EP4676762A1

EP4676762A1 - Thermal management system

Info

Publication number: EP4676762A1
Application number: EP24702607.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tomoaki Suzuki
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2023-03-09
Filing date: 2024-01-23
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: JP2024127443A; WO2024184706A1; JP2026063475A; CN120712194A; JP7816230B2; KR20250130679A

Abstract

The thermal management system (1) includes an electrical storage device (173) that exchanges heat with a first flow path (170b), a drive device (133, 134) that exchanges heat with a second flow path (130b), a radiator (122) in a third flow path (130a), a chiller device (160) in a fourth flow path (170a), and a switching device (180, 190). In the thermal management system (1), when the electrical storage device (173) is heated, the switching devices (180, 190) are controlled so that the first connection flow path (10) connecting the first flow path (170b) and the second flow path (130b) and the second connection flow path (20) connecting the third flow path (130a) and the fourth flow path (170a) are disconnected from and independent of each other.

Description

THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-272395 (JP 2010-272395 A) discloses an electrified vehicle. The electrified vehicle includes an electrical storage device (battery), an inverter, a motor, and a control device. The electrical storage device is connected to the inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor. The control device controls the current of the electrical storage device by controlling switching of the inverter. The control device thus controls heat that is generated due to power loss in the internal resistance of the electrical storage device. As a result, the control device can perform heating control for increasing the temperature of the electrical storage device using the current of the electrical storage device (self-heating of the electrical storage device ).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In electrical apparatus such as electrified vehicles, it is sometimes important to effectively use heat from a drive device including an inverter and a motor. It is also desired to efficiently perform heating of an electrical storage device. That is, it is desired to efficiently perform heating of the electrical storage device while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a thermal management system that can efficiently perform heating of an electrical storage device while allowing efficient use of heat generated by a drive device.

[0005] A thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in an electrical apparatus. The thermal management system includes: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path each configured to allow a heat medium to flow through the flow path; an energy storage device configured to exchange heat with a heat medium in the first flow path; a drive device configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the second flow path and generate a driving force; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a chiller device provided in the fourth flow path; and a switching device configured to switch a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. In the thermal management system, the switching device provides a heating circuit when heating of the electrical storage device is performed. The heating circuit is a flow path circuit in which a first connection flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, and a second connection flow path connecting the third flow path and the fourth flow path are provided, and the first connection flow path and the second connection flow path are disconnected from and independent of each other. The first connection flow path and the second connection flow path being disconnected from and independent of each other means that the heat medium flowing through one of the first connection flow path and the second connection flow path does not flow through the other of the first connection flow path and the second connection flow path.

[0006] In the thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed, the first connection flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path and the second connection flow path connecting the third flow path and the fourth flow path are formed, and the first connection flow path and the second connection flow path are disconnected from and independent of each other. The electrical storage device can be thus heated using the heat generated in the drive device. It is thus possible to reduce or eliminate the possibility that the heat generated by the drive device may be taken by the radiator, the chiller device, etc. that are unrelated to the heating of the electrical storage device. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform the heating of the electrical storage device while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

[0007] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the drive device may be configured to supply a driving force to an electrified vehicle that is the electrical apparatus. The electrical storage device may be heated when a traction system of the electrified vehicle is activated. With this configuration, the temperature of the electrical storage device can be easily increased when the electrified vehicle starts to travel. As a result, the traveling performance of the electrified vehicle can be easily increased to a certain level or higher when the electrified vehicle starts to travel. [0008] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the electrical storage device may be configured to perform external charging. The external charging is charging of the electrical storage device with charging power supplied from charging equipment external to the electrical apparatus. The electrical storage device may be heated at start of the external charging to cause a temperature of the electrical storage device to reach a predetermined temperature or higher. With this configuration, the temperature of the electrical storage device can be easily increased at the start of the external charging. As a result, the charging rate and charging efficiency can be easily increased to a certain level or higher at the start of the external charging. The phrase “at start of the external charging” means a timing when the charging power begins to be supplied to the electrical storage device.

[0009] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may include a first pump provided in the second flow path and configured to circulate the heat medium. An output of the first pump may be increased as time elapses, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed. With this configuration, the output of the first pump can be increased after the heat medium in the second flow path becomes relatively high in temperature as time elapses. As a result, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the possibility that the electrical storage device may be cooled by the heat medium.

[0010] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may further include: a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the electrical storage device ; and a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heat medium in the second flow path. The switching device may be configured to provide the heating circuit in a case where a detected value of the second temperature sensor is larger than a detected value of the first temperature sensor, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably reduce or eliminate the possibility that the electrical storage device may be cooled by the heat medium in the second flow path.

[0011] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the drive device may be configured to supply the driving force to an electrified vehicle that is the electrical apparatus. The chiller device may be configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit configured to adjust a cabin temperature of the electrified vehicle. The switching device may be configured to provide the heating circuit in a case where a heating request using the air conditioning circuit is given and an outside air temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed. With this configuration, the heating can be operated using outside air of which the temperature is higher than the predetermined threshold.

[0012] In this case, the switching device may be configured to provide a third connection flow path connecting the first connection flow path and the fourth flow path in a case where the outside air temperature becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed with the heating circuit provided. With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, instead of operating the heating using outside air via the radiator, the cabin temperature of the electrified vehicle can be adjusted by the chiller device using the heat from the drive device and the electrical storage device.

[0013] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may include a second pump provided in the fourth flow path and configured to circulate the heat medium. The drive device may be configured to supply the driving force to an electrified vehicle that is the electrical apparatus. The chiller device may be configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit configured to adjust a cabin temperature of the electrified vehicle. The second pump may be driven in a case where a heating request using the air conditioning circuit is given, when the heating of the electrical storage device is performed with the heating circuit provided. With this configuration, the heat medium can be easily circulated using the second pump in a closed circuit in which the chiller device and the radiator are connected.

[0014] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may further include a control device. The switching device may include a first five-way valve and a second five-way valve. The first flow path may connect the first five-way valve, the electrical storage device , and the second five- way valve in this order. The second flow path may connect the second five-way valve, the drive device, and the first five-way valve in this order. The third flow path may connect the first five-way valve, the radiator, and the second fiveway valve in this order. The fourth flow path may connect the second five-way valve, the chiller device, and the first five-way valve in this order. The control device may be configured to, when the heating circuit is provided, provide the first connection flow path by controlling the first five-way valve and the second five-way valve such that the second flow path and the first flow path are connected via the first five-way valve and the first flow path and the fourth flow path are connected via the second five-way valve, and provide the second connection flow path disconnected from the first connection flow path, by controlling the first five-way valve and the second five-way valve such that the fourth flow path and the third flow path are connected via the first five-way valve and the third flow path and the second flow path are connected via the second five-way valve.

