KR20230120335A - Thermal management apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner for heating and cooling a vehicle interior using a first heat exchanging medium; a battery cooling device that cools the battery using the second heat exchanging medium; and a first chiller disposed to exchange heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium, wherein an expansion means is disposed at an inlet side of the first chiller based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium, and The expansion means is disposed higher than the first chiller to have a predetermined height difference so that the oil included in the first heat exchange medium moves from the expansion means to the first chiller. Accordingly, the thermal management device for a vehicle may secure oil flowing into the compressor by minimizing stagnation of oil included in the heat exchange medium.

Description

Thermal management device for vehicles {THERMAL MANAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE}

The embodiment relates to a vehicle thermal management device and a vehicle thermal management method. In detail, it relates to a thermal management device for a vehicle that secures heat generated from a battery module or electric component of a vehicle as a heating heat source of an air conditioner installed in the vehicle.

Cars are equipped with an air conditioning system for regulating the air temperature in the cabin. The air conditioner generates warm air to keep the interior of the vehicle warm, or generates cold air to keep the interior of the vehicle cool. Here, the vehicle air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a pipe connecting them to circulate the refrigerant.

Most of the vehicles in which such an air conditioner is installed use an internal combustion engine driven by fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel as an energy source. Accordingly, the need for a new energy source is emerging due to various causes such as environmental pollution problems and a decrease in oil reserves. Accordingly, eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles are emerging.

In the case of a vehicle using the internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as 'internal combustion engine vehicle'), the interior of the vehicle may be heated using cooling water for cooling the internal combustion engine. For example, the internal combustion engine vehicle may be provided with a heating system using cooling water to heat the interior of the vehicle by using heat absorbed from the internal combustion engine to heat the interior of the vehicle.

However, in the case of a vehicle using a fuel cell or the like, since the internal combustion engine is not used, a heating system using the internal combustion engine as a heat source cannot be used.

Accordingly, a vehicle using a fuel cell or the like heats the interior of the vehicle by adding a heat pump to an air conditioner so that the heat pump can be used as a heat source or by providing a separate heat source such as an electric heater. In particular, when only waste heat from a battery is used as a heat source for the heat pump, heating performance inside the vehicle deteriorates when the vehicle is driven at a low speed or after a long-term stop. Accordingly, since a separate PTC heater (Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater) must be installed and used in the vehicle, a problem of increasing power consumption in the vehicle also occurs.

Also, the air conditioner uses a compressor to compress the refrigerant. At this time, oil for protecting the compressor circulates in the air conditioning line of the air conditioner together with the refrigerant.

However, there is a problem in that the oil is stagnant on the air conditioning line due to the length of the air conditioning line and the state of the refrigerant. In particular, there is a problem in that oil stagnation frequently occurs in the section between the evaporator and the compressor of the air conditioner due to the gaseous refrigerant present in the section.

Moreover, when waste heat from a battery is used as a heat source for a heating system using a chiller, congestion may further intensify in the above section. Accordingly, a problem in that the durability of the compressor is reduced because the oil is not sufficiently introduced into the compressor also occurs.

Accordingly, there is a need to improve the structure or arrangement of a thermal management device for a vehicle capable of minimizing the stagnation of oil.

The embodiment provides a thermal management device for a vehicle that minimizes the stagnation of oil contained in a heat exchange medium through the arrangement of a chiller and an expansion means arranged to use waste heat from a battery or the like.

Embodiments provide a vehicle thermal management device that improves heating performance and quality by selectively using waste heat from electric component modules in addition to waste heat from batteries.

Embodiments provide a thermal management device for a vehicle that improves battery cooling by using a radiator connected to a circulation line of the battery cooling device.

Embodiments provide a thermal management device for a vehicle capable of dehumidifying the inside of a vehicle while heating the inside of the vehicle.

The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

The above object is an air conditioner for cooling and heating a vehicle interior by using a first heat exchanging medium; a battery cooling device that cools the battery using the second heat exchanging medium; and a first chiller disposed to exchange heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium, wherein an expansion means is disposed at an inlet side of the first chiller based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium, and The oil included in the first heat exchange medium is moved from the expansion unit to the first chiller, and the expansion unit is disposed higher than the first chiller to have a predetermined height difference.

Here, the expansion means may expand the first heat exchange medium condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner and supply it to the first chiller.

The first chiller includes an inlet and an outlet connected to the expansion means, and the inlet has a predetermined height difference so that the oil contained in the first heat exchange medium is moved from the inlet to the outlet by its own weight. may be placed higher than the outlet.

In addition, the air conditioner includes a first circulation line through which the first heat exchange medium moves along a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a first expansion unit, an outdoor heat exchanger, a second expansion unit, an evaporator, and an accumulator; and a first bypass line connected to the first circulation line so that the first heat exchange medium flows into the first chiller, and the expansion unit may be disposed in the first bypass line.

