JP5637165B2 - Battery heating / cooling system - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a system for heating and cooling a battery, and in particular, to a system for heating and cooling a battery for a vehicle.

  This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

  Many vehicles include batteries that provide power to the various electrical systems and electrical accessories in the vehicle. Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles driven by electric motors powered by onboard battery packs are becoming increasingly common. A battery generally performs best when it operates within a specific temperature range.

  The present disclosure provides a system for heating and / or cooling one or more batteries to maintain the batteries within a predetermined temperature range in order to optimize battery performance and lifetime.

This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of the entire scope or all of its features.
The invention disclosed herein includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a first compressor that receive a working fluid at a first pressure and compress the working fluid to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A battery heating and cooling system is provided that includes a first fluid circuit that includes two heat exchangers, establishes a sealed fluid path, and circulates a working fluid. In the battery heating and cooling system, the four-way valve receives a working fluid from the compressor and allows a working fluid to flow through the second fluid path, and a first position that allows the working fluid through the first fluid path. The valve is movable between the second position and the second position. In the first position, the working fluid exits the four-way valve and flows into the first heat exchanger, flows from the first heat exchanger through the expansion device to the four-way valve, exits the four-way valve and flows into the second heat exchanger. Through a first fluid path from the second heat exchanger back to the compressor. In the second position, the working fluid bypasses the first heat exchanger and the expansion device, exits the four-way valve, flows into the second heat exchanger, and passes through the second fluid path from the second heat exchanger back to the compressor. . When the second heat exchanger is in heat transfer relationship with the battery pack and the four-way valve is in the first position, heat is extracted from the battery pack, and when the four-way valve is in the second position, the second heat exchanger Heat is transferred to the battery pack .

  In one form, the present disclosure provides a system that may include a first heat exchanger, a pump device, and a valve. The pump device may be in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger. The valve may receive fluid from the pump device and is between a first position that allows fluid through the first flow path and a second position that allows fluid to flow through the second flow path. It may be movable. The first heat exchanger may be in heat transfer relationship with the energy storage device so that heat may be extracted from the energy storage device when the valve is in the first position. Thereby, heat may be transferred from the first heat exchanger to the energy storage device when the valve is in the second position.

  In another form, the present disclosure provides a system for controlling the temperature of a battery. The system may include a first fluid circuit having a first heat exchanger and a first compressor. The first compressor may circulate the first fluid through the first fluid circuit. The first heat exchanger may be in heat transfer relationship with the battery. The first fluid in the first fluid circuit may be fluidly isolated from the vehicle environmental control system. The first fluid enters the first compressor at a first pressure and is discharged from the compressor at a second pressure substantially higher than the first pressure.

  In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a system for a vehicle. The vehicle may include a passenger compartment and a battery. The system may include a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path may include a first heat exchanger that provides a cooling effect to the air inside the vehicle interior. The second fluid path may include a second heat exchanger and a valve. The second heat exchanger may be in heat transfer relationship with the battery. The valve has a first position that allows it to flow through the second heat exchanger at a first temperature to extract heat from the battery, and a second position that allows heat to be transferred from the fluid to the battery. It may be movable between a second position where fluid flows through the second heat exchanger at temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

  Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in the summary of the invention are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

  The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and are not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery heating and cooling system in a cooling mode in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the battery heating and cooling system of FIG. 2 in heating mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another battery heating and cooling system in cooling mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the battery heating and cooling system of FIG. 4 in heating mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of yet another battery heating and cooling system in cooling mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 7 is a schematic diagram of the battery heating and cooling system of FIG. 6 in heating mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of yet another battery heating and cooling system in cooling mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the battery heating and cooling system of FIG. 8 in heating mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another battery heating and cooling system in cooling mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 11 is a schematic diagram of the battery heating and cooling system of FIG. 10 in heating mode, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

  Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

  Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Illustrative embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific details need not be employed and the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in a wide variety of forms, none of which should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Will be clear. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

  The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. May be intended to be included as well. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are inclusive, and thus the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, And / or specifying the presence of a component does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are to be construed as necessarily requiring their execution in the specific order described or described, unless specifically specified as the order of execution. Should not. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

  An element or layer is “on” another element or layer, “engaged to” another element or layer, or connected to another element or layer “connected to” ) "Or referred to as" coupled to "another element or layer, it is directly on or directly engages another element or layer. Or may be directly connected to, or directly coupled to, other elements or layers, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, an element is “directly on” another element or layer, “directly engaged to” another element or layer, or another element or layer “ When referred to as “directly connected to” or as “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (eg, “directly between” for “between”, “Directly adjacent” to “adjacent”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

  In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or areas, Components, regions, layers, and / or areas should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second”, and other numerical terms, as used herein, do not imply sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or area described below may be used without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments. May be called.

