KR20050016390A - Vehicular heat pump system and module therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat pump system of the present invention is a module hydraulically interposed between the compressor (14), the first and second heat exchangers (10, 12), and the compressor (14) and the first and second heat exchangers (10, 12). And 20. The module includes heat exchanger components 22, 24 with accumulator 34, expansion device 40, and four-way valve 52 to control the operation of the system.

Description

VEHICULAR HEAT PUMP SYSTEM AND MODULE THEREFOR}

The present invention relates to a heat pump system, in particular a vehicle heat pump system using transcritical refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and modules for such systems.

Cooling systems such as air conditioning systems have long been used in vehicles, which are highly desirable in that they regulate the environment in which the driver and / or passengers sit. However, the system has at least one disadvantage. In fact, many components are interconnected by various fittings that often leak. In addition, since the compressor in the system is generally driven by an internal combustion engine that provides propulsion to the vehicle, the compressor and the drive for the compressor cannot be hermetically sealed in one housing when in a domestic or commercial cooling system. In particular, since a rotational force must be applied to the compressor, and the rotational force is generally mechanically derived from the engine of the vehicle, it is not possible to seal both the compressor and the engine in one housing, which means that the moving components of the compressor are responsible for their motive force. This means that it must be sealed because it is received from an external device, for example a vehicle engine. Needless to say, these seals have the potential to leak, and in fact, it is believed that the refrigerant leaking from the vehicle air conditioning system is a major source of environmentally friendly compounds that destroy the earth's ozone layer.

 In order to overcome the above problems, the industry first discarded the refrigerant generally known as R12 due to the more environmentally friendly refrigerant known as R134a. Until recently, attention has been paid to providing the desired air conditioning with cooling systems using more environmentally friendly transcritical refrigerants such as, for example, carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide. For example, carbon dioxide systems can be used successfully without fear of finally adding an unfriendly mixture to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant is derived from the atmosphere by conventional means and used in the system. If the system leaks, the released carbon dioxide simply returns to the atmosphere it was originally derived from so that there was no net gain in the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting from this leak.

Nevertheless, leakage in carbon dioxide systems is very undesirable because it requires periodic replenishment of the refrigerant used in the system. Since replenishment involves both manpower and material costs, it is desirable to minimize the leakage that occurs in such a system.

In addition, the heat pump system used for cooling and heating inside the vehicle provides several advantages. For example, a cabin requires only one heat exchanger to be used for both heating and cooling, whereas conventional systems draw heat from the engine coolant and two systems, one system that evaporates refrigerant for cooling the cabin. I need another system that doesn't accept mine.

Of course, both of these heat exchangers must be separately piped and provided with different controls.

These additional components often increase the price of the vehicle and often increase in weight and volume compared to the installation of associated piping for both one heat exchanger and air conditioning. The additional weight adversely affects fuel economy, resulting in higher vehicle running costs and requiring more fuel consumption than would otherwise be possible. In addition, this can produce air contaminants due to engine operation that can be reduced when improving fuel economy. Larger volumes reduce the usable volume of the cabin and generally make maintenance more difficult.

The present invention overcomes one or more of the above problems.

1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump system made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the flow direction and component configuration when used in a cooling mode.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram similar to that of FIG. 1, illustrating the system flow and component configuration during heating operation. FIG.

3 is a side view of a base used in a module made according to the invention.

4 is a perspective view of a module with a portion cut away for clarity.

5 is a diagram of a variant of a heat exchanger component used in a module.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel improved heat pump system. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a module comprising certain components of a heat pump system.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle heat pump system having a propulsion system for generating waste heat rejected in a coolant. The heat pump system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is disposed in the cabin to alternately reject or allow heat transfer from the outside into the cabin. The second heat exchanger is disposed in the vehicle and is positioned in the air stream that is discharged when the vehicle is in operation.

The module is hydraulically interposed between the compressor and the first and second heat exchangers. The module includes a base mounted to the vehicle, on which the accumulator is equipped with an inlet and an outlet. On the base is mounted a valve arrangement comprising an inlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module connected to the high pressure side of the compressor. The valve outlet is connected to the accumulator inlet at one point in the module. The first inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module is connected to the first heat exchanger from the valve arrangement and the second inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module is connected to the second heat exchanger. The valve device alternates between a position in which the inlet fitting is alternately connected to a selected one of the first and second inlet / outlet fittings and a position in which the valve outlet is alternately connected to the other of the first and second inlet / outlet fittings. At least one valve member that is movable. On the base, a fitting accessible from the outside of the module is provided and is equipped with an expansion device having a first port connected to the first heat exchanger. Also mounted on the base are heat exchanger components having first and second heat exchange fluid flow paths. The first flow path is in heat exchange relationship with the second flow path. The first flow path is connected to the accumulator outlet at one point in the module and also has an outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the low pressure side of the compressor. The second flow path has a inlet / outlet fitting connected to a second port on the expansion device at a point in the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger. There is a transcritical refrigerant in the heat pump system.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve device comprises one four-way valve.