The above problems are an air conditioner for controlling the temperature of the vehicle interior using a first heat exchange medium, a battery cooling device for cooling a battery using a second heat exchange medium, and a heat exchanger between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium. A thermal management device for a vehicle including a first chiller, wherein the air conditioner includes: a first circulation line; a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a first expansion unit, an outdoor heat exchanger, a second expansion unit, an evaporator, and an accumulator disposed on the first circulation line; a first bypass line connected to the first circulation line so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the outdoor heat exchanger bypasses the second expansion unit and the evaporator; and a third expansion means disposed on the first bypass line, wherein the first bypass line is disposed so that the first heat exchange medium passes through the first chiller, and the third expansion means is arranged in a vertical direction. is achieved by a thermal management device for a vehicle disposed higher than the first chiller.

Preferably, the first chiller includes an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet may be disposed higher than the outlet in a vertical direction.

The air conditioner may further include a second bypass line connected to the first circulation line to bypass the outdoor heat exchanger, the second expansion means, and the evaporator; and a first flow control means for controlling the flow of the first heat exchange medium through at least one of the first circulation line and the second bypass line.

The air conditioner may further include a third bypass line connected to the first circulation line so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion unit bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger and the second expansion unit; and a second flow control means disposed on the third bypass line.

Preferably, the accumulator may be disposed lower than the first chiller.

Here, the first bypass line is a first region connected to a first circulation line between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second expansion unit based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium, the third expansion unit and the first chiller. It includes a second region connecting the evaporator and a third region connected between the evaporator and the accumulator, and the third region may be disposed downward.

In addition, the battery cooling device includes a second circulation line disposed to circulate and cool a second heat exchange medium through the battery, and a pump and a heater disposed on the second circulation line, the second circulation line It may be disposed to pass through the first chiller.

And, it further includes an auxiliary cooling device connected to the battery cooling device, a second chiller for exchanging heat between a second heat exchange medium of the auxiliary cooling device and the first heat exchange medium of the air conditioner, and a third flow control means. The cooling device includes a third circulation line arranged so that the second heat exchange medium circulates, a radiator and a pump disposed on the third circulation line, and a connection line connecting the second circulation line and the third circulation line, , The third flow control means may control the movement of the second heat exchange medium circulating in the second circulation line to the third circulation line.

The vehicle thermal management device may further include an electric component cooling device capable of cooling the electric component module using a third heat exchanging medium, and the electric component cooling device may be disposed separately from the battery cooling device.

Here, the electric component cooling device includes a fourth circulation line disposed to circulate and cool a third heat exchange medium through the electrical component module, and a heater core and a pump disposed on the fourth circulation line, The electric component module may include a motor and an inverter.

The electric component cooling device includes a fourth bypass line connected to the fourth circulation line to bypass the heater core and a fourth flow control means, wherein the fourth flow control means allows the third heat exchange medium to It can be controlled to flow to the heater core or to the fourth bypass line.

Meanwhile, the first heat exchange medium may include a refrigerant and oil, and the second heat exchange medium may be cooling water.

In addition, the inlet of the first chiller includes a first inlet through which the first heat exchange medium flows and a second inlet through which the second heat exchange medium flows, and the first inlet and the second inlet have a virtual first inlet. It can be placed on the line La.

In addition, the outlet of the first chiller includes a first outlet through which the first heat exchange medium flows out and a second outlet through which the second heat exchange medium flows out, and the first outlet and the second outlet have a virtual second outlet. It may be disposed on the line Lb.

Also, the first line La and the second line Lb may be parallel.

According to the embodiment, the stagnation of oil included in the heat exchange medium can be minimized through the arrangement of a chiller and an expansion means arranged to use waste heat from a battery or the like. In detail, in the embodiment, the oil flowing into the compressor can be secured by arranging the expansion means higher than the chiller in the vertical direction so that the oil flows into the chiller by its own weight. In particular, when the flow rate of the heat exchanging medium is low, the structure in which the expansion means is disposed higher than the chiller in the vertical direction is more advantageous in securing oil flowing into the compressor.

In addition, the embodiment can improve heating performance and quality by selectively using waste heat from electric component modules in addition to waste heat from batteries.

In addition, the embodiment can improve the cooling of the battery by using a radiator connected to the circulation line of the battery cooling device.

In addition, the embodiment may dehumidify the inside of the vehicle by using the bypass line connected to the first circulation line even while heating the inside of the vehicle.

Various but beneficial advantages and effects of the embodiment are not limited to the above-described content, and may be more easily understood in the process of describing specific embodiments of the embodiment.