[0015] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may further include a control device. The switching device may include an eight-way valve. The first flow path may connect a first port of the eight-way valve, the electrical storage device , and a second port of the eight-way valve in this order. The second flow path may connect a third port of the eight-way valve, the drive device, and a fourth port of the eight-way valve in this order. The third flow path may connect a fifth port of the eight-way valve, the radiator, and a sixth port of the eight-way valve in this order. The fourth flow path may connect a seventh port of the eight-way valve, the chiller device, and an eighth port of the eight-way valve in this order, the control device is configured to, when the heating circuit is provided, provide the first connection flow path by controlling the eight-way valve such that the first flow path and the second flow path are connected via the second port and the third port, and the fourth port and the first port, and provide the second connection flow path by controlling the eightway valve such that the third flow path and the fourth flow path are connected via the sixth port and the seventh port, and the fifth port and the eighth port.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently perform heating of the electrical storage device while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like signs denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an electrified vehicle on which a thermal management system according to a first embodiment is mounted; FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a first communication pattern of a thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control that is performed by the thermal management system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first control in step SI 70 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second control in step SI 70 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of a thermal management system according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11A shows a first communication pattern of a thermal management circuit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11B shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to FIG. 11 A;

FIG. 12A shows a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12B shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to FIG. 12 A;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control that is performed by the thermal management system according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a first control in step S270 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a second control in step S270 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of a thermal management system according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment; FIG. 18 shows a first communication pattern of a thermal management circuit according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control that is performed by the thermal management system according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 21 shows the configuration of athermal management system according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 shows the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 23A shows a first communication pattern of a thermal management circuit according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 23B shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to FIG. 23 A;

FIG. 24A shows a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 24B shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control that is performed by the thermal management system according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a control that is performed by a thermal management system according to a modification of the first to fourth embodiments;

FIG. 27A shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 27B shows a schematic configuration of the thermal management circuit corresponding to FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28 shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 29 shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 30 shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a modification of the third embodiment; FIG. 31 shows the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 32 shows a circuit configuration including a battery, a converter, an inverter, and a motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same signs throughout the drawings, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] Hereinafter, a configuration in which a thermal management system according to the present disclosure is mounted on an electrified vehicle la (see FIG. 1) will be described as an example. The electrified vehicle la is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery 173 for traveling, and is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The electrified vehicle la may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicle applications. The electrified vehicle la is an example of the “electrical apparatus” of the present disclosure. First Embodiment Overall Configuration

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, a human machine interface (HMI) 600, and an outside air temperature sensor 700.

[0021] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured so that a heat medium flows therethrough. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, a five- way valve 180, and a fiveway valve 190. Each of the five-way valves 180, 190 is an example of the “switching device” of the present disclosure. The chiller 160 is an example of the “chiller device” of the present disclosure. [0022] The high temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W/P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R/T) 115. The heater core 114 is an example of the “air conditioning circuit” of the present disclosure.

[0023] The radiator 120 is connected to (i.e., shared by) both the high temperature circuit 110 and the low temperature circuit 130. The radiator 120 includes a high temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see FIG. 3). The low temperature radiator 122 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing in the low temperature circuit 130 and outside air. The low temperature radiator 122 is an example of the “radiator” of the present disclosure.

[0024] The low temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O/C) 134, a buck-boost converter 135, a reservoir tank 136, and a heat medium temperature sensor 137. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are examples of the “drive device” of the present disclosure. The water pump 131 and the heat medium temperature sensor 137 are examples of the “first pump” and the “second temperature sensor” of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0025] The condenser 140 is connected to both the high temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0026] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and an expansion valve 155.

[0027] The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170. The chiller 160 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing in the battery circuit 170 and the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0028] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, and a battery temperature sensor 175. The water pump 171 and the battery 173 are examples of the “second pump” and the “electrical storage device ” of the present disclosure, respectively. The battery temperature sensor 175 is an example of the “first temperature sensor” of the present disclosure. The battery circuit 170 (battery 173) may include a ripple heating circuit that heats the battery 173 using a ripple component of a current flowing through the battery 173. [0029] Each of the five-way valves 180, 190 is connected to the low temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0030] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, and an interface 504.

[0031] The processor 501 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The memory 502 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage 503 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage 503 stores system programs including an operating system (OS), and control programs including computer-readable codes that are necessary for control calculations. The processor 501 implements various processes by reading the system programs and the control programs, loading them into the memory 502, and executing them. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0032] The ECU 500 generates control commands based on sensor values acquired from various sensors (e.g., battery temperature sensor 175 and heat medium temperature sensor 137) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations received by the HMI 600, etc., and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may be divided into a plurality of ECUs, one for each function. Although FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503.

[0033] As used herein, the “processor” is not limited to a processor in a narrow sense that performs processes by a stored program method, and may include hardwired circuitry such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Therefore, the term “processor” may be replaced with processing circuitry that executes a process defined in advance by computer-readable codes and/or hardwired circuitry.

[0034] The HMI 600 is a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, or the like. The HMI 600 receives user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs signals indicating user operations to the ECU 500. [0035] The outside air temperature sensor 700 detects an outside air temperature outside the electrified vehicle la. Information on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is transmitted to the ECU 500.

Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 according to the first embodiment. The heat medium (usually hot water) circulating in the high temperature circuit 110 flows through either or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is a path of “water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - heater core 114 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111.” The second path is a path of “water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - high temperature radiator 121 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111.”

[0037] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low temperature circuit 130 flows through the following path: “water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - buck-boost converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low temperature radiator 122 - five-way valve 190 - reservoir tank 136 - water pump 131.”

[0038] The water pump 131 circulates the heat medium in the low temperature circuit 130 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The SPU 132 controls charge and discharge of the battery 173 according to a control command from the ECU 500. The PCU 133 converts direct current (DC) power supplied from the battery 173 to alternating current (AC) power to supply the AC power to a motor (not shown) contained in a transaxle according to a control command from the ECU 500. The oil cooler 134 circulates lubricating oil for the motor using an electrical oil pump (EOP) (not shown). The oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle through heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the low temperature circuit 130 and the lubricating oil for the motor. Further, the frequency of an alternating current flowing from an inverter (not shown) of the PCU 133 to the motor may be set to the resonance frequency of a circuit including the inverter and the motor.

[0039] The SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 stores part of the heat medium flowing in the low temperature circuit 130 to maintain the pressure and amount of heat medium in the low temperature circuit 130. Each of the five-way valves 180, 190 switches the path of the heat medium in the low temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 according to a control command from the ECU 500. The low temperature radiator 122 is disposed near the high temperature radiator 121, and exchanges heat with the high temperature radiator 121. Instead of the oil cooler 134, the transaxle may be provided in the low temperature circuit 130.

[0040] The heat medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat medium in a flow path (flow path 130b that will be described later) where the PCU 133 and the like are provided. For example, the heat medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between the buck-boost converter 135 and the fiveway valve 180 (downstream of the buck-boost converter 135). The heat medium temperature sensor 137 may detect the temperature of the heat medium, for example, between the PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134.

[0041] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through either or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is a path of “compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 152 - evaporator 153 - EPR 154 - compressor 151.” The second path is a path of “compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 155 - chiller 160 - compressor 151.”

[0042] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through either or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is a path of “water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171.” The second path is a path of “water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171.”

[0043] The water pump 171 circulates the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 according to a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170 through heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium according to a control command from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies electric power for traveling to the motor contained in the transaxle. The battery 173 may be heated with the electric heater 172 or may be cooled with the chiller 160. The bypass path 174 is provided to allow the heat medium to bypass the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174, a change in temperature of the heat medium due to heat absorption and heat dissipation between the heat medium and the battery 173 can be reduced. The battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 173. [0044] The five-way valve 180 includes five ports Pl to P5. The port Pl is an inlet port into which the heat medium flows from the chiller 160. The port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows toward the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. The port P3 is an inlet port into which the heat medium flows from the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the buck-boost converter 135 of the low temperature circuit 130. The port P4 is an outlet port from which the heat medium flows toward the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. The port P5 is an outlet port from which the heat medium flows toward the low temperature radiator 122.