  “Inner”, “Outer”, “Beneath”, “Below”, “Lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc. For ease of explanation, such spatially relative terms describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as shown in the figures. May be used in a book. Spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the apparatus in the figure is inverted, an element described as “below” or “below” another element or feature is oriented “above” the other element or feature. become. Thus, the exemplary term “downward” may encompass both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (90 degrees or rotated in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a vehicle 10 is provided, which may include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 12, a battery pack 14, and a battery heating and cooling system 16. The vehicle 10 may include an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor 18 that is adapted to drive the vehicle. That is, the vehicle 10 may include a conventional power train, a hybrid power train, or an electric power train. The HVAC system 12 may be operable to heat and cool the passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle 10. The battery pack 14 may include one or more batteries that provide power to one or more electrical systems of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the battery pack 14 can provide power to the motor 18. As will be described below, the battery heating and cooling system 16 may be operable in heating and cooling modes to maximize battery life by heating and cooling the battery pack 14 respectively, and to One or more batteries can be maintained within a temperature range where performance characteristics can be optimized. In some embodiments, the battery heating and cooling system 16 may be a stand-alone system that is separate and distinct from the HVAC system 12 and operates independently of the HVAC system 12.

  The HVAC system 12 may include a working fluid circuit having a compressor 22, a condenser 24, an expansion device 26, and an evaporator 28. The compressor 22 receives a working fluid (eg, R-12, R-134a, HFO-1234yf, carbon dioxide, etc.) at a suction pressure and a suction temperature, and has a discharge pressure and a pressure higher than the suction pressure and the suction temperature. The working fluid may be discharged at the discharge temperature. From this compressor, the working fluid may flow to the condenser 24, where heat may be removed from the working fluid to the ambient air. A first fan 30 may force air across the condenser 24 to facilitate heat transfer between the ambient air and the working fluid.

  From the condenser 24, the working fluid can flow through the expansion device 26. The expansion device 26 may be, for example, a solenoid valve, a thermal expansion valve, a capillary tube, or an orifice tube, or any other suitable device. The working fluid exiting the expansion device 26 may be relatively cold and low pressure. From the expansion device 26, the working fluid may flow through an evaporator 28, in which heat from ambient air is absorbed by the cold working fluid therein. The second fan 32 can forcibly send air across the evaporator 28 and send it into the passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle 10 to cool the passenger compartment 20 to a desired temperature.

  The battery heating and cooling system 16 may be separate from the HVAC system 12 and may operate independently of the HVAC system 12. The battery heating and cooling system 16 may include a first fluid circuit 34 (shown in solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second fluid circuit 36 (shown in broken lines in FIGS. 2 and 3). The first fluid circuit 34 may define a sealed fluid path that includes a compressor 38, a four-way valve 40, a first heat exchanger 42, an expansion device 44, a second heat exchanger 46, and an accumulator 48. . A control module 49 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) may control the operation of the compressor 38, which may be, for example, R-152a, R-245, R-12, R-134a, A working fluid such as HFO-1234yf or carbon dioxide may be circulated through the first fluid circuit 34. In some embodiments, the first fluid circuit 34 may be located entirely outside the passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle 10 and may be fluidly isolated from the HVAC system 12. In such an embodiment, the first fluid circuit 34 is currently not permitted for use in the interior of a vehicle under some government regulations, but some other such as HFO-1234yf. It is possible to circulate a working fluid such as R-152a, which is more efficient than the other working fluid.