1 is a diagram illustrating a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;
2 is a view showing the arrangement relationship between a first chiller and a third expansion means disposed in a first bypass line of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment;
3 is a diagram illustrating a disposition relationship between a first chiller and a third expansion means of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment;
4 is a diagram illustrating a first chiller of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment;
5 is a view showing a modified example of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment;
6 is a view illustrating another modified example of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

Since the present invention can make various changes and have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a second element may be termed a first element, and similarly, a first element may be termed a second element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms and/or include any combination of a plurality of related recited items or any of a plurality of related recited items.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

In the description of the embodiment, in the case where one component is described as being formed “on or under” another component, the upper (above) or lower (below) (on or under) includes both those formed by direct contact between two components or by indirectly placing one or more other components between the two components. In addition, when expressed as 'on or under', it may include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

Terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this application, it should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. don't

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or corresponding components regardless of reference numerals are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A vehicle includes an air conditioner for adjusting air temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation, and the like, and a comfortable environment inside the vehicle can be created using the air conditioner. Here, the air conditioner may be called HVAC (Heating/Ventilaiton/Air Conditioning).

In addition, the vehicle may include electric components such as a motor and an inverter. In addition, the vehicle may include electronics such as a computer, a lidar, a radar, and a sensor for an autonomous system. Accordingly, the vehicle may include an electrical component cooling water circulation structure for cooling electrical components such as the motor, inverter, and electronic device.

In addition, when the vehicle uses a fuel cell or the like as a driving source, a separate battery cooling water circulation structure capable of cooling a battery disposed in the vehicle may be included.

Accordingly, the vehicle thermal management device according to the embodiment heats the interior of the vehicle by using heat (hereinafter, referred to as 'waste heat') discarded from the electric component coolant circulation structure and the battery coolant circulation structure that are separated and disposed in parallel. By implementing a heat pump structure that can be implemented in an air conditioner, it is possible to improve thermal management efficiency. Here, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle.

In addition, the vehicle thermal management device according to the embodiment selectively uses waste heat of electric component modules and waste heat of batteries according to a mode for heating the inside of the vehicle, thereby adjusting the air conditioning condition inside the vehicle to improve the heating performance and performance of the inside of the vehicle. quality can be improved.

1 is a diagram showing a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a disposition relationship between a first chiller and a third expansion means disposed in a first bypass line of the thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment, 3 is a diagram illustrating a first chiller of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first chiller of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Here, the solid arrows shown in FIG. 4 may indicate the flow of the refrigerant, which is the first heat exchange medium, and the dotted arrows may indicate the flow of the cooling water, which is the second heat exchange medium.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes an air conditioner 100 for adjusting the air temperature inside a vehicle, a battery cooling device 200 for cooling a battery B, and the air conditioner 100 ) and the second heat exchange medium of the battery cooling device 200 may include a first chiller 300 disposed to exchange heat.

Also, the first chiller 300 may include an inlet and an outlet formed to flow in and out of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium, respectively. In detail, the first chiller 300 may include a first inlet 310 through which the first heat exchange medium flows and a first outlet 320 through which the first heat exchange medium flows out. Also, the first chiller 300 may include a second inlet 330 through which the second heat exchange medium flows and a second outlet 320 through which the second heat exchange medium flows out. Here, the first heat exchange medium may be a refrigerant containing oil, and the second heat exchange medium may be cooling water. Also, the first chiller 300 may be called a first waste heat recovery chiller.

The air conditioner 100 can cool and heat the interior of the vehicle using the first heat exchanging medium.

In addition, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature inside the vehicle by using the waste heat of the battery B through the first chiller 300 . For example, the air conditioner 100 may improve thermal management efficiency of the vehicle thermal management device by using waste heat from the battery B as a heat source.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the air conditioner 100 includes a first circulation line L1 through which a first heat exchange medium flows, a compressor 110 disposed on the first circulation line L1, and an indoor heat exchanger. 120, the first expansion unit 130, the outdoor heat exchanger 140, the second expansion unit 150, the evaporator 160, the accumulator 170, and the first heat exchange medium of the first chiller 300. It may include a first bypass line BL1 connected to the first circulation line L1 so as to flow inside, and a third expansion means 180 disposed on the first bypass line BL1. Here, the first bypass line BL1 may be connected to the first circulation line L1 to bypass the second expansion unit 150 and the evaporator 160 .

In this case, the third expansion unit 180 may be disposed higher than the first chiller 300 in the vertical direction. Here, the vertical direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the ground. Accordingly, the vertical direction may be referred to as a vertical direction.

Accordingly, the oil included in the first heat exchange medium may move to the first chiller 300 by its own weight. In this case, the compressor 110 or the accumulator 170 may be disposed lower than the first chiller 300 .

Therefore, the thermal management device for a vehicle minimizes the stagnation of oil contained in the first heat exchange medium through the height difference between the third expansion means 180 and the first chiller 300, so that the oil flowing into the compressor 110 oil can be obtained. Accordingly, durability of the compressor 110 may be improved.

