Energy Management Unit

An integrated energy management unit includes a housing defining a housing cavity, an accumulator-separator positioned within the housing cavity, an ejector positioned within the housing cavity and in communication with the accumulator-separator, and an internal heat exchanger positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of energy management.

BACKGROUND

Energy management systems are often used to heat and/or cool various subsystems. Some energy management systems include an accumulator and a separator to store and separate the liquid and gas phases of a working fluid.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure according to an implementation is a vehicle thermal conditioning system. The vehicle thermal conditioning system includes a housing defining a housing cavity, an accumulator-separator positioned within the housing cavity and configured to separate a gaseous phase from a liquid phase of a refrigerant, an ejector positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator and configured to lower a temperature or raise a pressure of the refrigerant, and an internal heat exchanger positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator, the internal heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a flow of refrigerant entering the internal heat exchanger and a flow of refrigerant exiting the internal heat exchanger. The accumulator-separator is in fluid communication with an external heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a flow of air within a cabin of a vehicle.

In some aspects, the ejector extends along a longitudinal axis and the accumulator-separator and the internal heat exchanger are arranged concentrically around the ejector.

In some aspects, the accumulator-separator is concentric about a first longitudinal axis of the housing and the ejector is positioned about a second longitudinal axis of the housing that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the ejector is positioned adjacent to the accumulator-separator within the housing cavity.

In some aspects, the ejector is a first ejector and the vehicle thermal conditioning system includes a second ejector positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator.

In some aspects, the accumulator-separator includes a separating component configured to allow vapor passthrough and not permit liquid passthrough.

In some aspects, the external heat exchanger is positioned around an exterior of the housing and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator. The external heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to atmosphere.

In some aspects, the external heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to an end of the housing and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator. The external heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to atmosphere.

In some aspects, the vehicle thermal conditioning system further includes an actuator at least partially positioned within the housing. The actuator is coupled with a valve configured to regulate a flow of the refrigerant through the ejector.

In some aspects, the vehicle thermal conditioning system further includes a control valve positioned within the housing cavity and configured to regulate a flow of the liquid phase of the refrigerant from the accumulator-separator.

In some aspects, the vehicle thermal conditioning system further includes a first control valve and a second control valve positioned within the housing cavity. The first control valve is configured to regulate a first flow of the liquid phase of the refrigerant from the accumulator-separator to a first heat exchanger and the second control valve is configured to regulate a second flow of the liquid phase of the refrigerant from the accumulator-separator to a second heat exchanger.

In some aspects, the first heat exchanger is associated with a first climate control system of a vehicle and the second heat exchanger is associated with a second climate control system of the vehicle.

Another aspect of the disclosure, according to an implementation, is a vehicle refrigeration cycle thermal system. The vehicle refrigeration cycle thermal system includes an integrated energy management unit. The integrated energy management unit includes a housing defining a housing cavity configured to store a refrigerant, an accumulator-separator positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a flow of air within a cabin of a vehicle and a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the flow of air within the cabin of the vehicle, an internal heat exchanger positioned within the housing cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator, and an ejector positioned within the housing cavity and configured to lower a temperature or raise a pressure of the refrigerant transferred to the accumulator-separator. The vehicle refrigeration cycle thermal system includes a compressor in fluid communication with a vapor outlet line of the accumulator-separator and configured to transfer the refrigerant under pressure, and a valve positioned in a liquid outlet line of the accumulator-separator and configured to regulate a flow of the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger.

In some aspects, the ejector and the accumulator-separator are concentrically arranged within the housing.

In some aspects, the internal heat exchanger is concentrically arranged around an axis extending through the housing.

In some aspects, the internal heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to an end of the housing.

In some aspects, the integrated energy management unit includes a first ejector and a second ejector positioned adjacent to the accumulator-separator within the housing and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator.

Another aspect of the disclosure, according to an implementation, is a vehicle thermal system. The vehicle thermal system includes a compressor, a pressure vessel defining a vessel cavity, and an accumulator-separator positioned within the vessel cavity and configured to separate a liquid phase of a refrigerant from a gaseous phase of the refrigerant. The accumulator-separator is in fluid communication with a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a flow of air within a cabin of a vehicle and a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the flow of air within the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle thermal system further includes an ejector positioned within the vessel cavity and configured to lower a temperature or raise a pressure of the refrigerant, an internal heat exchanger positioned within the vessel cavity and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator and configured to exchange heat between a flow of refrigerant entering the internal heat exchanger from the first heat exchanger and a flow of refrigerant exiting the internal heat exchanger and directed to the first heat exchanger, a first ejector supply line that supplies the refrigerant from the first heat exchanger to the ejector, a second ejector supply line that supplies the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to the ejector, a gas cooler supply line that supplies the refrigerant from the compressor to the first heat exchanger, an evaporator supply line that supplies the refrigerant from the accumulator-separator to the second heat exchanger, and a compressor supply line that supplies the refrigerant from the accumulator-separator to the compressor.