  The four-way valve 40 may include a first fluid port 50, a second fluid port 52, a third fluid port 54, and a fourth fluid port 56. The four-way valve 40 may be in communication with a control module 49, which may be operable to move the four-way valve 40 between a first position and a second position. In the first position (FIG. 2), the first fluid port 50 and the second fluid port 52 may be in fluid communication with each other, and the third fluid port 54 and the fourth fluid port 56 may be in communication with each other. Good. In the second position (FIG. 3), the first fluid port 50 may be in fluid communication with the third fluid port 54 and the second fluid port 52 may be in fluid communication with the fourth fluid port 56. . The four-way valve 40 may include any type of valve and may include any suitable configuration that enables the functionality described herein. For example, the four-way valve 40 can be of the type described in assignee's commonly owned US Pat. No. 6,574,976, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The discharge port 58 of the compressor 38 may be in fluid communication with the first fluid port 50 of the four-way valve 40. The first heat exchanger 42 may be a liquid cooled condenser, for example, and may be in fluid communication with the second fluid port 52 of the four-way valve 40. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 42 may be air cooled. The expansion device 44 may be in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger 42 and the fourth fluid port 56 of the four-way valve 40. The expansion device 44 may include, for example, a solenoid valve, a thermal expansion valve, a capillary tube, or an orifice tube, or any other suitable device. The second heat exchanger 46 may be, for example, a cooling device, and may be in fluid communication with the third fluid port 54 of the four-way valve 40 and the accumulator 48. The accumulator 48 may also be in fluid communication with the suction port 60 of the compressor 38.

  The second fluid circuit 36 includes a pump 62, a first heat exchange conduit 64, a first valve 66, a second heat exchange conduit 68, a third heat exchanger 70, a second valve 72, a liquid reservoir 74, and a bypass conduit 76. A fluid path may be defined including: The control module 49 may control the operation of the pump 62, which may supply a coolant, such as, for example, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, or any other suitable fluid, to the second fluid circuit 36. You may circulate throughout. The coolant circulating through the second fluid circuit 36 may be fluidly isolated from the first fluid circuit 34 and the working fluid in the HVAC system 12. The first heat exchange conduit 64 may be fluidly coupled to the pump 62 and the first valve 66 and is in heat transfer relationship with the second heat exchanger 46 of the first fluid circuit 34 and the battery pack 14. Also good. Although not specifically shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3, the first heat exchange conduit 64 is wrapped around and / or passed around the second heat exchanger 46 of the first fluid circuit 34 and the battery pack 14. And may facilitate heat transfer between them.

  First valve 66 may be a three-way valve in fluid communication with first heat exchange conduit 64, second heat exchange conduit 68, and bypass conduit 76. The first valve 66 may be in communication with the control module 49, which may be operable to move the first valve 66 between the first position and the second position. Good. In the first position (FIG. 2), coolant in the first heat exchange conduit 64 may be allowed to flow through the first valve 66 and into the second heat exchange conduit 68, and the bypass conduit 76. The coolant within may be prevented from flowing into either the first heat exchange conduit 64 or the second heat exchange conduit 68. In the second position (FIG. 3), the first valve 66 may allow the coolant in the first heat exchange conduit 64 to flow through the first valve 66 and into the bypass conduit 76; Coolant may be prevented from flowing into the second heat exchange conduit 68.

  The second heat exchange conduit 68 may be in heat transfer relationship with the first heat exchanger 42 of the first fluid circuit 34 and may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger 70. Although not specifically shown in the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second heat exchange conduit 68 is wrapped around and / or passed around the first heat exchanger 42 of the first fluid circuit 34 so that they are Heat transfer between them may be promoted.

  The third heat exchanger 70 can be, for example, a radiator that is disposed in the vicinity of the grill at the front end of the vehicle 10. The coolant flowing through the third heat exchanger 70 can remove heat to the ambient air. The fan 30 can forcibly send air across the third heat exchanger 70 to promote cooling of the coolant in the third heat exchanger 70. The outlet of the third heat exchanger 70 can be fluidly coupled to the first conduit 78.

  Second valve 72 may be a three-way valve in fluid communication with first conduit 78, second conduit 80, and bypass conduit 76. The second valve 72 may be in communication with the control module 49, which may move the second valve 72 between the first position and the second position. In the first position (FIG. 2), the second valve 72 may allow coolant to flow from the first conduit 78 into the second conduit 80, and coolant flows into the bypass conduit 76, or Outflow from the bypass conduit 76 may be prevented. In the second position (FIG. 3), the second valve 72 may allow the coolant in the bypass conduit 76 to flow into the second conduit 80 and allow the coolant to flow into the first conduit 78. May be prevented.