In one embodiment, the heat pump system includes a closed housing having an interior space that includes a base, an accumulator, a valve device, an expansion device, and a heat exchanger component. The fitting is located outside the closed housing and the accumulator inlet and outlet, valve outlet and expansion device second port are located in the closed housing interior space.

More preferably, the closed housing is insulated.

In a very preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger component has first, second and third heat exchange fluid flow paths, the first flow path being in heat exchange relationship with both the second and third flow paths. In this embodiment, the third flow path is connected to the coolant source.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger component comprises two different heat exchangers in the module, each having a first flow path, one of the different heat exchangers having a second flow path and the other of the different heat exchangers having a third flow path. Have

In another embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger component comprises one heat exchanger in the module having first, second and third flow paths.

As noted above, the present invention also relates to compressors, first and second heat exchangers, and modules that are not refrigerants in the system. The module whose angle is modified as described above will be described.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, which is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The heat pump system manufactured according to the present invention is suitable for a vehicle for heating and cooling a cabin or the like. In general, a vehicle has a propulsion system that is cooled by a coolant. For example, when the propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine, the engine coolant is the coolant used. In addition, when the vehicle is propelled by a fuel cell system, the coolant used to cool the fuel cell during operation may be used in the coolant. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to internal combustion engine drive systems and may be effectively used for other applications than the vehicle if desired.

The present invention further describes a system environment operating with a transcritical refrigerant, for example carbon dioxide. However, the present invention can also be used in R134a and other similar systems using suction line heat exchangers in the system. Transcritical refrigerants other than carbon dioxide may also be used in the present invention.

With reference to the above, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 that schematically illustrate a heat pump system of the present invention. The heat pump system includes a heat exchanger 10 disposed in the cabin of the vehicle. In general, a fan (not shown) is operated to blow air through the heat exchanger 10 into the cabin. Depending on whether the heat pump system is in cooling mode or heating mode, the heat exchanger 10 allows the heat from the air passing through it to cool the room or rejects the heat into the air passing through it to heat the room. .

The system also includes a second heat exchanger 12, which is preferably configured as a conventional gas cooler used in a transcritical refrigerant system. The heat exchanger 12 is typically located at several points where the air flow passes through the vehicle while the vehicle is in service. Electrically or engine driven fans may also be used to assist or provide air flow through the heat exchanger 12.

The system also includes a refrigerant compressor 14 having a suction or low pressure side 16 and a high pressure side 18. The low pressure side 16 includes a port that acts as a refrigerant inlet, while the high pressure side 18 includes a port that acts as a compressed refrigerant outlet.

The first and second heat exchangers 10, 12, and the compressor 14 are hydraulically interconnected by a module 20 comprising other system components required for operation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, module 20 includes a heat exchanger component that includes two different heat exchangers 22, 24, respectively. The heat exchanger 22 includes a first heat exchange fluid flow path 26 connected in series with a first fluid flow path 28 in the heat exchanger 24. The first fluid flow path 28 is connected to a fitting 30 which is located outside the module 20 so as to be accessible to the first flow path and connected to a port coupled with the low pressure side 16 of the compressor 14. The first fluid passage 26 is also connected to the discharge port 32 of the conventional refrigerant accumulator bottle 34 located in the module 20. As illustrated, all of the connection tubes are included in the module 20.

Also included in the module 20, in particular in the heat exchanger 22, is a second heat exchange fluid passage 36 in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid passage 26. One side of the second fluid flow path 36 is connected to one side of the heat exchanger 12 via a fitting 38 positioned to access the module outside the module 20. The opposite end of the second fluid flow path 36 is connected to a conventional expansion device 40 located within the module 20. The expansion device 40 is connected to one side of the first heat exchanger 10 via a fitting 42 positioned to access the module on the outside of the module 20.