[0045] The five-way valve 190 includes five ports Pl 1 to Pl 5. The port Pl 1 is an outlet port from which the heat medium flows toward the chiller 160. The port P12 is an inlet port into which the heat medium flows from the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. The port Pl 3 is an outlet port from which the heat medium flows toward the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the buck-boost converter 135 of the low temperature circuit 130. The port P14 is an inlet port into which the heat medium flows from the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. The port P15 is an inlet port into which the heat medium flows from the low temperature radiator 122.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the battery 173 is provided in a flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170. The battery 173 exchanges heat with the heat medium in the flow path 170b. The flow path 170b is in thermal contact with the battery 173. The flow path 170b is a flow path connecting the port P2 of the five-way valve 180 and the port P12 of the fiveway valve 190. The flow path 170b is an example of the “first flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0047] The low temperature radiator 122 is provided in a flow path 130a of the low temperature circuit 130. The flow path 130a is a flow path connecting the port P5 of the fiveway valve 180 and the port Pl 5 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 130a is an example of the “third flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0048] Each of the water pump 131, the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, the buck-boost converter 135, the reservoir tank 136, and heat medium temperature sensor 137 is provided in a flow path 130b of the low temperature circuit 130. The PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, etc. exchange heat with the heat medium in the flow path 130b. The flow path 130b is in thermal contact with the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the buckboost converter 135. The flow path 130b is a flow path connecting the port P3 of the five- way valve 180 and the port P 13 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 130b is an example of the “second flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0049] The chiller 160 is provided in a flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170. The flow path 170a is a flow path connecting the port Pl of the five-way valve 180 and the port Pl 1 of the five-way valve 190. The flow path 170a is an example of the “fourth flow path” of the present disclosure.

Communication Patterns

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 are each a conceptual diagram showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 100 that are formed by controlling the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190. The first communication pattern is an example of the “heating circuit” of the present disclosure.

[0051] Some electrified vehicles are not equipped with an engine. Therefore, there are cases where it is not possible to use engine waste heat to heat a component in an electrified vehicle that is to be heated. Accordingly, it is sometimes important to effectively use heat from a drive device including an inverter and a motor. It is also desired to efficiently perform heating of an electrical storage device. That is, it is desired to efficiently perform heating of the electrical storage device while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the ECU 500 forms the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 4 when heating the battery 173. In the first communication pattern, the fiveway valve 180 forms a path communicating between the port Pl and the port P5 and a path communicating between the port P2 and the port P3.

[0053] In the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 190 forms a path communicating between the port Pl 1 and the port Pl 5 and a path communicating between the port P12 and the port P13.

[0054] As a result, the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130b of the low temperature circuit 130 are connected to form a first closed circuit 10. The flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130a of the low temperature circuit 130 are also connected to form a second closed circuit 20. The first closed circuit 10 and the second closed circuit 20 are thus disconnected from and independent of each other. The first closed circuit 10 and the second closed circuit 20 are examples of the “first connection flow path” and the “second connection flow path” of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0055] When the battery 173 is used in the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 4, heat from self-heating of the battery 173 is accumulated (stored) in the first closed circuit 10. The PCU 133 and the transaxle (not shown) also generate heat during self-heating of the battery 173. The heat generated by the PCU 133 and the transaxle is accumulated (stored) in the first closed circuit 10. Therefore, the battery 173 is heated by the heat from self-heating and the heat generated by the PCU 133 and the transaxle.

[0056] As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform heating of the battery 173 while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the drive device such as the PCU 133.

[0057] In the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 5, the five-way valve 180 forms a path communicating between the port Pl and the port P2 and a path communicating between the port P3 and the port P4. In the second communication pattern, the five-way valve 190 forms a path communicating between the port Pl 1 and the port P14 and a path communicating between the port P 12 and the port P13.

[0058] As a result, the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170, the flow path 130b of the low temperature circuit 130, and the flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170 are connected to form a third closed circuit 30. In this case, the low temperature radiator 122 is disconnected from the battery 173, the chiller 160, and the PCU 133 without being connected to them. The third closed circuit 30 is an example of the “third connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

Method for Controlling Thermal Management Circuit

[0059] A method for controlling the thermal management system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. The flow shown in FIG. 6 is merely illustrative, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0060] In step SI 00, driving of the electrified vehicle la is started (traction system is activated). Specifically, a start button (not shown) of the electrified vehicle la is pressed to drive the PCU 133 etc., and the PCU 133 and the battery 173 are electrically connected (by a system main relay (SMR) (not shown)). A current is thus supplied from the PCU 133 to the battery 173. By receiving a predetermined internal signal of the electrified vehicle la, the ECU 500 detects that driving of the electrified vehicle la has been started. At this time point, it is assumed that the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130b of the low temperature circuit 130 are not connected to each other and disconnected from each other.

[0061] In step SI 10, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 is lower than 10°C. When the temperature of the battery 173 is lower than 10°C (Yes in SI 10), the process proceeds to step S120. When the temperature of the battery 173 is equal to or higher than 10°C (No in SI 10), the process ends. The threshold in step SI 10 may be a value other than 10°C.

[0062] In step S120, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 is higher than the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175. When the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the temperature of the battery 173 (Yes in S120), the process proceeds to step S130. When the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or lower than the temperature of the battery 173 (No in S120), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0063] In step SI 30, the ECU 500 determines whether a request to turn on the heater is given from the user of the electrified vehicle la. When the request is given (Yes in S130), the process proceeds to step S150. When the request is not given (No in S130), the process proceeds to a step SI 60. The ECU 500 may determine that the request is given based on a signal that is sent to the ECU 500 when the user presses a button for turning on the heater.

[0064] In step S140, the ECU 500 performs control to heat the heat medium flowing through the flow path 130b. Specifically, the ECU 500 allows the heat medium to flow for a predetermined period of time while the PCU 133 and the like are driven. The heat medium is thus heated by the heat generated from the PCU 133 and the like. After that, the process returns to step S120.

[0065] In step SI 50, the ECU 500 determines whether the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S150), the process proceeds to step S160. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C (No in S150), the process proceeds to step S 161. The threshold of -10°C is set based on the fact that the heat medium is cooled to about -10°C by being expanded by the expansion valve 155. The temperature of-10°C is an example of a “predetermined threshold” of the present disclosure. [0066] In step SI 60, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the fiveway valve 190 so that the thermal management circuit 100 has the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 4. At this time, when there is a heating request in step S130 (Yes in SI 30), the water pump 171 may be driven.

[0067] In step S161, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the fiveway valve 190 so that the thermal management circuit 100 has the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 5. At this time, even when there is a heating request in step SI 30 (Yes in S130), the water pump 171 may be stopped when the flow rate of the heat medium (output of the water pump 131) is sufficient.

[0068] In step S170, the ECU 500 heats the battery 173 by continuing the state in which the first communication pattern or the second communication pattern is formed. The detailed process performed in step SI 70 will be described later.

[0069] In step SI 80, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 is equal to or higher than 10°C. When the temperature of the battery 173 is equal to or higher than 10°C (Yes in S180), the process proceeds to step SI 90. When the temperature of the battery 173 is lower than 10°C (No in SI 80), the process returns to step SI 70. The threshold in step SI 80 may be a value other than 10°C as long as it is equal to or higher than the threshold in step SI 10.

[0070] In step SI 90, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the fiveway valve 190 to change the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 100 from the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 4 (or the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 5) to a different communication pattern (e.g., a communication pattern suitable for traveling of the electrified vehicle la). The process then ends.

Process in SI 70

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, the process of step SI 70 includes the processes from steps S171 to S173. In step S 171 , the ECU 500 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 to a predetermined value (initial setting). The predetermined value is a relatively low value (for example, about 1/4 of the upper limit value) in the range of flow rate that can be output by the water pump 131. The process of step S 171 is performed only in the first flow.

[0072] In step SI 72, the ECU 500 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 has exceeded 10°C (temperature of heat medium - temperature of battery 173 > 10°C) as time elapses from the start of the heating control. When the difference is more than 10°C (Yes in SI 72), the process proceeds to step SI 73. When the difference is equal to or less than 10°C (No in SI 72), the process proceeds to step SI 80 (see FIG. 6). The temperature of the heat medium increases more quickly than the temperature of the battery 173. As a result, during the heating control of the battery 173, the difference gradually increases as time elapses.