In some aspects, the vehicle thermal system further includes a control valve positioned within the vessel cavity and configured to meter a flow of the refrigerant within the evaporator supply line.

In some aspects, the accumulator-separator, the ejector, and the internal heat exchanger are concentrically arranged within the vessel cavity around an axis of the vessel cavity extending between a first end of the vessel cavity and a second end of the vessel cavity.

In some aspects, the vehicle thermal system further includes a heat exchanger positioned adjacent to an external surface of the pressure vessel.

In some aspects, the ejector includes a first ejector and a second ejector positioned within the vessel cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein relates to refrigeration cycle thermal systems for use in vehicle applications, such as heating and/or cooling a passenger compartment and heating and/or cooling vehicle subsystems and components. The exemplary refrigeration cycle thermal systems discussed with respect to the related figures include an integrated energy management unit that combines the operations of an accumulator, a separator, an ejector, and an internal heat exchanger to reduce the number of fluid lines and connections within the thermal system and consolidate multiple components into a single package to improve packaging considerations.

FIG.1is a schematic illustration of a vehicle111. The vehicle111defines a passenger cabin150. The vehicle111includes a vehicle climate control system151located within the passenger cabin150. The vehicle climate control system151includes a refrigeration cycle thermal system100. Air is circulated through the passenger cabin150as illustrated by the arrow152and the arrow153. The air exchanges heat with a refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, as discussed herein.

FIG.2is a schematic illustration of a refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a first implementation. The refrigeration cycle thermal system100uses a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant101is circulated through the refrigeration cycle thermal system100to provide heating and/or cooling for applications including battery cooling, actuator cooling, controller or other computing device cooling, and climate control for cabin air flowing through the passenger cabin150as part of the vehicle climate control system151. In various implementations, the refrigeration cycle thermal system100is configured to operate using a CO2-based R744 refrigerant. In other implementations, other refrigerant types may be used.

The refrigeration cycle thermal system100includes an accumulator-separator102(e.g., a liquid-gas separator, a separator, or an accumulator), an internal heat exchanger103, and an ejector104. In various implementations, including the implementation illustrated inFIG.2, the accumulator-separator102, the internal heat exchanger103, and the ejector104are components of an integrated energy management unit105. The integrated energy management unit105includes a housing106defining an interior space108(e.g., a housing cavity). The accumulator-separator102, the internal heat exchanger103, and the ejector104are positioned within the interior space108of the housing106. As discussed in greater detail herein, positioning the accumulator-separator102, the internal heat exchanger103, and the ejector104within the housing106reduces the number of refrigerant lines and connections between the components, reducing the complexity of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100and the amount of the refrigerant101needed to circulate through the refrigeration cycle thermal system100.

The refrigeration cycle thermal system100also includes a compressor109, a gas cooler110(e.g., a first heat exchanger), a control valve112, and an evaporator114(e.g., a second heat exchanger). The refrigerant101is routed from the integrated energy management unit105to the compressor109and the gas cooler110and back to the integrated energy management unit105in a first loop while refrigerant101is routed from the integrated energy management unit105to the control valve112and the evaporator114before returning to the integrated energy management unit105in a second loop.

The accumulator-separator102is configured to store the refrigerant101in a gaseous phase and in a liquid phase for use by the refrigeration cycle thermal system100. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator102includes a membrane113(e.g., a separating component) to separate the refrigerant101in a gaseous phase115(i.e., refrigerant predominantly in a gaseous state or phase) from the refrigerant101in a liquid phase116(i.e., refrigerant predominantly in a liquid state or phase). The membrane113is configured to allow vapor passthrough of the refrigerant101but not permit liquid passthrough of the refrigerant101. In various implementations, the membrane113divides an internal volume of the accumulator-separator102into two different portions. The refrigerant101in the gaseous phase115is generally on one side of the membrane113and the refrigerant101in the liquid phase116is generally on the other side of the membrane113. In various implementations, the membrane113is a fabric or other materials, such as GORE-TEX®, that permits materials or substances to pass one-way through the membrane. Other separation materials and or structures may be used in other implementations, such as a J-tube structure, for example and without limitation. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator102includes other functions such as particle filtration, drying, and metering of liquid (such as oil) and vapor returned to a compressor, such as the compressor109. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator102includes one or more of these functions in addition to separation and storage of the refrigerant101.

