the coolant and air mass flow rates. The air mass flow rate is increased via the fan to allow for greater heat absorption from the environment, while simultaneously the coolant mass flow rate is increased for more efficient heat transfer within the system. These measures keep the temperature difference between the flow temperature and the ambient temperature under control, thus preventing excessive cooling and exposure to freezing.

[0125] If the critical frost limit can be exceeded by such control of the fan and pump operation, the speeds of both components are finely adjusted (right half of Figure 3). This ensures optimal heat transfer and keeps the cooling circuit within safe operating parameters.

[0126] If the temperature stabilization measures are insufficient and the system cannot escape freezing despite maximum actuator control with full fan and pump output, further control strategies are activated. Should the system remain in freezing conditions despite maximum control, it automatically switches to bypass operation to prevent icing (left half of Figure 3). In this mode, the coolant is no longer routed directly through the radiator, but via a bypass line to maintain a stable temperature and prevent the radiator from icing.

[0127] The system thus prevents an excessive drop in the flow temperature through adaptive control of the fan and coolant pump. However, if a critical drop does occur...

[0128] 17.03.202524-0793

[0129] If undercooling occurs, emergency strategies such as switching to bypass operation are implemented to prevent icing of the cooler and ensure the safe operation of the system.

[0130] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an operating procedure 400 for a cooling and / or heating system of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The operating procedure 400 can be implemented by appropriate software that can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0131] Operating method 400 comprises, in block 410, operating at least one coolant pump to circulate a coolant in a cooling circuit of the cooling and / or heating system, wherein the cooling and / or heating system comprises at least one first heat exchanger configured for heat exchange between the coolant and ambient air, and at least one second heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger; in block 420, determining the temperature and humidity of the ambient air;and in block 430, an adjustment, by at least one control module, of at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that a coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0132] According to the invention, the temperature and humidity of the ambient air are taken into account when controlling coolant actuators, such as a pump and / or a fan, in order to minimize or completely prevent icing of the heat exchanger or cooler. The temperature of the coolant is specifically regulated by the control of the coolant actuators in such a way that condensation and subsequent freezing of moisture from the ambient air is reduced or prevented.

[0133] 17.03.202524-0793

[0134] This can be avoided. This allows for maximum use of the ambient thermal potential, which increases the energy efficiency of the cooling and / or heating system.

[0135] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

[0136] March 17, 2025

Claims

24-0793 Patent claims 1. Cooling and / or heating system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one coolant pump designed to circulate a coolant in a cooling circuit of the cooling and / or heating system; at least one first heat exchanger designed for heat exchange between the coolant and ambient air; at least a second heat exchanger designed to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger; and at least one control module configured to adjust at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that the coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger.

2. Cooling and / or heating system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second heat exchanger is arranged to extract heat from the coolant of the cooling circuit and to supply it to a refrigerant of a refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system, in particular wherein the refrigeration circuit of the cooling and / or heating system operates in a heat pump mode.

3. Cooling and / or heating system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one control module is configured to further adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on at least one operating parameter for heat pump operation, in particular based on a minimum temperature required for heat pump operation. 17.03.202524-0793 4. Cooling and / or heating system according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a humidity determination module configured to determine the humidity of the ambient air based on at least one of the following data: Sensor data from at least one sensor module of the cooling and / or heating system, in particular wherein the at least one sensor module comprises a humidity sensor and / or a camera; and / or temporal model data, in particular an annual model of humidity; and / or Operating data of at least one vehicle function, in particular operating data of a windshield wiper; and / or Location data; and / or Weather data.

5. Cooling and / or heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a dew point determination module configured to determine a dew point of the ambient air based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, wherein the temperature threshold is based on or corresponds to the dew point.

6. Cooling and / or heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one control module is further configured to adjust the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system such that the coolant temperature is greater than the temperature threshold when the ambient air temperature is equal to or less than a freezing threshold of water.

7. Cooling and / or heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system relates to or comprises: a mass flow rate or volume flow rate of at least one coolant pump; and / or 17.03.2025 an operating characteristic of at least one fan of the at least one first heat exchanger, in particular a speed of the at least one fan; and / or at least one air flap of the at least one first heat exchanger.

8. Vehicle (10), in particular motor vehicle, comprising the cooling and / or heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Operating procedures for a vehicle's cooling and / or heating system, comprising: Operating at least one coolant pump to circulate a coolant in a cooling circuit of the cooling and / or heating system, wherein the cooling and / or heating system comprises at least one first heat exchanger configured for heat exchange between the coolant and ambient air, and at least one second heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the coolant before the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger; Determining the temperature and humidity of the ambient air; and adjusting, by at least one control module, at least one control parameter of the cooling and / or heating system based on the temperature and humidity of the ambient air, such that a coolant temperature at which the coolant enters the at least one first heat exchanger is greater than a temperature threshold, wherein the temperature threshold relates to ice formation on the at least one first heat exchanger.

10. Storage medium comprising a software program configured to run on one or more processors and thereby to execute the operating method according to claim 9. March 17, 2025

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