In addition, the air conditioner 100 has a second bypass line connected to the first circulation line L1 to bypass the outdoor heat exchanger 140, the second expansion means 150, and the evaporator 160 ( BL2), and a first flow control means (V1) for controlling the flow of the first heat exchange medium through at least one of the first circulation line (L1) and the second bypass line (BL2). .

In addition, the air conditioner 100 has the first circulation line L1 so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion unit 130 bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion unit 150. It may further include a third bypass line BL3 connected to and a second flow control unit V2 disposed on the third bypass line BL3. Here, since the third bypass line BL3 can be used for dehumidifying the inside of a vehicle, it can be called a dehumidifying line.

The first circulation line L1 allows the first heat exchange medium to circulate and move for heating and cooling the inside of the vehicle. Accordingly, on the first circulation line (L1), the compressor 110, the indoor heat exchanger 120, the first expansion means 130, the outdoor heat exchanger 140, and the second The expansion means 150, the evaporator 160, the accumulator 170, and the like may be sequentially disposed. Here, the first circulation line L1 may be provided as a pipe or the like and may be called an air conditioning line.

The compressor 110 compresses the first heat exchange medium moving along the first circulation line L1 and then discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. Here, the compressor 110 may be referred to as a compressor.

The indoor heat exchanger 120 is disposed inside the air conditioning case C, and enables heat exchange between air introduced into the vehicle and the first heat exchange medium. Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 120 can heat the inside of the vehicle. Here, the indoor heat exchanger 120 may be referred to as a first heat exchanger.

The first expansion means 130 may be disposed on the first circulation line L1 between the indoor heat exchanger 120 and the first flow control means V1. Also, the first expansion unit 130 may expand the first heat exchange medium that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 120 . Here, since a valve may be used as the first expansion unit 130, the first expansion unit 130 may be referred to as a first expansion valve. For example, the first expansion unit 130 may be a mechanical expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve.

The outdoor heat exchanger 140 may be disposed outside the air conditioning case (C). For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 140 may be installed on the front side of the vehicle.

In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger 140 may dissipate heat by exchanging heat between air introduced into the vehicle from the outside and the first heat exchange medium. Accordingly, the first heat exchange medium may be condensed. Here, the outdoor heat exchanger 140 may be called a second heat exchanger, a condenser, or a condenser.

The second expansion unit 150 may be disposed on the first circulation line L1 between the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the evaporator 160 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the second expansion unit 150 may be disposed at an inlet side of the evaporator 160 based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium. Also, the second expansion unit 150 may expand the first heat exchange medium condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 140 .

As the second expansion unit 150, a thermal expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve may be used. Preferably, a mechanical expansion valve may be used as the second expansion unit 150 . Accordingly, the second expansion means 150 may be called a second expansion valve.

The evaporator 160 is disposed inside the air conditioning case (C), and can cool the air inside the air conditioning case (C) by using the first heat exchanging medium. For example, the evaporator 160 may cool the air inside the air conditioning case C by using the first heat exchanging medium supplied through the second expansion unit 150 . At this time, the temperature control door (D) disposed inside the air conditioning case (C) adjusts the amount of air heat-exchanged through the evaporator 160 to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle.

The accumulator 170 may be disposed at an inlet side of the compressor 110 .

The accumulator 170 may separate the first heat exchange medium into a gas phase and a liquid phase, and supply the first heat exchange medium in the gas phase to the compressor 110 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the accumulator 170 may be disposed on the inlet side of the compressor 110 . Here, the accumulator 170 may be called a gas-liquid separator.

The first bypass line BL1 may be connected to the first circulation line L1 so that the first heat exchange medium flows into the first chiller 300 . For example, the first bypass line BL1 is the first circulation line (so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 140 bypasses the second expansion unit 150 and the evaporator 160). L1) can be connected. Here, the first bypass line BL1 may be provided as a pipe through which the first heat exchange medium can move.

In addition, the first bypass line BL1 transfers the first heat exchange medium that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 140 to the first chiller 300, thereby inducing heat exchange with the battery cooling device 200. . Accordingly, the thermal management device for a vehicle can improve the cooling performance of the battery (B) while using the waste heat of the battery (B).

The first bypass line BL1 is branched from a region of the first circulation line L1 between the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion unit 150 and passes through the first chiller 300. can be arranged to do so.

In detail, the first bypass line BL1 is a region of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion means 150, the evaporator 160, and the accumulator. One area of the first circulation line (L1) disposed between (170) may be connected. For example, one side of the first bypass line BL1 is connected to one area of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion means 150, and the other side It may be connected to one area of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the evaporator 160 and the accumulator 170.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first bypass line BL1 is a first circulation line L1 between the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion unit 150 based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium. a first area BL1a connected to the second area BL1b connecting the third expansion means 180 and the first chiller 300, and a connection between the evaporator 160 and the accumulator 170 A third area BL1c may be included.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , one side of the first area BL1a is connected to the third expansion unit 180 . Also, one side of the second area BL1b is connected to the third expansion unit 180 and the other side is connected to the first inlet 310 of the first chiller 300 . Also, one side of the third area BL1c is connected to the first outlet 320 of the first chiller 300 .