The heat exchanger 24 includes a third heat exchange fluid flow path 44 for heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid flow path 28. At the opposite end of the third fluid passage 44, there is a fitting 46 positioned outside the module 20 so as to be accessible to the module, whereby the third fluid passage 44 causes the coolant to form a third coolant. It may be connected to receive coolant from the system in the cooling circuit of the vehicle propulsion system to pass through the fluid flow path 44.

In some cases, it may be desirable not to arrange the heat exchanger 24, in which case the first fluid flow path 26 and the heat exchanger 22 are connected to the fitting 30.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in some cases it may be desirable to combine two different heat exchangers 22, 24 into one heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit is schematically shown as heat exchanger 50 in FIG. 5. The heat exchanger 50 has first fluid flow paths 26 and 28 corresponding to the first fluid flow paths 26 and 28 in the heat exchangers 22 and 24, respectively. The second flow path is indicated by reference numeral 36 and is in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid flow paths 26 and 28 in the heat exchanger 50. The second fluid passage 36 is connected in the system in the same manner as the second passage in the heat exchanger 22.

The heat exchanger 50 further includes a third fluid flow path 44 corresponding to the third fluid flow path 44 in the heat exchanger 24. The third fluid passage is connected in the system in the same manner as the third fluid passage 44 of the heat exchanger 24 and is in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid passages 26, 28.

1 and 2, another component of the module is a four-way valve, indicated at 52. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four-way valve may be in the form of a conventional spool valve. Alternatively, the four-way valve can be formed as a rotary four-way valve. As another alternative, two three-way valves can be used to perform the same function.

The four-way valve 52 includes an inlet 56 connected via a fitting 58 outside the module 20 and accessible to the high pressure side 18 of the compressor 14. It also includes a first inlet / outlet 60 connected via a first inlet / outlet fitting 62 outside the module to allow access to the first heat exchanger 10.

The four-way valve 52 further includes a second inlet / outlet port 66 connected via a fitting 68 outside the module 20 to allow access to the heat exchanger 12.

Finally, the four-way valve 52 includes an outlet port 70 connected to the inlet port 72 of the accumulator 34 in the module 20.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description of the components, the system requires multiple connections to provide the desired hydraulic circuit. However, as mentioned above, only eight fittings are needed, and these fittings are required for external connection with the first and second heat exchangers 10, 12, the compressor 14, and the vehicle cooling system. It is arranged outside. Of course, if the third fluid flow path in the heat exchanger component inside module 20 is omitted, two of the three outer fittings may be removed. Since such fittings are not permanently connected so that they can be connected and disconnected for assembly and maintenance, etc., unwanted leakage may occur, particularly in any of the connections as described above. These connections may be threaded connections, compression fittings or simple fittings that are quickly connected / disconnected regardless of their particular construction, which are more prone to leaking than permanent connections that can be formed by soldering, ie soldering. Thus, the various fittings and the piping in the module 20 can be relatively permanently connected, such as, for example, soldered or soldered, while the aforementioned fittings are screw connections, compression fittings, quick connect / disconnect fittings, or HVAC. It may be a conventional connection used to connect the conduits and components of the system to each other in a releaseable manner to assist in maintenance or assembly. However, the end result is minimized by the use of modules 20 and relatively permanent internal connections that tend to leak, thereby eliminating the leakage problem described above.

As described above, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of system components when the system is both cooling. In this embodiment, the four-way valve 52 connects the first inlet / outlet port 60 to the outlet port 70 while the inlet port 56 is connected to the second inlet / outlet port 66. Let's do it. That is, in the cooling mode, the high pressure side 18 of the compressor 14 is connected to the second heat exchanger 12 via a four-way valve 52, while the first heat exchanger 10 is a four-way valve. And connected to accumulator 34 via 52. In this mode, one skilled in the art will readily understand that the first heat exchanger 10 acts as an evaporator while the second heat exchanger 12 acts as a condenser or gas cooler. The heat exchanger 22 inside the module 20 acts as a particularly preferred suction line heat exchanger when the refrigerant used is a transcritical refrigerant such as carbon dioxide. It may also be desirable to use in systems using other refrigerants, such as large R134a systems. The function of the suction line heat exchanger is well known and therefore not described herein.

In the cooling mode, the heat exchanger 24 does not perform a particular function, and the coolant passing through the third fluid flow path can be stopped by an appropriately controllable valve if desired.