[0073] In step S173, the ECU 500 increases the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131. For example, the ECU 500 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 to the upper limit value in the range of the flow rate that can be output by the water pump 131. Therefore, during the heating control of the battery 173, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 increases as the difference (difference between the temperature of the heat medium and the temperature of the battery 173) increases as time elapses. The process then proceeds to step SI 80 (see FIG. 6). When the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is already set to the upper limit value in step SI 73, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is not changed.

[0074] An example in which the process of step SI 73 is performed based on the difference between the temperature of the heat medium and the temperature of the battery 173 has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the process of step SI 73 may be performed based on the fact that a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after the process of step S171 is performed. That is, in this case, the difference is not taken into consideration.

[0075] Further, in step SI 73, an example has been described in which the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is increased to a predetermined value based on the difference. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the ECU 500 may determine the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 based on the temperature of the heat medium that is detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the requested value of the flow rate of the heat medium. The ECU 500 may set the flow rate (output) using a map showing the relationship between the temperature of the heat medium and the requested value of the flow rate of the heat medium, and the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131. Further, the map is stored, for example, in the memory 502 (see FIG. 2).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the process of step SI 70 includes the processes from steps SI 74 to SI 77. In step SI 74, the ECU 500 determines whether a request to turn on the heater is given from the user. When the request is given (Yes in SI 74), the process proceeds to step S175. When the request is not given (No in S174), the process proceeds to a step SI 80 (see FIG. 6).

[0077] In step SI 75, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 171. The heat medium thus circulates through the second closed circuit 20 (see FIG. 8B). When the water pump 171 is already driven, driving of the water pump 171 is continued.

[0078] In step SI 76, the ECU 500 determines whether the outside air temperature has decreased and the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor 700 is equal to or lower than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C (Yes in SI 76), the process proceeds to step SI 77. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (No in S176), the process proceeds to step S180 (see FIG. 6).

[0079] In step SI 77, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the fiveway valve 190 so that the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are disconnected from each other and the third closed circuit 30 (see FIG. 5) connecting the first closed circuit 10 and the flow path 170a is formed. As a result, the chiller 160, the battery 173, and the PCU 133 are connected to each other. The low temperature radiator 122 is disconnected from and independent of the third closed circuit 30 (the chiller 160, the battery 173, and the PCU 133). When the thermal management circuit 100 already has the second communication pattern (that is, when S161 is passed through), the ECU 500 maintains the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0080] Only one of the series of processes of steps SI 74 and SI 75 and the series of processes of steps SI 76 and SI 77 may be performed.

[0081] As described above, in the first embodiment, the ECU 500 forms the first closed circuit 10 in which the flow path 170b and the flow path 130b are connected to each other and the second closed circuit 20 in which the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected to each other, and disconnects the first closed circuit 10 and the second closed circuit 20 from each other to make them independent of each other, during the heating control of the battery 173. It is thus possible to heat the battery 173 by the heat from self-heating of the battery 173 and the heat generated by the PCU 133 etc. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform heating of the battery 173 while allowing effective use of the heat generated by the PCU 133 etc.

Second Embodiment [0082] The configuration using the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 is described in the first embodiment. However, the configuration of the switching device according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. The configuration in which the switching device according to the present disclosure is an eight-way valve 280 will be described in a second embodiment.

Overall Configuration

[0083] FIG. 9 shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 2 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 2 is different from the thermal management system 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment in that the thermal management system 2 includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of the thermal management circuit 100 and includes an ECU 510 instead of the ECU 500.

[0084] The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. The eight-way valve 280 is an example of the “switching device” of the present disclosure. The chiller 220 and the refrigeration cycle 240 are examples of the “chiller device” and the “air conditioning circuit” of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0085] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W/P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared by) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240. The water pump 211 is an example of the “second pump” of the present disclosure.

[0086] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, an electromagnetic valve 242 (see FIG. 10), electromagnetic valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246 (see FIG. 10), an evaporator 247, a check valve 248, and an accumulator 249. The condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252 (see FIG. 10), and the water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230.

[0087] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a reservoir tank 265, and a heat medium temperature sensor 266. Instead of the oil cooler 264, the transaxle may be provided in the drive unit circuit 260. Alternatively, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 (or the transaxle) may be combined into an e-axle. The PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are examples of the “drive device” of the present disclosure. The heat medium temperature sensor 266 and the water pump 261 are examples of the “second temperature sensor” and the “first pump” of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0088] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a battery temperature sensor 273. The battery 272 is an example of the “electrical storage device ” of the present disclosure. The battery temperature sensor 273 is an example of the “first temperature sensor.”

[0089] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P21 to P28 (see FIG. 10), and is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0090] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 200. The ECU 510 includes a processor 511, a memory 512, a storage 513, and an interface 514.

Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit

[0091] FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 200 according to the second embodiment. The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of “eight-way valve 280 (port P23) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 (port P25) .”

[0092] The water pump 211 circulates the heat medium in the chiller circuit 210 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240. The eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which the chiller circuit 210 is connected according to a control command from the ECU 510. The switching of the path by the eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through a path of “eight-way valve 280 (port P26) - water-cooled condenser 251 - bypass flow path 230b - eight-way valve 280 (port P27) .” The radiator 231 is disposed downstream of a grille shutter (not shown), and exchanges heat between air outside the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0094] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through one of first to fourth paths. The first path is a path of “compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244 A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - electromagnetic valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.” The second path is a path of “compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - electromagnetic valve (expansion valve) 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.” The third path is a path of “compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - electromagnetic valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.” The fourth path is a path of “compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - electromagnetic valve 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.”

[0095] The compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The electromagnetic valve 242 is connected in parallel with the compressor 241, and adjusts the amount of gas-phase refrigerant flowing into the compressor 241 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The electromagnetic valves 244 (244A, 244B) selectively allow the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor 241 to flow into either the water-cooled condenser 251 or the air-cooled condenser 252 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing in the radiator circuit 230. The air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with air introduced into the vehicle cabin to produce warm air. The electromagnetic valve 245 restricts the flow of the liquid-phase refrigerant into the evaporator 247 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The electromagnetic valve 246 restricts the flow of the liquid-phase refrigerant into the chiller 220 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The electromagnetic valves 245, 246 also have a function to expand the liquid-phase refrigerant. The accumulator 249 removes the liquid-phase refrigerant from the refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state. The accumulator 249 thus reduces or eliminates the possibility that the liquid-phase refrigerant may be sucked into the compressor 241 when the refrigerant is not completely evaporated by the evaporator 247.

[0096] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through a path of “eight-way valve 280 (port P28) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - eight-way valve 280 (port P22) .”

[0097] The water pump 261 circulates the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The SPU 262 controls charge and discharge of the battery 272 according to a control command from the ECU 510. The PCU 263 converts DC power supplied from the battery 272 to AC power to supply the AC power to a motor (not shown) contained in a transaxle according to a control command from the ECU 510. The oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle through heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 and lubricating oil for the motor. Heat exchange may be performed between heat generated by supplying electric power to a stator without rotating a rotor of the motor and the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260.

[0098] The SPU 262, the PCU 263, and the oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260. The reservoir tank 265 stores part of the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 (heat medium that has overflowed due to a pressure increase) to maintain the pressure and amount of heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260.

[0099] The heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium in a flow path (flow path 260a that will be described later) where the PCU 263 and the like are provided. For example, the heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between the oil cooler 264 and the eight-way valve 280 (downstream of the oil cooler 264). The heat medium temperature sensor 266 may detect the temperature of the heat medium, for example, between the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264.