  The second conduit 80 may be in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 74 and the inlet of the pump 62. The liquid reservoir 74 may store a fixed volume of extra coolant and the pump 62 may be drawn from it to ensure that an appropriate amount of coolant flows into the pump 62.

  The operation of the battery heating / cooling system 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The battery heating and cooling system 16 may be operable in a cooling mode (FIG. 2) and a heating mode (FIG. 3) to control the temperature of one or more batteries in the battery pack 14. One or more temperature sensors may be attached or placed proximal to one or more batteries to monitor their temperature and communicate that temperature to the control module 49. When the control module 49 determines that the battery pack 14 exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control module 49 may operate the battery heating / cooling system 16 in the cooling mode. Conversely, if the control module 49 determines that the battery pack 14 is below a predetermined temperature, the control module 49 may operate the battery heating and cooling system 16 in a heating mode.

  In the cooling mode, the control module 49 may move the four-way valve 40, the first valve 66, and the second valve 72 to move to or maintain the first position. Control module 49 may also cause compressor 38 to circulate working fluid through first fluid circuit 34 and pump 62 to circulate coolant through second fluid circuit 36.

  In the cooling mode, the compressor 38 may receive the working fluid at the suction pressure and the suction temperature, and release the working fluid at a discharge pressure and a discharge temperature substantially higher than the suction pressure and the suction temperature. . From the compressor 38, the working fluid may flow into the first fluid port 50 of the four-way valve 40. Since the four-way valve 40 is in the first position in the cooling mode, fluid may then exit the four-way valve 40 through the second fluid port 52 and flow into the first heat exchanger 42. Within the first heat exchanger 42, the working fluid may transfer heat to a coolant that flows through a second heat exchange conduit 68 in the second fluid circuit 36. From the first heat exchanger 42, the working fluid may flow through the expansion device 44 and may further reduce the temperature and pressure of the working fluid. From the expansion device 44, the working fluid may flow into the fourth fluid port 56 of the four-way valve 40 and exit the four-way valve 40 through the third fluid port 54. From the third fluid port 54, the working fluid may flow through the second heat exchanger 46 and absorb heat from the coolant in the first heat exchange conduit 64 of the second fluid circuit 36. From the second heat exchanger 46, the working fluid may flow into the accumulator 48 before returning to the suction port 60 of the compressor 38, where the cycle may be repeated.

  During operation of the first fluid circuit 34 described above, the pump 62 may circulate coolant through the second fluid circuit 36. The coolant may flow from the pump 62 to the first heat exchange conduit 64 where the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 46 of the first fluid circuit 34 from the coolant in the second fluid circuit 36. Heat is transferred to the surface. The reduced temperature coolant in the first heat exchange conduit 64 downstream of the second heat exchanger 46 may then absorb heat from the battery pack 14 as it flows through the battery pack 14. . The coolant then flows through the first valve 66 (in the first position) to the second heat exchange conduit 68 and before flowing to the third heat exchanger 70, the working fluid in the first heat exchanger 42. Heat may be absorbed.

  Within the third heat exchanger 70, heat from the coolant may be removed to ambient air that is forced by the fan 30 across the third heat exchanger 70. From the third heat exchanger 70, the coolant may flow through the first conduit 78, through the second valve 72 (in the first position), through the second conduit 80, and back to the pump 62; Here, this cycle may be repeated. This cycle of the first fluid circuit 34 and the second fluid circuit 36 may be repeated in this manner until the battery pack 14 is cooled below a predetermined threshold.

  In some embodiments, if the ambient air outside the vehicle 10 is sufficiently cold, the second fluid circuit 36 can be operated in a cooling mode without operating the first fluid circuit 34. That is, if the ambient air is sufficiently cold, the coolant simply passes through the third heat exchanger 70 to allow the coolant to efficiently absorb heat from the battery pack 14. May be sufficiently cooled by only the heat transfer, and may not need to be cooled by the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 46. In some embodiments, ambient air below about 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) causes the second fluid circuit 36 to properly cool the battery pack 14 without operating the first fluid circuit 34. In addition, the temperature may be sufficiently low.