The refrigerant101in the gaseous phase115that is on one side of the membrane113leaves the accumulator-separator102via a first accumulator-separator outlet line117(e.g., a vapor outlet line). The first accumulator-separator outlet line117is a low-pressure vapor outlet line. In various implementations, a first sensor141measures a characteristic of the refrigerant101flowing through the first accumulator-separator outlet line117. In various implementations, the measured characteristic is a temperature and/or a pressure of the refrigerant101. The first sensor141is illustrated as positioned within the housing106. However, in other implementations, the first sensor141may be positioned outside of and/or adjacent to the housing106.

The refrigerant101is delivered to the compressor109via a compressor supply line118. The compressor109compresses the refrigerant101to increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant101and generate heat. The compressor109is configured to transfer the refrigerant101under pressure to the gas cooler110. The heated gaseous phase115refrigerant101exits the compressor109and delivers the coolant to the gas cooler110located downstream of the compressor109via a gas cooler supply line119.

The gas cooler110is a heat-rejecting component of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100in fluid communication with the compressor109and with the integrated energy management unit105. The gas cooler110is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant101to fluid or to coolant or to another system or component that is being heated. In various implementations, the gas cooler110is a component of the vehicle climate control system151, and air flowing through the passenger cabin150of the vehicle111is heated by an exchange of heat with the refrigerant101. Thus, the gas cooler110may be configured to function as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant101and the air flowing through the passenger cabin150.

The refrigerant101exits the gas cooler110and is routed through an internal heat exchanger supply line121to the internal heat exchanger103of the energy management unit105. The internal heat exchanger supply line121is a high-pressure supply line from the gas cooler110. In various implementations, a second sensor142measures a characteristic of the refrigerant101flowing through the internal heat exchanger supply line121. In various implementations, the measured characteristic is a temperature and/or a pressure of the refrigerant101. The second sensor142is illustrated as positioned within the housing106. However, in other implementations, the second sensor142may be positioned outside of and/or adjacent to the housing106.

The internal heat exchanger103receives the refrigerant101from the gas cooler110and exchanges heat with a flow of the refrigerant101leaving the accumulator-separator102via the first accumulator-separator outlet line117. The internal heat exchanger103uses the remaining heat of the refrigerant101leaving the gas cooler110to heat the flow of the refrigerant101leaving the accumulator-separator102that is directed to the compressor109. The internal heat exchanger103is configured to exchange heat between a flow of refrigerant101leaving the gas cooler110via the internal heat exchanger supply line121and a flow of refrigerant101directed to the compressor109via the first accumulator-separator outlet line117and the compressor supply line118. The internal heat exchanger103is configured to exchange heat between a flow of refrigerant101entering the internal heat exchanger103at a higher temperature and a flow of refrigerant101exiting the internal heat exchanger103at a lower temperature to raise a temperature of the refrigerant101exiting the internal heat exchanger103.

A high-pressure ejector supply line122(e.g., first ejector supply line) supplies the refrigerant101at a high pressure to the ejector104. Since the ejector104is contained within the housing106of the integrated energy management unit105along with the accumulator-separator102, the high-pressure ejector supply line122is also internal to the integrated energy management unit105. In various implementations, a third sensor143measures a characteristic of the refrigerant101flowing through the high-pressure ejector supply line122. In various implementations, the measured characteristic is a temperature and/or a pressure of the refrigerant101. The third sensor143may be positioned within the housing106. The refrigerant101is directed from the ejector104to the accumulator-separator102as shown by the ejector outlet line124.