[0100] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of “eight-way valve 280 (port P21) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 (port P24).”

[0101] The ADAS 271 includes, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC), auto speed limiter (ASL), lane keeping assist (LKA), pre-crash safety (PCS), and lane departure alert (LDA). The battery circuit 270 may include an autonomous driving system (ADS) in addition to the ADAS 271. The battery 272 supplies electric power for traveling to the motor contained in the transaxle. The battery temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of the battery 272.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 11B, the chiller 220 is provided in a flow path 210a of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a is a flow path connecting the ports P23, P25 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 210a is an example of the “fourth flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0103] The radiator 231 is provided in a flow path 230a (see FIG. 11B) of the radiator circuit 230. Further, the flow path 230a includes a bypass flow path 230b. The bypass flow path 230b connects a portion between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280. When the heat medium flows through the bypass flow path 230b, the heat medium does not flow through the radiator 231. When the heat medium flows through the radiator 231, the heat medium does not flow through the bypass flow path 230b. The flow path 230a is an example of the “third flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0104] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 (only the water pump 261 and the PCU 263 are representatively shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB) are provided in a flow path 260a (see FIG. 1 IB) of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260a is a flow path connecting the ports P28, P22 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 260a is an example of the “second flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0105] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270a (see FIG. 1 IB) of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270a is a flow path connecting the ports P21, P24 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the “first flow path” of the present disclosure.

Communication Patterns

[0106] FIGS. 11 A, 1 IB and FIGS. 12A, 12B are conceptual diagrams showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern of the eightway valve 280, respectively. The first communication pattern is an example of the “heating circuit” of the present disclosure.

[0107] In the first communication pattern (see FIGS. 11A and 11B), an internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P22 and the port P21. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 282 of the eightway valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P24 and the port P28. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P27 and the port P23. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P25 and the port P26. In the first communication pattern, the radiator 231 and the port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by the flow path 230a.

[0108] The flow path 260a in which the PCU 263 etc. are provided and the flow path 270a in which the battery 272 is provided are thus connected via the eight-way valve 280. As a result, the heat medium flows through a first closed circuit 11 of “water pump 261 - PCU 263 - eight-way valve 280 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 261.” The first closed circuit 11 is an example of the “first connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0109] The flow path 210a in which the chiller 220 is provided and the flow path 230a of the radiator circuit 230 are connected via the eight-way valve 280. As a result, the heat medium flows through a second closed circuit 21 of “water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 211.” The second closed circuit 21 is an example of the “second connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0110] In an example shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB, the first closed circuit 11 and the second closed circuit 21 are disconnected from and independent of each other.

[OHl] As shown in FIG. 11 A, the eight-way valve 280 has a circular shape as viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the paper. The eight-way valve 280 is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0112] FIG. 12A shows the second communication pattern with the eight-way valve 280 rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle (for example, about 20 degrees) from the state shown in FIG. 11 A. In this case, an internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P24 and the port P28. An internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P21 and the port P25. An internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P22 and the port P26. An internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path communicating between the port P23 and the port P27. In the second communication pattern, the bypass flow path 230b and the port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by the flow path 230a (bypass flow path 230b).

[0113] As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the heat medium flows through a third closed circuit 31 of “water-cooled condenser 251 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - eight-way valve 280 - water-cooled condenser 251.” The third closed circuit 31 is an example of the “third connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0114] Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between the first communication pattern (see FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB) and the second communication pattern (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) by rotating the eight-way valve 280.

Method for Controlling Thermal Management Circuit

[0115] A method for controlling the thermal management system 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13. The flow shown in FIG. 13 is merely illustrative, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 13. Description of the same steps as those in the control flow of the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0116] In step S210 after step SI 00, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is lower than 10°C. When the temperature of the battery 272 is less than 10°C (Yes in S210), the process proceeds to step S220. When the temperature of the battery 272 is equal to or higher than 10°C (No in S210), the process ends. The threshold in step S210 may be a value other than 10°C. At this time point, it is assumed that the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270 and the flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260 are not connected to and disconnected from each other.

[0117] In step S220, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 266 is higher than the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273. When the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the temperature of the battery 272 (Yes in S220), the process proceeds to step S230. When the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or lower than the temperature of the battery 272 (No in S220), the process proceeds to step S240.

[0118] In step S230, the ECU 510 determines whether a request to turn on the heater is given from the user of the electrified vehicle la. When the request is given (Yes in S230), the process proceeds to step S250. When the request is not given (No in S230), the process proceeds to a step S260.

[0119] As in step S140 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, in step S240, the ECU 510 performs control to heat the heat medium flowing through the flow path 260a. After that, the process returns to step S220. [0120] In step S250, the ECU 510 determines whether the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S250), the process proceeds to step S260. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C (No in S250), the process proceeds to step S261. The threshold of -10°C is set based on the fact that the heat medium is cooled to about -10°C by being expanded by the electromagnetic valve 246 (expansion valve). The temperature of -10°C is an example of the “predetermined threshold” of the present disclosure.

[0121] In step S260, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 has the first communication pattern shown in FIGS. 11A and 1 IB. At this time, when there is a heating request in step S230 (Yes in S230), the water pump 211 may be driven.

[0122] In step S261, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 has the second communication pattern shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

[0123] In step S270, the ECU 510 heats the battery 272 by continuing the state in which the first communication pattern or the second communication pattern is formed. The detailed process performed in step S270 will be described later.

[0124] In step S280, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is equal to or higher than 10°C. When the temperature of the battery 272 is equal to or higher than 10°C (Yes in S280), the process proceeds to step S290. When the temperature of the battery 272 is lower than 10°C (No in S280), the process returns to step S270. The threshold in step S280 may be a value other than 10°C as long as it is equal to or higher than the threshold in step S210.

[0125] In step S290, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 to change the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 200 from the first communication pattern shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB (or the second communication pattern shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) to a different communication pattern (e.g., a communication pattern suitable for traveling of the electrified vehicle la). The process then ends.

Process in S270

[0126] As shown in FIG. 14, the process of step S270 includes the processes from steps S271 to S273. In step S271, the ECU 510 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 to a predetermined value (initial setting). The predetermined value is a relatively low value (for example, about 1/4 of the upper limit value) in the range of flow rate that can be output by the water pump 261. The process of step S271 is performed only in the first flow.

[0127] In step S272, the ECU 510 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 266 and the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is more than 10°C (temperature of heat medium - temperature of battery 272 > 10°C). When the difference is more than 10°C (Yes in S272), the process proceeds to step S273. When the difference is equal to or less than 10°C (No in S272), the process proceeds to step S280 (see FIG. 13).

[0128] In step S273, the ECU 510 increases the flow rate (output) of water pump 261. For example, the ECU 510 sets the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 to the upper limit value in the range of the flow rate that can be output by the water pump 261. When the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 is already set to the upper limit value in step S273, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 261 is not changed.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 15, the process of step S270 includes the processes from steps S274 to S277. In step S274, the ECU 510 determines whether a request to turn on the heater is given from the user. When the request is given (Yes in S274), the process proceeds to step S275. When the request is not given (No in S274), the process proceeds to a step S280 (see FIG. 13).

[0130] In step S275, the ECU 510 drives the water pump 211. When the water pump 211 is already driven, driving of the water pump 211 is continued.

[0131] In step S276, the ECU 510 determines whether the outside air temperature has decreased and the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor 700 is equal to or lower than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C (Yes in S276), the process proceeds to step S277. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (No in S276), the process proceeds to step S280 (see FIG. 13).