At this time, the other side of the third region BL1c is connected to one region of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the evaporator 160 and the accumulator 170 and disposed downward, so that the first heat exchange medium The oil contained in is moved toward the accumulator 170 by its own weight.

That is, after the oil contained in the first heat exchange medium moves from the third expansion means 180 to the first chiller 300 by its own weight, it flows through the third area BL1c to the accumulator 170. will move to the side.

Therefore, the arrangement relationship between the third expansion means 180 and the first chiller 300 having a height difference in the vertical direction minimizes the stagnation of the oil, thereby securing the oil flowing into the compressor 110. let it

The third expansion unit 180 may be disposed at an inlet side of the first chiller 300 based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the third expansion unit 180 may be disposed between the first area BL1a and the second area BL1b.

Also, the third expansion unit 180 may expand the first heat exchange medium before the first heat exchange medium is introduced into the first chiller 300 . For example, the third expansion unit 180 may expand the refrigerant of the first heat exchange medium condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 140 before flowing into the first chiller 300 . Here, the third expansion means 180 may be called a third expansion valve, and a mechanical expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve may be used. Preferably, an electronic expansion valve may be used as the third expansion unit 180 .

The second bypass line BL2 is connected to the first circulation line L1 to bypass the outdoor heat exchanger 140, the second expansion unit 150, and the evaporator 160. Also, the first flow control unit V1 may control the first heat exchange medium to flow through at least one of the first circulation line L1 and the second bypass line BL2.

The second bypass line BL2 is between a region of the first circulation line L1 between the first expansion unit 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and between the evaporator 160 and the accumulator 170. It is possible to connect one area of the first circulation line (L1) of. In detail, one side of the second bypass line BL2 is connected to one area of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the first expansion unit 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140, and the other side of the second bypass line BL2. The side may be connected to one area of the first circulation line L1 disposed between the evaporator 160 and the accumulator 170. Accordingly, the first heat exchanging medium passing through the first expansion unit 130 may move to the accumulator 170 through the second bypass line BL2.

At this time, the second bypass line BL2 may be connected to the first flow control means V1 disposed between the first expansion means 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140 . Accordingly, the first flow control unit V1 may control the first heat exchange medium to flow through at least one of the first circulation line L1 and the second bypass line BL2. Here, the first flow control unit V1 may be a three-way valve, and may be referred to as a first valve.

The third bypass line BL3 is the first circulation line (so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion unit 130 bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion unit 150). L1) can be connected. In addition, whether or not the first heat exchange medium moves through the third bypass line BL3 may be controlled by the second flow control unit V2.

The third bypass line BL3 is a region of the first circulation line L1 between the first expansion unit 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140 and the second expansion unit 150 and the evaporator ( 160) may be connected to one area of the first circulation line L1. For example, one side of the third bypass line BL3 is branched from the first circulation line L1 between the first expansion unit 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140, and the second expansion unit 150 And it may be connected to the first circulation line (L1) between the evaporator (160).

According to the air conditioning mode of the vehicle, the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion means 130 by the second flow control means V2 does not flow to the third bypass line BL3, and the first heat exchange medium does not flow to the third bypass line BL3. It can move along the circulation line (L1).

Alternatively, a part of the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion means 130 by the second flow control means V2 moves along the first circulation line L1, and the first expansion means ( 130) may move along the third bypass line BL3. Therefore, in the heating and dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning mode of the vehicle thermal management device, the vehicle thermal management device controls the second flow control unit V2 to move the first heat exchange medium along the third bypass line BL3. By doing so, it is possible to heat and dehumidify the interior of the vehicle.

The battery cooling device 200 may prevent overheating of the battery B by cooling the battery B using the second heat exchanging medium. Accordingly, the battery cooling device 200 can improve the performance and lifespan of the battery (B). Here, since cooling water may be provided as the second heat exchanging medium, the battery cooling device 200 may be a water cooling type cooling device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery cooling device 200 includes a second circulation line L2 arranged to circulate and cool the second heat exchange medium in the battery B, and the second heat exchange medium to the second circulation line. It may include a pump 210 that circulates along (L2). In addition, the battery cooling device 200 may further include a heater 220 disposed on the second circulation line L2 to heat the second heat exchange medium.

The second circulation line L2 may be disposed in the vehicle so that the second heat exchange medium can circulate. Accordingly, the second heat exchange medium circulated through the second circulation line (L2) can cool the heat generated in the battery (B). Here, the second circulation line (L2) may be provided as a pipe or the like. Also, the second circulation line L2 may be called a battery coolant circulation line.