  In the heating mode (FIG. 3), the control module 49 may cause the compressor 38 and pump 62 to operate as described above. However, in the heating mode, the control module 49 may move the four-way valve 40, the first valve 66, and the second valve 72 to the second position. With the four-way valve 40 in the second position, the hot and high-pressure working fluid discharged from the compressor 38 flows into the first fluid port 50 of the four-way valve 40, and the first heat exchanger 42 and the expander 44. And exit through the third fluid port 54 of the four-way valve 40. Therefore, when the working fluid enters the second heat exchanger 46, the working fluid may still be at a relatively high temperature.

  Since the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 46 is at a high temperature in the heating mode, the coolant in the first heat exchange conduit 64 that is in heat transfer relation with the second heat exchanger 46 draws heat from the working fluid. Absorb. This raises the temperature of the coolant before reaching the battery pack 14. The relatively high temperature coolant then increases the temperature of the battery pack 14 by establishing a heat transfer relationship with the battery pack 14. The coolant may then flow to the first valve 66 (in the second position) and may be directed into the bypass conduit 76. The coolant may flow through the bypass conduit 76 to the second valve 72, where the coolant is directed to the second conduit 80 through which the coolant is pumped. Return to 62. This cycle of the first fluid circuit 34 and the second fluid circuit 36 may be repeated in this manner until the battery pack 14 is warmed to a temperature above a predetermined threshold.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, another battery heating and cooling system 116 is provided, which may include a first fluid circuit 134 and a second fluid circuit 136. The structure and function of the first fluid circuit 134 may be substantially the same as the first fluid circuit 34 described above, with any exceptions described below. The first fluid circuit 134 may include a compressor 138, a four-way valve 140, a first heat exchanger 142, an expansion device 144, a second heat exchanger 146, and an accumulator 148. The working fluid in the second heat exchanger 146 may be in a heat transfer relationship with the flow of air from the interior of the vehicle compartment 20 of the vehicle 10 or the flow of air from the outside of the vehicle 10. The fan 147 forcibly sends air across the second heat exchanger 146, promotes heat transfer therebetween, and forces air through the duct 149 that communicates with the battery pack 14. Good. The air flowing through the duct 149 is in heat transfer relationship with the battery pack 14 and may absorb heat from the battery pack 14 when the battery heating and cooling system 116 is in the cooling mode, and the battery heating and cooling system 116 is heated. When in the mode, heat may be transferred to the battery pack 14.

  Similar to the first fluid circuit 34 described above, when the first fluid circuit 134 is in the cooling mode, the working fluid is from the compressor 138 to the four-way valve 140 (which may be in the first position shown in FIG. 4). , To the first heat exchanger 142, to the expansion device 144, to the four-way valve 140, and to the second heat exchanger 146. Therefore, in the cooling mode, the working fluid flowing through the second heat exchanger 146 is at a relatively low temperature and cools the air sent by the fan 147 across the second heat exchanger 146. . This air may then cool the battery pack 14 and then be exhausted from the vehicle 10. If the air inside the passenger compartment 20 is sufficiently cold, the cooling capacity of the fan 147 may itself be sufficient to properly cool the battery pack 14 without operating the first fluid circuit 134. is there.

  During operation of the first fluid circuit 134 in the cooling mode, the second fluid circuit 136 may operate to cool the working fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger 142. The second fluid circuit 136 may include a pump 162, a heat exchange conduit 168, a third heat exchanger 170, and a liquid reservoir 174. The pump 162 may force the coolant through a heat exchange conduit 168 that may be in heat transfer relationship with the first heat exchanger 142 of the first fluid circuit 134. The coolant in the heat exchange conduit 168 absorbs heat from the hot working fluid in the first heat exchanger 142 and then flows to the third heat exchanger 170. Within the third heat exchanger 170, heat from the coolant may be removed to the ambient air. The fan 30 may force air across the third heat exchanger 170 to facilitate heat transfer. From the third heat exchanger 170, the coolant may return to the pump 162, where the cycle can be repeated.