[0132] In step S277, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the third closed circuit 31 (see FIG. 12B) connecting the first closed circuit 11 and the flow path 210a is formed. The third closed circuit 31 and the radiator 231 are disconnected from and independent of each other. When the thermal management circuit 200 already has the second communication pattern (that is, when S261 is passed through), the ECU 510 maintains the second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 200.

[0133] Only one of the series of processes of steps S274 and S275 and the series of processes of steps S276 and S277 may be performed.

[0134] Other configurations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus are not repeatedly described.

Third Embodiment

[0135] Unlike the second embodiment using the eight-way valve 280, a third embodiment uses two six-way valves. The same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same signs as those of the second embodiment, and description thereof will not be repeated.

Overall Configuration

[0136] FIG. 16 shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 3 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 3 is different from the thermal management system 2 (see FIG. 9) according to the second embodiment in that the thermal management system 3 includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of the thermal management circuit 200 and includes an ECU 520 instead of the ECU 510.

[0137] The thermal management circuit 300 includes the chiller circuit 210, the chiller 220, the radiator circuit 230, the refrigeration cycle 240, the condenser 250, the drive unit circuit 260, the battery circuit 270, a six-way valve 380, and a six-way valve 390. Each of the six-way valves 380, 390 is an example of the “switching device” of the present disclosure.

[0138] The chiller 220 is provided in a flow path 210b of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210b connects the chiller circuit 210 and each of the six-way valves 380, 390. The flow path 210b is an example of the “fourth flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0139] The radiator 231 is provided in a flow path 230c. The flow path 230c connects the radiator 231 and the six-way valve 390. The flow path 230c is an example of the “third flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0140] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 are provided in a flow path 260b of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260b connects the drive unit circuit 260 and each of the six-way valves 380, 390. The flow path 260b is an example of the “second flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0141] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270b of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270b connects the battery circuit 270 and the six-way valve 380. The flow path 270b is an example of the “first flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0142] The ECU 520 controls the thermal management circuit 300. The ECU 520 includes a processor 521, a memory 522, a storage 523, and an interface 524.

Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit

[0143] FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 300 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the six- way valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36. The six-way valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46.

[0144] The six- way valve 380 is connected to the six- way valve 390. Specifically, the port P35 of the six- way valve 380 and the port P45 of the six- way valve 390 are connected by a flow path 5. The port P36 of the six- way valve 380 and the port P46 of the six- way valve 390 are connected by a flow path 6.

[0145] The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of “six-way valve 380 (port P33) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - six-way valve 390 (port P43) ”

[0146] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through a path of “six-way valve 390 (port P41) - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - six-way valve 390 (port P44) ”

[0147] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through a path of “six-way valve 390 (port P42) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - six- way valve 380 (port P32).”

[0148] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of “six-way valve 380 (port P31) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - six-way valve 380 (port P34) ” Communication Patterns

[0149] FIGS. 18 and 19 are each a conceptual diagram showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300 that are formed by controlling the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390. The first communication pattern is an example of the “heating circuit” of the present disclosure.

[0150] In the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 18, the six- way valve 380 forms a path communicating between the port P31 and the port P32, a path communicating between the port P34 and the port P35, and a path communicating between the port P33 and the port P36.

[0151] In the first communication pattern, the six- way valve 390 forms a path communicating between the port P42 and the port P45, a path communicating between the port P44 and the port P46, and a path communicating between the port P41 and the port P43.

[0152] In the first communication pattern, a path communicating between the port P35 and the port P45 (flow path 5) and a path communicating between the port P36 and the port P46 (flow path 6) are formed.

[0153] The flow path 260b where the PCU 263 etc. are provided, the six-way valve 380, the six-way valve 390, and the flow path 270b where the battery 272 is provided are thus connected. As a result, the heat medium flows through a first closed circuit 12 of “water pump 261 - PCU 263 - six- way valve 380 - battery 272 - six-way valve 380 - six-way valve 390 - water pump 261.” The first closed circuit 12 is an example of the “first connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0154] The flow path 210b where the chiller 220 is provided, the flow path 230c where the radiator 231 is provided, the six-way valve 380, and the six-way valve 390 are connected. As a result, the heat medium flows through a second closed circuit 22 of “water pump 211 - chiller 220 - radiator 231 - six-way valve 390 - six-way valve 380 - water pump 211.” The second closed circuit 22 is an example of the “second connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0155] In the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 19, the six- way valve 380 forms a path communicating between the port P31 and the port P32 and a path communicating between the port P33 and the port P34. Further, the six-way valve 390 forms a path communicating between the port P42 and the port P43.

[0156] As a result, the heat medium flows through a third closed circuit 32 of “chiller 220 - six- way valve 390 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - six- way valve 380 - battery 272 - six-way valve 380 - water pump 211 - chiller 220.” The third closed circuit 32 is an example of the “third connection flow path” of the present disclosure. Method for Controlling Thermal Management Circuit

[0157] A method for controlling the thermal management system 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20. Description of the same steps as those in the control flow of the second embodiment will not be repeated.

[0158] When No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S360. When No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S361.

[0159] In step S360, the ECU 520 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 has the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 18. After that, the process proceeds to step S370.

[0160] In step S361, the ECU 520 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 has the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 19. After that, the process proceeds to step S370.

[0161] The process of step S370 is the same as the process of step S270 in the second embodiment (see FIGS. 14 and 15), and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

[0162] Other configurations and effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

[0163] Unlike the second embodiment using the eight-way valve 280, a fourth embodiment uses a ten- way valve. The same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same signs as those of the second embodiment, and description thereof will not be repeated.

Overall Configuration

[0164] FIG. 21 shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 4 is different from the thermal management system 2 (see FIG. 9) according to the second embodiment in that the thermal management system 4 includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of the thermal management circuit 200 and includes an ECU 530 instead of the ECU 510.

[0165] The thermal management circuit 400 includes the chiller circuit 210, the chiller 220, the radiator circuit 230, the refrigeration cycle 240, the condenser 250, the drive unit circuit 260, the battery circuit 270, and a ten-way valve 480. The ten-way valve 480 is an example of the “switching device” of the present disclosure. [0166] The chiller 220 is provided in a flow path 210c of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210c connects the chiller circuit 210 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 210c is an example of the “fourth flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0167] The radiator 231 is provided in a flow path 230d. The flow path 230d connects the radiator 231 and the ten-way valve 480. Further, the flow path 230d includes a bypass flow path 230e (see FIG. 22). The bypass flow path 230e connects a portion between the radiator 231 and the ten-way valve 480 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 230d is an example of the “third flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0168] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reservoir tank 265 are provided in a flow path 260c of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260c connects the drive unit circuit 260 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 260c is an example of the “second flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0169] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270c of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270c connects the battery circuit 270 and the ten-way valve 480. Further, the flow path 270c includes a bypass flow path 270d (see FIG. 22). The bypass flow path 270d connects a portion between the ADAS 271 and the battery 272 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 270c is an example of the “first flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0170] The ECU 530 controls the thermal management circuit 400. The ECU 530 includes a processor 531, a memory 532, a storage 533, and an interface 534.

Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit

[0171] FIG. 22 shows an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 400 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the ten-way valve 480 includes 10 ports P50 to P59.

[0172] The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P53) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - ten-way valve 480 (port P55).”

[0173] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through either or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P56) - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - ten-way valve 480 (port P57) ” The second path is a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P59) - bypass flow path 230e - ten-way valve 480 (port P57) ” [0174] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P58) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - ten-way valve 480 (port P52) ”

[0175] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through either or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P51) - ADAS271 - battery 272 - ten-way valve 480 (port P54) ” The second path is a path of “ten-way valve 480 (port P51) - ADAS 271 - bypass flow path 270d - tenway valve 480 (port P50) ” Communication Patterns

[0176] FIGS. 23 A, 23B and FIGS. 24A, 24B are conceptual diagrams showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern of the tenway valve 480, respectively. The first communication pattern is an example of the “heating circuit” of the present disclosure.