Also, the second circulation line L2 may be disposed to pass through the first chiller 300 . Accordingly, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second circulation line L2 may exchange heat with the first heat exchange medium in the first chiller 300 . At this time, the first circulation line (L1) and the second circulation line (L2) may form a circulation structure that is disposed separately from each other without a connection structure connecting each other.

The pump 210 causes the second heat exchange medium to be transported along the second circulation line L2. Accordingly, the high-temperature second heat exchange medium absorbing the heat generated by the battery B is circulated by the pump 210 and can exchange heat with the first heat exchange medium while passing through the first chiller 300. . Here, the pump 210 may be called a battery cooling device pump or a first pump.

The battery cooling device 200 may or may not include a heater 220 as needed. For example, in the case of a part that is affected by ambient temperature, such as a battery, the performance of the battery can be secured only when a predetermined temperature is maintained. Accordingly, the heater 220 is disposed on the second circulation line L2 and heats the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second circulation line L2, thereby maintaining the performance of parts such as the battery. . As shown in FIG. 1 , the heater 220 may be disposed at the outlet side of the battery B based on the flow of the second heat exchange medium, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Here, the heater 220 of the battery cooling device 200 may be called a battery cooling device heater or a first heater.

The first chiller 300 may be a heat exchanger that enables heat exchange between the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second circulation line L2 and the first heat exchange medium flowing along the first bypass line BL1. Here, one region of the second circulation line L2 and one region of the first bypass line BL1 may be disposed in the first chiller 300 .

Therefore, in the first chiller 300, the second heat exchange medium may exchange heat with the first heat exchange medium.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , the first chiller 300 may include a flow path formed therein so that the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium flow.

In addition, to allow the heat exchange medium to move through the passage, the first chiller 300 includes a first inlet 310 through which the first heat exchange medium flows in and a first outlet 320 through which the first heat exchange medium flows out. , a second inlet 330 through which the second heat exchange medium flows, and a second outlet 320 through which the second heat exchange medium flows out.

In addition, the inlet may be disposed higher than the outlet to have a predetermined height difference so that the heat exchange medium moves from the inlet to the outlet by its own weight. For example, the first inlet 310 may be disposed higher than the first outlet 320 in the vertical direction. And, based on the vertical direction, the second inlet 330 may be disposed higher than the second outlet 340 .

Also, the first inlet 310 and the second inlet 330 may be disposed on an imaginary first line La. Here, the first line La may be a horizontal line vertically disposed in the vertical direction, or may be a virtual line connecting the centers of the first inlet 310 and the second inlet 330 .

Also, the first outlet 320 and the second outlet 340 may be disposed on an imaginary second line Lb. Here, the second line Lb may be a horizontal line disposed vertically in a vertical direction, or may be an imaginary line connecting the centers of the first outlet 320 and the second outlet 340 .

Also, the first line La and the second line Lb may be parallel.

Meanwhile, the first chiller 300 may be a plate heat exchanger formed by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped plate modules.

Here, the plate module may be modularized into a single unit in which a plurality of holes are formed to form the passage. Accordingly, the first chiller 300 may adjust the number of plate modules in consideration of required performance.

That is, since the plate module may be provided as a separate unit, scalability, productivity, and versatility of the plate heat exchanger may be improved. Accordingly, reduction and expansion of the first chiller 300 are easy.

5 is a view illustrating a modified example of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

The thermal management device for a vehicle can perform thermal management of the battery B more efficiently by using the auxiliary cooling device 400 connected to the battery cooling device 200 . In addition, the thermal management device for a vehicle may further include a second chiller 500 arranged to allow heat exchange between the second heat exchanging medium and the first heat exchanging medium moving through the auxiliary cooling device 400 .

Referring to FIG. 5, the auxiliary cooling device 400 includes a third circulation line L3 in which the second heat exchange medium circulates, a radiator 410 disposed on the third circulation line L3, and a pump ( 420), and a connection line L4 connecting the second circulation line L2 and the third circulation line L3.

The third circulation line L3 may be disposed in a vehicle so that the second heat exchange medium can circulate. Accordingly, the second heat exchange medium circulated through the third circulation line (L3) can cool the heat generated in the battery (B). Here, the second circulation line (L2) may be provided as a pipe or the like.

Also, the second circulation line L3 may be arranged to pass through the second chiller 500 . Accordingly, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second circulation line L3 may exchange heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second chiller 500 . At this time, the first circulation line L1 and the third circulation line L3 may form a circulation structure in which they are separated from each other without a connection structure connecting each other.

The radiator 410 may be a heat exchanger that emits heat to the outside to prevent the second heat exchanging medium from rising above a predetermined temperature. For example, the high-temperature second heat exchanging medium that absorbs the heat generated by the battery B is circulated by the pump 420 and passes through the radiator 410 to release heat to the outside.