  In the heating mode, the four-way valve 140 may be in the second position (FIG. 5). Similar to the first fluid circuit 34, when the first fluid circuit 134 is in the heating mode, the working fluid flows from the compressor 138 to the four-way valve 140, bypassing the first heat exchanger 142 and the expansion device 144. , It may flow directly to the second heat exchanger 146. Therefore, when the working fluid reaches the second heat exchanger 146 in the heating mode, the working fluid is still at a relatively high temperature and is forced across the second heat exchanger 146 by the fan 147. Heat is transferred to the air from the passenger compartment 20. The heated air is then forced across the battery pack 14 to transfer heat to the battery pack 14 and raise its temperature above a predetermined threshold. Since the working fluid does not flow through the first heat exchanger 142 in the heating mode, the second fluid circuit 136 may not operate when the battery heating and cooling system 116 is in the heating mode.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, another battery heating and cooling system 216 is provided, which may include a fluid circuit 234. The structure and function of the fluid circuit 234 may be substantially similar to that of the first fluid circuit 134 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again. Briefly, the fluid circuit 234 may include a compressor 238, a four-way valve 240, a first heat exchanger 242, an expansion device 244, a second heat exchanger 246, a fan 247, and an accumulator 248. Similar to the first fluid circuit 134, the fluid circuit 234 may be operable in a cooling mode (FIG. 6) and a heating mode (FIG. 7). In addition to or as an alternative to the second fluid circuit (similar to the second fluid circuit 136), the fluid circuit 234 operates during the cooling mode to cool the working fluid within the first heat exchanger 242. The fan 243 may be included.

  With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, yet another battery heating and cooling system 316 is provided, which may include a first fluid circuit 334. The fluid circuit 334 may include a compressor 338, a four-way valve 340, a first heat exchanger 342, a first fan 343, an expansion device 344, a second heat exchanger 346, a second fan 347, and an accumulator 348. Similar to battery heating and cooling systems 16, 116, 216, battery heating and cooling system 316 may be operable in a cooling mode (FIG. 8) and a heating mode (FIG. 9). The structures and functions of the four-way valve 340, the first heat exchanger 342, the first fan 343, the expansion device 344, the second heat exchanger 346, the second fan 347, and the accumulator 348 are the same as those described above for the four-way valve 240, first It may be substantially similar to that of heat exchanger 242, fan 243, expansion device 244, second heat exchanger 246, fan 247, and accumulator 248 and therefore will not be described in detail again.

  The battery heating and cooling system 316 may be integrated with the HVAC system 312. Among them, the compressor 338 may circulate the working fluid through both the battery heating and cooling system 316 and the HVAC system 312. Similar to the HVAC system 12, the HVAC system 312 may include a fan 332 and a working fluid circuit 313 that includes a condenser 324, an expansion device 326, an evaporator 328, and a compressor 338. The condenser 324 may be coupled to the first heat exchanger so that the first fan 343 can send air across both the condenser 324 and the first heat exchanger 342 to cool the fluid therein. It may be arranged adjacent to 342. In some embodiments, the condenser 324 and the first heat exchanger 342 have a single heat path having a first fluid path and a second fluid path therethrough corresponding to the fluid circuits 312, 334, respectively. It can be an exchange unit.

  The first three-way joint 330 may be disposed downstream of the compressor 338 and upstream of the condenser 324 and the four-way valve 340. A second three-way joint 331 can be located upstream from the compressor 338 and downstream of the evaporator 328 and accumulator 348. The fluid circuits 334 and 313 may branch from each other at the first three-way joint 330, converge at the second three-way joint 331, and return together.

  The working fluid circuit 313 is also between the first position and the second position so as to allow and block fluid discharged from the compressor 338 from flowing through the rest of the working fluid circuit 313, respectively. A movable valve 325 may also be included. A four-way valve 340, an expansion device 344, and / or any other device disposed downstream of the first three-way junction 330 and upstream of the second three-way junction 331 allows fluid flow through the fluid circuit 334. May be configured to be selectively allowed or blocked. Thus, the battery heating and cooling system 316 and the HVAC system 312 can operate simultaneously or independently of each other.

  Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a battery heating / cooling system 416 is provided, and the battery heating / cooling system 416 may include a first fluid circuit 434 and a second fluid circuit 436. Similar to battery heating and cooling system 16, battery heating and cooling system 416 may be operable in a cooling mode (FIG. 10) and a heating mode (FIG. 11) to cool and heat battery pack 14, respectively. it can.