The component structure and flow direction of the system when operating in the heating mode is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the four-way valve 52 connects the high pressure side 18 of the compressor 14 to a first heat exchanger 10 which here acts as a condenser or gas cooler, whereby the cabin in which the heat exchanger is arranged is arranged. No heat is transferred into At the same time, the return flow from the heat exchanger 10 flows through the expansion valve 40 through the second fluid flow path 36 in the heat exchanger 22 to the second heat exchanger 12 which acts as an evaporator. From the second heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant passes through the port 66 of the four-way valve 52 and is discharged to the accumulator 34 through the outlet 70, and from the accumulator the first fluid flow path 26. , 28 is finally returned to the low pressure side 16 of the compressor 14. At this time, the hot coolant passes through the third fluid flow path 44 in the heat exchanger 24 from the propulsion system of the vehicle and radiates heat to the refrigerant passing through the first fluid flow paths 26 and 28. As a result, all of the refrigerant flowing to the low pressure side 16 of the compressor 14 is in the form of steam to prevent damage to the compressor 14. In some cases, especially when the ambient temperature is low, sufficient heat is released to the refrigerant passing at high temperature by the compressor 14 due to the coolant passing through the third flow path 44 and then the first heat exchanger 10 is turned off. Passage increases the amount of heat that can be released into the cabin by the heat exchanger.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one embodiment of the physical structure of module 20 is shown. Referring to FIG. 3, a base plate 80 is used to mount various components. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a heat exchanger 22 mounted to base plate 80 by strap 82 and threaded fastener 84. Other components can also be mounted using similar straps and threaded fasteners (not shown).

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, four-way valve ports 56, 60, 66, which are located outside of the module 20 and lines, specifically from the expansion device, terminate in fittings accessible to the module. The line from is shown towards the right side 86 of the plate 80. Similarly, the third fluid flow path of the heat exchanger 24 and the line from the first fluid flow path 28 of the heat exchanger 24 together with the line from the second fluid flow path 36 of the heat exchanger 22 ( Extending toward the left side 88 of 80. All of these lines extend out of module 20 as shown in FIG. 4, so that these lines are accessible to the fitting that terminates.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, on the outside of the housing 90 in the form of a rectangular solid and having an inner insulation layer 92, the inlet 56 is accessible from the outside of the housing 90, and a four-direction. Fittings 58, 62, 68 are arranged to be connected to the first and second inlet / discharge outlets 60, 66 of the valve 52, respectively.

Also, as illustrated on the right side of FIG. 4, a fitting 42 connected to the expansion device 40 in the housing 90 via an inner line 102, located outside of the housing 90 and accessible to the housing. ) Is arranged.

4 schematically shows an internal line 104 connecting the outlet (not shown in FIG. 4) to the inlet 72 of the accumulator 34. It is essential that these connections be permanently connected to prevent leakage at the connection of line 104 and accumulator 34 or at the connection of line 104 and four-way valve 52.

The outlet 32 of the accumulator 34 is connected to the heat exchanger 22 by a line 106 schematically shown. The connection is also connected on the interior of the housing 90 and is generally of a permanent type.

Also shown in FIG. 4, there is a line 108 extending between the heat exchanger 22 and the heat exchanger 24 to connect the first flow path in each of these heat exchangers to each other as illustrated in FIG. 3. The rough connection is shown schematically. Similarly, a line 110 schematically shown extends to a fitting 30 connected to a heat exchanger 24 in the housing 90 and accessible to the housing on the outside of the housing 90. Line 120, shown schematically, connects the distal end of the third fluid flow path 44 in the heat exchanger 24 to a fitting 46 accessible to the housing on the outside of the housing 90.

Finally, the schematically illustrated line 122 extends from the heat exchanger 22 to the fitting 38 on the outside of the housing 90 and finally to the second heat exchanger 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Connected. Line 122 is connected to one end of second fluid flow path 36 in heat exchanger 22.

Several fittings 30, 38, 42, 46, 58, 62, 68 are shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in FIG. 4 with threaded ends on the tubes. However, as noted above, these fittings may be compression fittings, quick connect / disconnect fittings, or any fitting conventionally used to releasably connect between conduits within a HAVC system.

The aforementioned module is mainly concerned with reducing the tendency of leaks in the cooling system. However, it is easy for a module to include a number of additional valve reinforcement components. For example, the present invention is that the electronic circuit board providing the control logic and expansion valve 40 for the system compressor can be easily placed in the module housing. Similarly, the temperature and pressure sensors are located in the appropriate one of the flow lines in the module to obtain power for the system and connect it to the compressor, as well as to provide control signals for engine operation when used in various operating modes and in vehicle systems. It may be electrically connected to the outside of the module housing.