The pump 420 causes the second heat exchange medium to be transported along the third circulation line L3. Accordingly, the high-temperature second heat exchanging medium absorbing the heat generated by the battery B is circulated by the pump 420 and can exchange heat with air while passing through the radiator 410 . Here, the pump 420 may be called a second pump or a pump for an auxiliary cooling device.

The connection line L4 connects the battery cooling device 200 and the auxiliary cooling device 400 so that the second heat exchange medium can move between the battery cooling device 200 and the auxiliary cooling device 400. do. For example, one side of the connection line L4 may be connected to the second circulation line L2 and the other side may be connected to the third circulation line L3. Here, at least two connection lines L4 may be formed for movement of the second heat exchanging medium.

At this time, the battery cooling device 200 is provided with a third flow control means (V3) at the point where the connection line (L4) is connected, so that the second heat exchange medium circulating in the second circulation line (L2) It can control movement to 3 circulation line (L3). Here, the third flow control means (V3) may be a three-way valve, may be called a third valve.

The second chiller 500 may be a heat exchanger that enables heat exchange between the second heat exchange medium flowing along the third circulation line L3 and the first heat exchange medium flowing along the first circulation line L1. Here, one region of the first circulation line L1 and one region of the third circulation line L3 may be disposed in the second chiller 500 .

In detail, based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium, the second chiller 500 may be disposed on the first circulation line L1 between the first expansion unit 130 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140. there is. The second chiller 500 may be disposed between the pump 420 and the radiator 410 based on the flow of the second heat exchange medium.

Accordingly, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the third circulation line L3 in the second chiller 300 may exchange heat with the first heat exchange medium. Accordingly, the second chiller 300 may serve as a condenser.

6 is a view illustrating another modified example of a thermal management device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

The thermal management device for a vehicle may further include an electric component cooling device 600 capable of cooling the electric component module PE by using a third heat exchanging medium.

In addition, the thermal management device for a vehicle may use waste heat from the electric component module PE through the second chiller 500 . For example, by exchanging heat between the first heat exchange medium and the third heat exchange medium moving along the first circulation line L1 in the second chiller 500, the waste heat of the electric component module PE can be used as a heat source. Accordingly, thermal management efficiency of the vehicle thermal management device may be improved. Here, since cooling water may be provided as the third heat exchanging medium, the electric component cooling device 600 may be a water-cooled cooling device. Also, the second chiller 500 may be called a second waste heat recovery chiller.

In detail, according to the mode for adjusting the condition inside the vehicle, the vehicle thermal management device selectively uses the battery cooling device 200 and the electric component cooling device 600 that are separated and disposed in parallel to improve air conditioning performance and quality. can improve

Referring to FIG. 6 , the electric component cooling device 600 includes a fourth circulation line L5 disposed to circulate and cool the third heat exchange medium in the electric component module PE, and the fourth circulation line L5. ) may include a heater core 610 and a pump 620 disposed on it. Here, the fourth circulation line L5 may be referred to as an electric component cooling water circulation line. Also, the electric component module PE may include a motor, an inverter, and the like.

In addition, the electric component cooling device 600 includes a fourth bypass line BL4 connected to the fourth circulation line L5 and a fourth flow control means V4 to bypass the heater core 610. can do.

The fourth circulation line L5 may be disposed in the vehicle to circulate the third heat exchange medium. Accordingly, the third heat exchanging medium circulated through the fourth circulation line L5 can cool the heat generated in the electric component module PE. Here, the fourth circulation line (L5) may be provided as a pipe or the like.

Also, the fourth circulation line L5 may be disposed to pass through the second chiller 500 . Accordingly, the third heat exchange medium flowing along the fourth circulation line L5 may exchange heat with at least one of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium in the second chiller 500 . At this time, the fourth circulation line (L5) and the first circulation line (L1) to the third circulation line (L3) may form a circulation structure that is disposed separately from each other without a connection structure connecting each other.

That is, heat generated in the electric component module PE may be transferred from the second chiller 500 to the air conditioner 100 through the third heat exchanging medium. In addition, heat generated in the electric component module PE may be transferred from the second chiller 500 to the battery cooling device 200 through the auxiliary cooling device 400 through the third heat exchanging medium. .

The heater core 610 may control the temperature of the third heat exchanging medium moving along the fourth circulation line L5. Accordingly, the electric component module PE can maintain a constant temperature.

The pump 620 causes the third heat exchange medium to be transported along the fourth circulation line L5. Accordingly, the high-temperature third heat exchanging medium absorbing the heat generated from the electric component module PE is circulated by the pump 620 and passes through the second chiller 500 while the first heat exchanging medium and the second heat exchanging medium Heat can be exchanged with at least one of the heat exchange media. Here, the pump 620 of the electric component cooling device 600 may be called a third pump or a pump for the electric component cooling device.