[0177] In the first communication pattern (see FIG. 23B), an internal flow path 481 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P52 and the port P51. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P54 and the port P58. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 483 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P57 and the port P53. In the first communication pattern, an internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P55 and the port P56.

[0178] The flow path 260c in which the PCU 263 etc. are provided and the flow path 270c in which the battery 272 is provided are thus connected via the ten-way valve 480. As a result, the heat medium flows through a first closed circuit 13 of “water pump 261 - PCU 263 - ten- way valve 480 - battery 272 - ten-way valve 480 - water pump 261.” The first closed circuit 13 is an example of the “first connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0179] Further, the flow path 210c in which the chiller 220 is provided and the flow path 230d (radiator 231) of the radiator circuit 230 are connected via the ten-way valve 480. As a result, the heat medium flows through a second closed circuit 23 of “water pump 211 - chiller 220 - ten- way valve 480 - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - ten-way valve 480 - water pump 211.” The second closed circuit 23 is an example of the “second connection flow path” of the present disclosure. [0180] In an example shown in FIG. 23B, the first closed circuit 13 and the second closed circuit 23 are disconnected from and independent of each other.

[0181] FIG. 24A shows the second communication pattern in which the flow paths of the internal flow paths 481 to 484 are switched from the state shown in FIG. 23 A. In this case, the internal flow path 481 of the ten- way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P57 and the port P58. The internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P52 and the port P51. The internal flow path 483 of the ten- way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P55 and the port P59. The internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P53 and the port P54.

[0182] As a result, as shown in FIG. 24B, the heat medium flows through a third closed circuit 33 of “water pump 261 - PCU 263 - ten-way valve 480 - battery 272 - ten- way valve 480 - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - ten- way valve 480 - bypass flow path 23 Oe - tenway valve 480 - water pump 261.” The third closed circuit 33 is an example of the “third connection flow path” of the present disclosure.

[0183] Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between the first communication pattern (see FIGS. 23 A and 23B) and the second communication pattern (see FIGS. 24 A and 24B) by rotating the internal flow paths 481 to 484.

Method for Controlling Thermal Management Circuit

[0184] A method for controlling the thermal management system 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25. The flow shown in FIG. 25 is merely illustrative, and the control in the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 25. Description of the same steps as those in the control flow of the second embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0185] When No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S460. When No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S461.

[0186] In step S460, the ECU 530 controls the ten-way valve 480 so that the thermal management circuit 400 has the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 23B. After that, the process proceeds to step S470.

[0187] In step S461, the ECU 530 controls the ten-way valve 480 so that the thermal management circuit 400 has the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 24B. After that, the process proceeds to step S470. [0188] The process of step S470 is the same as the process of step S270 in the second embodiment (see FIGS. 14 and 15), and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

[0189] Other configurations and effects of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0190] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which heating control of the battery is performed at the start of driving of the electrified vehicle la (when the traction system is activated). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heating control may be started a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) before the scheduled start time of the following trip. In these cases, control may be performed so that no torque is generated in the motor of the electrified vehicle (e.g., control for causing only one phase of current to flow among three phases of current supplied to the motor).

[0191] As shown in FIG. 26, the heating control may be performed at the start of external charging (e.g., fast charging). External charging refers to charging the battery with charging power supplied from charging equipment (not shown) external to the electrified vehicle. For example, when the ECU 500 detects a charging plug plugged in step S400, the process proceeds to step SI 10. When determination is made that the temperature of the battery 173 is equal to or higher than 10°C in step SI 80 or SI 10, the process proceeds to step S410. The temperature of 10°C is an example of the “predetermined temperature” of the present disclosure. In step S410, the ECU 500 starts controlling external charging (fast charging). FIG. 26 illustrates an example in which plugging in triggers the battery heating control. However, the battery heating control may be started before plugging in. For example, the battery heating control may be started a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the scheduled start time of external charging (scheduled start time of supplying charging power). FIG. 26 representatively illustrates an example in which the above control is applied to the first embodiment. However, the above control may be applied to the second to fourth embodiments. The heating control may be performed at the start of normal charging (low- speed charging at a lower charging rate than that of fast charging).

[0192] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the thermal management system is mounted on an electrified vehicle. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management system may be mounted on an electrical apparatus different from an electrified vehicle (e.g., a stationary electrical storage device ). [0193] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the output of the water pump is increased as time elapses. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the output of the water pump may be constant.

[0194] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C, the first closed circuit (first connection flow path) and the flow path in which the chiller is provided (fourth flow path) are connected to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C, a circuit other than the above may be formed to heat the battery.

[0195] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit is controlled based on presence or absence of the heating request and the outside air temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The communication pattern of the thermal management circuit may be controlled based only on either the presence or absence of the heating request or the outside air temperature. The communication pattern of the thermal management circuit may be controlled without considering either the presence or absence of the heating request or the outside air temperature.

[0196] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the first communication pattern (heating circuit) is formed when the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path in which the PCU (drive device) is provided is higher than the battery temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Regardless of the relationship between the temperature of the heat medium and the battery temperature, the first communication pattern may be formed based only on the temperature of the battery, for example.

[0197] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the output of the water pump is increased to a predetermined value when the difference between the temperature of the heat medium and the battery temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the output of the water pump may be gradually increased (in proportion) as the difference increases. The output of the water pump may be increased to a predetermined value after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed from the start of the heating control in a state in which the first (second) communication pattern is formed. [0198] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the heating control of the battery is performed at the start of driving of the electrified vehicle la (when the traction system is activated). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heating control may be performed other than at the start of driving of the electrified vehicle la (when the traction system is activated). For example, the heating control may be performed when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined threshold (10°C in the above embodiment). In this case, the ECU may acquire the detected value of the battery temperature at predetermined intervals (e.g., every hour).

[0199] The first to fourth embodiments illustrate an example in which the first communication pattern (heating circuit) is formed at the start of driving of the electrified vehicle la (when the traction system is activated), and the battery is heated using the current flowing through the battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first communication pattern may be formed after the electrified vehicle la has ended traveling (after a current no longer flows through the battery), and the battery may be heated using the heat medium heated by the heat generated by the PCU etc. The battery may be heated by causing a current larger than normal to flow through the battery with the first communication pattern formed during traveling of the electrified vehicle la.

[0200] In the fourth embodiment, the first communication pattern using the tenway valve 480 (see FIGS. 23A and 23B) is shown. However, the battery may be heated by a circuit other than the circuit shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B. For example, a thermal management circuit as shown in FIGS. 27 A and 27B may be formed.

[0201] In a communication pattern shown in FIG. 27B, an internal flow path 481 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P54 and the port P58. In the above communication pattern, an internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P51 and the port P52. In the above communication pattern, an internal flow path 483 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P55 and the port P56. In the above communication pattern, an internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path communicating between the port P53 and the port P57. As a result, a first closed circuit 14 of “water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P52 - port P51 - battery 272 - port P54 - port P58 - water pump 261” is formed. Further, a second closed circuit 24 of “water pump 211 - chiller 220 - port P55 - port P56 - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - portP57 - portP53 - water pump 211” is formed. The first closed circuit 14 and the second closed circuit 24 are examples of the “first connection flow path” and the “second connection flow path” of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0202] The first embodiment illustrates an example in which the thermal management circuit 100 includes the high temperature circuit 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management circuit 100 may not include the high temperature circuit 110 (see FIG. 28). In the second to fourth embodiments, a high temperature circuit (see FIGS. 29 to 31) may be provided as in the first embodiment.