In similar vanes, a pressure relief valve may be included in the module for high or low pressure or both. The valve can be as simple as a rupturable pressure disk or a self-resetting pressure relief valve that can be easily replaced in the event of a rupture.

The module is also provided with a charging port that allows the refrigerant to be added to the system when the refrigerant charging is insufficient for proper system operation for some reason. In addition, a variable flow control valve and an electric actuator may be used to control the flow of coolant flowing to the heat exchanger 24 in the liquid cooling line at a position between the fitting 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and at a location within the module housing. Can be coupled within.

In that the components need to be connected to the flow line, they can be connected relatively permanently and tested to maintain the desire of the present invention to reduce leaky connections by reliably preventing leakage in the manufacture of the module. .

Thus, it will be appreciated that the number of prone connections in the heat pump system is greatly reduced despite the use of modules such as module 20. Thus, problems associated with leakage, whether due to simple maintenance costs, including the discharge of unfriendly refrigerants or the replenishment of refrigerants, are minimized by using the present invention. The present invention also provides a means for ensuring that the partially liquid refrigerant cannot reach the low pressure side 16 of the compressor 14 reliably so as not to damage the low pressure side, while the heat pump system operates in the heating mode. Provide a means for applying heat to the refrigerant to ensure proper heat transfer to the cabin even under low ambient temperature conditions.

Claims (15)