The fourth bypass line BL4 may be connected to the fourth circulation line L5 to bypass the heater core 610 . Also, the fourth flow control unit V4 may control the flow of the third heat exchange medium to the heater core 610 or to the fourth bypass line BL4. Here, the fourth flow control means (V4) may be a three-way valve, may be called a fourth valve.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 , the thermal management device for a vehicle may further include a heater 700 disposed inside the air conditioning case (C). Here, a positive temperature coefficient heater may be used as the heater 700 . Accordingly, the PCT heater may assist cooling and heating of the interior of the vehicle, thereby improving the quality of heating and cooling of the interior of the vehicle. Here, the heater 700 may be called a second heater or a PTC heater.

Although the above has been described with reference to the embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can variously modify and modify the present invention within the scope not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims below. You will understand that it can be changed. And, it should be construed that the differences related to these modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

100: air conditioner
200: battery cooling device
300: first chiller
400: auxiliary cooling device
500: second chiller
600: electronic parts cooling device
700: heater
B: Battery
C: air conditioning case
D: temperature control door
PE: Electric component module

Claims (15)

An air conditioner for controlling the temperature of the vehicle interior using a first heat exchange medium, a battery cooling device for cooling a battery using a second heat exchange medium, and a first chiller for exchanging heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium. In the vehicle thermal management device comprising a,
The air conditioner
a first circulation line;
a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a first expansion unit, an outdoor heat exchanger, a second expansion unit, an evaporator, and an accumulator disposed on the first circulation line;
a first bypass line connected to the first circulation line so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the outdoor heat exchanger bypasses the second expansion unit and the evaporator; and
And a third expansion means disposed on the first bypass line,
The first bypass line is disposed so that the first heat exchange medium passes through the first chiller,
The third expansion unit is disposed higher than the first chiller in the vertical direction. According to claim 1,
The first chiller includes an inlet and an outlet,
The thermal management device for a vehicle, wherein the inlet is disposed higher than the outlet in a vertical direction. According to claim 1,
The air conditioner
a second bypass line connected to the first circulation line to bypass the outdoor heat exchanger, the second expansion means, and the evaporator; and
The thermal management device for a vehicle further comprising a first flow control means for controlling the flow of the first heat exchange medium through at least one of the first circulation line and the second bypass line. According to claim 1,
The air conditioner
a third bypass line connected to the first circulation line so that the first heat exchange medium passing through the first expansion unit bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger and the second expansion unit; and
The thermal management device for a vehicle further comprising a second flow control means disposed on the third bypass line. According to claim 1,
The accumulator is disposed lower than the first chiller. According to claim 5,
The first bypass line is
A first area connected to a first circulation line between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second expansion means based on the flow of the first heat exchange medium;
a second region connecting the third expansion means and the first chiller; and
A third region connected between the evaporator and the accumulator;
The third region is a thermal management device for a vehicle disposed downward. According to claim 1,
The battery cooling device includes a second circulation line disposed to cool the battery by circulating a second heat exchange medium, and a pump and a heater disposed on the second circulation line,
The second circulation line is disposed to pass through the first chiller. According to claim 7,
Further comprising an auxiliary cooling device connected to the battery cooling device, a second chiller for exchanging heat between the second heat exchange medium of the auxiliary cooling device and the first heat exchange medium of the air conditioner, and a third flow control means,
The auxiliary cooling device includes a third circulation line through which the second heat exchange medium circulates, a radiator and a pump disposed on the third circulation line, and a connection line connecting the second circulation line and the third circulation line. contains,
The third flow control means controls movement of the second heat exchange medium circulating in the second circulation line to the third circulation line. According to claim 8,
Further comprising an electric component cooling device capable of cooling the electric component module using the third heat exchange medium,
The electric component cooling device is disposed separately from the battery cooling device. According to claim 9,
The electric component cooling device includes a fourth circulation line arranged to circulate and cool a third heat exchanging medium through the electric component module, and a heater core and a pump disposed on the fourth circulation line,
The electric component module is a thermal management device for a vehicle including a motor and an inverter. According to claim 10,
The electric component cooling device includes a fourth bypass line connected to the fourth circulation line and a fourth flow control means to bypass the heater core,
The fourth flow control unit controls the flow of the third heat exchange medium to the heater core or to the fourth bypass line. According to claim 1,
The first heat exchange medium includes a refrigerant and oil,
The second heat exchange medium is a vehicle thermal management device of cooling water. According to claim 2,
The inlet includes a first inlet through which the first heat exchange medium flows and a second inlet through which the second heat exchange medium flows,
The first inlet and the second inlet are disposed on an imaginary first line La. According to claim 13,
The outlet includes a first outlet through which the first heat exchange medium flows out and a second outlet through which the second heat exchange medium flows out,
The first outlet and the second outlet are disposed on an imaginary second line (Lb). According to claim 14,
The first line (La) and the second line (Lb) are parallel to the vehicle thermal management device.

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