  The first fluid circuit 434 may also include a compressor 438, a first four-way valve 440, a first heat exchanger 442, a second four-way valve 443, an ejector 444, a second heat exchanger 446, an accumulator 448, and a restriction device 450. Good. The first heat exchanger 442 and the second heat exchanger 446 may be substantially similar to the first heat exchanger 42 and the second heat exchanger 46 described above. The first heat exchanger 442 may be in heat transfer relationship with the second fluid circuit 436. The second heat exchanger 446 may be in heat transfer relationship with the battery pack 14 via the second fluid circuit 436. That is, the second heat exchanger 446 may be in direct heat transfer relationship with the second fluid circuit 436, and the second fluid circuit 436 transfers heat between the second heat exchanger 446 and the battery pack 14. As such, the battery pack 14 may have a direct heat transfer relationship.

  The structure and function of the ejector 444 is substantially similar to that of the ejector described in assignee's commonly owned US Pat. No. 6,550,265, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. May be. Briefly, the ejector 444 may include a first inlet 452, a second inlet 454, and an outlet 456. Although not specifically shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ejector also includes a nozzle, a mixing section, and a diffuser. The ejector 444 may typically utilize the energy lost during the expansion of the condensed working fluid in a conventional vapor compression cycle.

  The accumulator 448 may separate the liquid working fluid from the gaseous working fluid and may store a volume of liquid working fluid therein. The restriction device 450 may include, for example, a capillary tube. The restriction device 450 reduces the pressure of the working fluid flowing therethrough.

  With continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the operation of the battery heating and cooling system 416 will be described in detail. In the cooling mode (FIG. 10), working fluid is discharged from the compressor 438 and flows through the first four-way valve 440 (in the first position) to the first heat exchanger 442. The high-pressure liquid working fluid flows from the first heat exchanger 442 through the second four-way valve (in the first position) into the ejector 444, and is decompressed and expanded by the nozzle inside the ejector 444.

  Within the mixing portion of the ejector 444, the gaseous working fluid from the second heat exchanger 446 is mixed with the working fluid ejected from the nozzle. The pressure of the mixed refrigerant rises in the mixing section and the diffuser, and the mixed working fluid flows into the accumulator 448 from the outlet 456 of the ejector 444. At this time, since the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 446 is drawn into the ejector 444, the liquid refrigerant flows from the accumulator 448 through the restriction device 450 into the second heat exchanger 446. As will be described later, the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 446 absorbs heat from the fluid in the second fluid circuit 436.

  In the heating mode (FIG. 11), the first four-way valve 440 and the second four-way valve 443 are switched to the second position. The high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 438 flows through the first four-way valve 440 to the second heat exchanger 446, where heat from the working fluid is transferred to the fluid in the second fluid circuit 436. Is transmitted to. The high pressure liquid refrigerant then flows from the second heat exchanger 446 through the second four-way valve 443 into the ejector 444, where the working fluid is depressurized and expanded in the nozzle of the ejector 444, It becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state.

  Within the mixing portion of the ejector 444, the gaseous working fluid is drawn from the first heat exchanger 442 and mixed with the working fluid ejected from the nozzle. The pressure of the mixed working fluid rises in the mixing section and the diffuser. The mixed working fluid then exits the ejector 444 and flows into the accumulator 448. At this point, since the working fluid in the first heat exchanger 442 is drawn into the ejector 444, the liquid working fluid passes from the accumulator 448 through the restriction device 450 into the first heat exchanger 442. Flows in. The working fluid in the first heat exchanger 442 absorbs heat from the second fluid circuit 436.

  The second fluid circuit 436 may include a pump 462, a heat exchange conduit 464, and a third heat exchanger 470. The pump 462 may circulate coolant through the second fluid circuit 436 during operation of the battery heating and cooling system 416. The heat exchange conduit 464 may be in heat transfer relationship with the first heat exchanger 442, the second heat exchanger 446, and the battery pack 14.