A vehicle heat pump system having a propulsion system for generating waste heat released to a coolant, Compressor, First and second heat exchanger. A module hydraulically interposed between the compressor and the first and second heat exchangers, and Transcritical refrigerant in the heat pump system Including, The first heat exchanger is disposed in a room or the like to alternately discharge or receive heat from the environment in the room, etc., The second heat exchanger is disposed in a vehicle and is located in an airflow existing when the vehicle is driven; The module, Base mounted on vehicle, A refrigerant accumulator mounted on the base and having an inlet and an outlet; A valve device mounted on the base and accessible from the outside of the module and including an inlet fitting connected to the high pressure side of the compressor, A valve outlet connected to the accumulator inlet at a point within the module, A first inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the first heat exchanger, A second inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, A position alternately connecting said inlet fitting to a selected one of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings and a position alternately connecting said valve outlet to another of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings At least one valve member movable between An expansion device mounted on the base, the expansion device having a first port accessible from an outside of the module and provided with a fitting connected to the first heat exchanger, and Heat exchanger components mounted on the base and having first, second and third heat exchange fluid flow paths. Including; At least the first flow path is in heat exchange relationship with the second flow path and the third flow path, The first flow passage has an outlet fitting connected to the accumulator outlet at one point in the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the low pressure side of the compressor, The second flow path has an inlet / outlet fitting connected to a second port on the expansion device at one point of the module and accessible from outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, The third flow path has an inlet fixture that is accessible from the outside of the module and contains a coolant and an outlet fixture that is accessible from the outside of the module and discharges the coolant. Heat pump system. The method of claim 1, The heat exchanger component comprises two different heat exchangers in the module, Both of said different heat exchangers have respective portions of said first flow path, one of said different heat exchangers having said second flow path and one of said different heat exchangers having said third flow path. Heat pump system, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, Said heat exchanger component comprising one heat exchanger located within said module and having said first, second and third flow paths. The method of claim 1, Said valve arrangement comprising one four-way valve. The method of claim 1, The module includes a closed housing having an interior space that includes the base, the accumulator, the valve device, the expansion device, and the heat exchanger component, The fitting is located outside of the closed housing and the accumulator inlet / outlet, The valve outlet and the second port of the expansion device are located within the closed housing interior space. Heat pump system, characterized in that. The method of claim 5, And the closed housing is insulated. A vehicle heat pump system having a propulsion system for generating waste heat released to a coolant, Compressor, First and second heat exchanger. A module hydraulically interposed between the compressor and the first and second heat exchangers, and Transcritical refrigerant in the heat pump system Including, The first heat exchanger is disposed in a room or the like to alternately discharge or receive heat from the environment in the room, etc., The second heat exchanger is disposed in the vehicle, located in the air stream discharged when the vehicle is running, The module, Base mounted on vehicle, A refrigerant accumulator mounted on said base, said refrigerant accumulator having an inlet and an outlet; A valve device mounted on the base and accessible from the outside of the module and including an inlet fitting connected to the high pressure side of the compressor, A valve outlet connected to the accumulator inlet at a point within the module, A first inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the first heat exchanger, A second inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, A position alternately connecting said inlet fitting to a selected one of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings and a position alternately connecting said valve outlet to another of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings At least one valve member movable between An expansion device mounted on the base, the expansion device having a first port accessible from the outside of the module and provided with a fitting connected to the first heat exchanger; and Heat exchanger component mounted on the base and having first and second heat exchange fluid flow paths. Including; The first flow path is in heat exchange relationship with the second flow path, The first flow passage has an outlet fitting connected to the accumulator outlet at one point in the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the low pressure side of the compressor, The second flow path has an inlet / outlet fitting connected to a second port on the expansion device at one point of the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger. Heat pump system. The method of claim 7, wherein Said valve arrangement comprising one four-way valve. The method of claim 7, wherein The module includes a closed housing having an interior space that includes the base, the accumulator, the valve device, the expansion device, and the heat exchanger component, The fitting is located outside of the closed housing and the accumulator inlet / outlet, The valve outlet and the expansion device second port are located within the closed housing interior space. Heat pump system, characterized in that. The method of claim 9, And the closed housing is insulated. In the use of a heat pump system in a vehicle having a propulsion system for generating waste heat released to the coolant, The heat pump system, Compressor, First and second heat exchangers, and A module hydraulically interposed between the compressor and the first and second heat exchangers, Including, The first heat exchanger is disposed in a room or the like to alternately discharge or receive heat from the environment in the room, etc., The second heat exchanger is disposed in the vehicle, located in the air stream discharged when the vehicle is running, The module, Base mounted on vehicle, A refrigerant accumulator mounted on said base, said refrigerant accumulator having an inlet and an outlet; A valve device mounted on the base and accessible from the outside of the module and including an inlet fitting connected to the high pressure side of the compressor, A valve connected to the accumulator inlet at a point within the module, A first inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the first heat exchanger, A second inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, A position alternately connecting said inlet fitting to a selected one of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings and a position alternately connecting said valve outlet to another of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings At least one valve member movable between An expansion device mounted on the base, the expansion device having a first port accessible from the outside of the module and provided with a fitting connected to the first heat exchanger; and Heat exchanger components mounted on the base and having first, second and third heat exchange fluid flow paths. Including; At least the first flow path is in heat exchange relationship with the second flow path and the third flow path, The first flow passage has an outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module connected to the accumulator outlet at a point in the module and connected to the low pressure side of the compressor, The second flow path has an inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module connected to a second port on the expansion device at one point of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, The third flow path has an inlet fixture that is accessible from the outside of the module and contains a coolant and an outlet fixture that is accessible from the outside of the module and discharges the coolant. Use of heat pump system. In the use of a heat pump system in a vehicle having a propulsion system for generating waste heat released to the coolant, The heat pump system, Compressor, First and second heat exchangers, and A module hydraulically interposed between the compressor and the first and second heat exchangers Including, The first heat exchanger is disposed in a room or the like to alternately discharge or receive heat from the environment in the room, etc., The second heat exchanger is disposed in the vehicle, located in the air stream discharged when the vehicle is running, The module, Base mounted on vehicle, A refrigerant accumulator mounted on said base, said refrigerant accumulator having an inlet and an outlet; A valve device mounted on the base and accessible from the outside of the module and including an inlet fitting connected to the high pressure side of the compressor, A valve outlet connected to the accumulator inlet at a point within the module, A first inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the first heat exchanger, A second inlet / outlet fitting accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger, A position alternately connecting said inlet fitting to a selected one of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings and a position alternately connecting said valve outlet to another of said first and second inlet / outlet fittings At least one valve member movable between An expansion device mounted on the base, the expansion device having a first port accessible from the outside of the module and provided with a fitting connected to the first heat exchanger; and Heat exchanger component mounted on the base and having first and second heat exchange fluid flow paths. Including; The first flow path is in heat exchange relationship with the second flow path, The first flow passage has an outlet fitting connected to the accumulator outlet at one point in the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the low pressure side of the compressor, The second flow path has an inlet / outlet fitting connected to a second port on the expansion device at one point of the module and accessible from the outside of the module and connected to the second heat exchanger. Use of heat pump system. The method of claim 12, Said valve arrangement comprising one four-way valve. The method of claim 12, The module includes a closed housing having an interior space that includes the base, the accumulator, the valve device, the expansion device, and the heat exchanger component, The fitting is located outside of the closed housing and the accumulator inlet / outlet, The valve outlet and the expansion device second port are located within the closed housing interior space. Heat pump system, characterized in that. The method of claim 14, And the closed housing is insulated.