[0203] Note that the configurations (processes) of the above embodiments and the above modifications may be combined with each other.

[0204] The heating control of the battery will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 32. The battery 173 is connected to a converter 810 via a system main relay (SMR) 800. The converter 810 is connected to an inverter 820. The inverter 820 is connected to a motor 830. A discharge circuit 840 including a switch and a resistive element is connected to the battery 173. A smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between the battery 173 and the converter 810. A discharge circuit 860 composed of a switch and a resistive element is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 850. FIG. 32 is representatively illustrated based on the configuration of the first embodiment. However, the same configuration may be applied to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0205] The heating control of the battery 173 may include, for example, control for electrically disconnecting the SMR 800 and turning on the switch of the discharge circuit 840. A current thus flows through a closed circuit formed by the battery 173 and the discharge circuit 840. The heating control of the battery 173 may include control for turning off the switch of the discharge circuit 840 and turning on the SMR 800 and the switch of the discharge circuit 860. A current thus flows through a closed circuit formed by the battery 173, the SMR 800, and the discharge circuit 860. The heating control of the battery 173 may include control for turning on the SMR 800 and turning off the switches of the discharge circuits 840, 860 to cause a current adjusted so that no torque is generated in the motor 830 to flow.

[0206] The embodiments disclosed herein shall be construed as exemplary and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is shown by the claims rather than by the above description of the embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to those of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) mounted on an electrical apparatus, the thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) comprising: a first flow path (170b; 270a; 270b; 270c), a second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c), a third flow path (130a; 230a; 230c; 230d), and a fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c) each configured to allow a heat medium to flow through the flow path; an electrical storage device (173; 272) configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the first flow path (170b; 270a; 270b; 270c); a drive device (133, 134; 263, 264) configured to exchange heat with the heat medium in the second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c) and generate a driving force; a radiator (122; 231) provided in the third flow path (130a; 230a; 230c; 230d); a chiller device (160; 220) provided in the fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c); and a switching device (180, 190; 280; 380, 390; 480) configured to switch a connection state between the first flow path (170b; 270a; 270b; 270c), the second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c), the third flow path (130a; 230a; 230c; 230d), and the fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c), wherein, in the thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4), the switching device (180, 190; 280; 380, 390; 480) provides a heating circuit when heating of the electrical storage device (173; 272) is performed, the heating circuit being a flow path circuit including a first connection flow path (10; 11; 12; 13; 14) connecting the first flow path (170b; 270a; 270b; 270c) and the second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c), and a second connection flow path (20; 21; 22; 23; 24) disconnected from the first connection flow path (10; 11; 12; 13; 14) and connecting the third flow path (130a; 230a; 230c; 230d) and the fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c).

2. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to claim 1, wherein: the drive device (133, 134; 263, 264) is configured to supply the driving force to an electrified vehicle (la) that is the electrical apparatus; and the electrical storage device (173; 272) is heated when a traction system of the electrified vehicle (la) is activated.

3. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to claim 1, wherein: the electrical storage device (173; 272) is configured to perform external charging, the external charging being charging of the electrical storage device (173; 272) with charging power supplied from charging equipment external to the electrical apparatus; and the electrical storage device (173; 272) is heated at start of the external charging to cause a temperature of the electrical storage device (173; 272) to reach a predetermined temperature or higher.

4. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first pump (131; 261) provided in the second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c) and configured to circulate the heat medium, wherein an output of the first pump (131; 261) is increased as time elapses, when the heating is performed.

5. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a first temperature sensor (175; 273) configured to detect a temperature of the electrical storage device (173; 272); and a second temperature sensor (137; 266) configured to detect a temperature of the heat medium in the second flow path (130b; 260a; 260b; 260c), wherein the switching device (180, 190; 280; 380, 390; 480) is configured to provide the heating circuit in a case where a detected value of the second temperature sensor (137; 266) is larger than a detected value of the first temperature sensor (175; 273), when the heating is performed.

6. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the drive device (133, 134; 263, 264) is configured to supply the driving force to an electrified vehicle (la) that is the electrical apparatus; the chiller device (160; 220) is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit (114; 240) configured to adjust a cabin temperature of the electrified vehicle (la); and the switching device (180, 190; 280; 380, 390; 480) is configured to provide the heating circuit in a case where a heating request using the air conditioning circuit (114; 240) is given and an outside air temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold, when the heating is performed.

7. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to claim 6, wherein the switching device (180, 190; 280; 380, 390; 480) is configured to provide a third connection flow path (30; 31; 32; 33) connecting the first connection flow path (10; 11; 12; 13; 14) and the fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c) in a case where the outside air temperature becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold when the heating is performed with the heating circuit provided.

8. The thermal management system (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second pump (171; 211) provided in the fourth flow path (170a; 210a; 210b; 210c) and configured to circulate the heat medium, wherein: the drive device (133, 134; 263, 264) is configured to supply the driving force to an electrified vehicle (la) that is the electrical apparatus; the chiller device (160; 220) is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit (114; 240) configured to adjust a cabin temperature of the electrified vehicle (la); and the second pump (171; 211) is driven in a case where a heating request using the air conditioning circuit (114; 240) is given, when the heating is performed with the heating circuit provided.

9. The thermal management system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a control device (500), wherein: the switching device (180, 190) includes a first five-way valve (180) and a second fiveway valve (190); the first flow path (170b) connects the first five-way valve (180), the electrical storage device (173), and the second five-way valve (190) in this order; the second flow path (130b) connects the second five-way valve (190), the drive device (133), and the first five-way valve (180) in this order; the third flow path (130a) connects the first five-way valve (180), the radiator (122), and the second five-way valve (190) in this order; the fourth flow path (170a) connects the second five-way valve (190), the chiller device (160), and the first five-way valve (180) in this order; and the control device (500) is configured to, when the heating circuit is provided, provide the first connection flow path (10) by controlling the first five-way valve (180) and the second five-way valve (190) such that the second flow path (130b) and the first flow path (170b) are connected via the first five-way valve (180) and the first flow path (170b) and the fourth flow path (170a) are connected via the second five-way valve (190), and provide the second connection flow path (20) disconnected from the first connection flow path (10), by controlling the first five-way valve (180) and the second fiveway valve (190) such that the fourth flow path (170a) and the third flow path (130a) are connected via the first five-way valve (180) and the third flow path (130a) and the second flow path (130b) are connected via the second five-way valve (190).

10. The thermal management system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a control device (510), wherein: the switching device (280) includes an eight-way valve (280); the first flow path (270a) connects a first port (P21) of the eight-way valve (280), the electrical storage device (272), and a second port (P24) of the eight-way valve (280) in this order; the second flow path (260a) connects a third port (P28) of the eight-way valve (280), the drive device (263), and a fourth port (P22) of the eight-way valve (280) in this order; the third flow path (230a) connects a fifth port (P26) of the eight-way valve (280), the radiator (122), and a sixth port (P27) of the eight-way valve (280) in this order; the fourth flow path (210a) connects a seventh port (P23) of the eight-way valve (280), the chiller device (220), and an eighth port (P25) of the eight-way valve (280) in this order; and the control device (510) is configured to, when the heating circuit is provided, provide the first connection flow path (11) by controlling the eight-way valve (280) such that the first flow path (270a) and the second flow path (260a) are connected via the second port (P24) and the third port (P28), and the fourth port (P22) and the first port (P21), and provide the second connection flow path (21) by controlling the eight-way valve (280) such that the third flow path (230a) and the fourth flow path (210a) are connected via the sixth port (P27) and the seventh port (P23), and the fifth port (P26) and the eighth port (P25).