  As described above, when the battery heating and cooling system 416 is operating in the cooling mode, the cold working fluid may flow through the second heat exchanger 446 and is in heat transfer relationship with the second heat exchanger 446. Heat may be absorbed from the coolant in the portion of the heat exchange conduit 464 at The reduced temperature coolant may then flow to the battery pack 14 and absorb heat from the battery pack 14. From the battery pack 14, the coolant may flow through the first heat exchanger 442 and absorb heat from the working fluid in the first heat exchanger 442. From the first heat exchanger 442, the coolant may flow through the third heat exchanger 470, where heat from the coolant is forced across the third heat exchanger 470 by the fan 30. May be rejected by the ambient air sent. From the third heat exchanger 470, the coolant may return to the pump 462, where the cycle may be repeated until the battery pack 14 is cooled to a predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, if the ambient air outside the vehicle 10 is sufficiently cold, operating the second fluid circuit 436 to cool the battery pack 14 without operating the first fluid circuit 434. Can do.

  When the battery heating and cooling system 416 is operating in the heating mode, hot working fluid may flow through the second heat exchanger 446. The coolant in the heat exchange conduit 464 may absorb heat from the working fluid in the second heat exchanger 446. The relatively hot coolant may then flow to the battery pack 14, which absorbs heat from the coolant. From the battery pack 14, the coolant may flow through the first heat exchanger 442 and transfer heat to the working fluid in the first heat exchanger 442. From the first heat exchanger 442, the coolant flows through the third heat exchanger 470, where heat from the coolant may be removed to the ambient air. From the third heat exchanger 470, the coolant may return to the pump 462, where the cycle may be repeated until the battery pack 14 reaches a predetermined temperature.

  The descriptions of the above embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable, even if not specifically illustrated or described, It can be used in selected embodiments. The same may also be modified in many ways. Such changes should not be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (8)

A compressor for receiving a working fluid at a first pressure and compressing the working fluid to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; a four-way valve; a first heat exchanger; an expansion device; and a second heat exchanger. A battery heating and cooling system comprising a first fluid circuit for establishing a sealed fluid path and for circulating a working fluid;
The four-way valve receives the working fluid from the compressor and allows the working fluid to flow through the second fluid path, and a first position allowing the working fluid through the first fluid path. and a second position, a movable valve,
In the first position, the working fluid exits the four-way valve and flows into the first heat exchanger, from the first heat exchanger through the expansion device to the four-way valve, and from the four-way valve. Through the first fluid path from the second heat exchanger back to the compressor,
In the second position, the working fluid bypasses the first heat exchanger and the expansion device, exits the four-way valve and flows into the second heat exchanger, and from the second heat exchanger to the compressor Through the second fluid path back to
When the second heat exchanger is in heat transfer relationship with the battery pack and the four-way valve is in the first position, heat is extracted from the battery pack and the four-way valve is in the second position; A battery heating / cooling system, wherein heat is transferred from the second heat exchanger to the battery pack . The first further comprising a second fluid circuit fluidly isolated from a fluid circuit, said second fluid circuit, a battery according to claim 1 wherein the second heat exchanger and in said battery pack and heat transfer relationship Heating and cooling system . The second fluid circuit includes:
  A pump for circulating a coolant through the second fluid circuit passing through the second heat exchanger and the battery pack;
  The battery heating / cooling system according to claim 2, wherein the coolant includes a third heat exchanger as a radiator capable of removing heat to ambient air. The second fluid circuit includes:
  A first heat exchange conduit in heat transfer relationship with the second heat exchanger and the battery pack;
  The battery heating and cooling system according to claim 3, further comprising a second heat exchange conduit into which the coolant in the first heat exchange conduit flows and is in heat transfer relationship with the first heat exchanger. The said 2nd fluid circuit is provided with the fan which forcibly sends air across the said 2nd heat exchanger, and forcibly sends air through the duct connected with the said battery pack. The battery heating and cooling system described in.   The battery heating / cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the air is air from a vehicle interior of a vehicle.   In addition, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system)
  The HVAC system includes a working fluid circuit that includes a condenser, an HVAC expansion device, and an evaporator;
  The battery heating / cooling system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the compressor circulates the working fluid in the first fluid circuit and the working fluid circuit. The battery heating / cooling system according to claim 7, further comprising a fan that sends air across both the condenser and the first heat exchanger.

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