The refrigeration cycle thermal system100also includes a low-pressure refrigerant outlet line125(e.g., a liquid outlet line). In various implementations, a fourth sensor144measures a characteristic of the refrigerant101flowing through the low-pressure refrigerant outlet line125. In various implementations, the measured characteristic is a temperature and/or a pressure of the refrigerant101. The fourth sensor144may be positioned within the housing106. However, in other implementations, the fourth sensor144may be positioned outside of and/or adjacent to the housing106. The refrigerant101in the liquid phase116that is on one side of the membrane113leaves the accumulator-separator102via the low-pressure refrigerant outlet line125and is directed to the control valve112. The control valve112is, in various implementations, an expansion valve that is upstream of the evaporator114. The control valve112is configured to regulate or meter a flow of the refrigerant101in the liquid phase116from the accumulator-separator102to the evaporator114. In various implementations, the control valve112is an electromechanical valve that is in electronic communication with a control system130(e.g., a controller) as discussed herein. The refrigeration cycle thermal system100may include one or more sensors to monitor the position of the control valve112and/or a temperature of the refrigerant101, for example. After passing through the control valve112, at least a portion of the refrigerant101expands to the gaseous phase with an associated drop in temperature.

The control valve112meters the flow of the refrigerant to the evaporator114via an evaporator supply line126. The evaporator114is in fluid communication with the low-pressure refrigerant outlet line125of the accumulator-separator102and is in fluid communication with the ejector104. The evaporator114is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant101passing through. The evaporator114receives the flow of refrigerant101in the liquid phase via the evaporator supply line126. The flow of refrigerant through the evaporator114is configured to absorb heat from the environment, such as a vehicle climate control system152, to cool or lower a temperature of the vehicle climate control system152. The refrigerant101exits the evaporator114via an evaporator outlet line127and is directed to the ejector104via a low-pressure ejector supply line128(e.g., a second ejector supply line) to join the flow of the refrigerant101from the high-pressure ejector supply line122at the ejector inlet.

The ejector104is configured to mix the refrigerant101from the evaporator114with the refrigerant101from the internal heat exchanger103and expel the refrigerant101to the accumulator-separator102via the ejector outlet line124. The ejector104is configured to lower a temperature and raise a pressure of the refrigerant101coming from the high-pressure ejector supply line122. The ejector outlet line124is low pressure line to the accumulator-separator102. When the ejector104is incorporated into the integrated energy management unit105, as shown inFIG.2, the ejector104is configured to expel the refrigerant101directly to the accumulator-separator102.

WhileFIG.2illustrates one configuration and routing of supply and outlet lines between the compressor109, the gas cooler110, the integrated energy management unit105, the control valve112, and the evaporator114, it is understood that different configurations and routings may be used depending on the application and/or performance requirements of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100.

FIG.3is a schematic illustration of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a second implementation. The refrigeration cycle thermal system100illustrated inFIG.3is similar to the refrigeration cycle thermal system100shown inFIG.2. However, in this implementation, an integrated energy management unit205also includes the control valve112positioned within the interior space208of the housing206. With the control valve112positioned within the housing206, the low-pressure refrigerant outlet line125is also contained within the housing206, further reducing the number of lines and connections in the refrigeration cycle thermal system100.

FIGS.4-13illustrate various configurations of the integrated energy management unit.FIG.4is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an integrated energy management unit305of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a first implementation. The integrated energy management unit305includes a housing306. The housing306is, in some implementations, a pressure vessel. The housing306defines an interior space308(e.g., a housing cavity or vessel cavity). In the illustrated implementation, the housing306is a cylindrical pressure vessel with an axis A extending from a first end of the housing306to the second end of the housing306.

An accumulator-separator302is positioned within the interior space308of the housing306. The accumulator-separator302is generally concentrically oriented around the axis A of the housing306. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator302includes one or more membranes313that permit a one-way transmission of material through the membrane, such as permitting gaseous transfer through the membrane313while preventing liquid transfer through the membrane313. The integrated energy management unit305also includes the internal heat exchanger303. In the illustrated implementation, the internal heat exchanger303is a spiral or helix of coils extending around the accumulator-separator302.

An ejector304is positioned within the housing306. The ejector304has a generally annular structure309(e.g., an ejector body) that is arranged around and along the axis A. The axis A is a generally longitudinal axis extending through the housing306between a first end and a second end of the housing306. The ejector304extends along the axis A within the housing306. The accumulator-separator302and the internal heat exchanger303are concentrically arranged around the ejector304and around the axis A extending through the housing306. Similar to the ejector104discussed with respect toFIG.2, the ejector304is configured to mix the refrigerant101from an evaporator, such as the evaporator114, with the refrigerant101from the internal heat exchanger303and expel the refrigerant101to the accumulator-separator302. A first inlet is configured to receive high-pressure refrigerant101from the internal heat exchanger303via the high-pressure ejector supply line122. A second inlet is configured to receive low-pressure refrigerant101from an evaporator via the low-pressure ejector supply line128. By positioning the ejector304within the accumulator-separator302, a diameter of the ejector304can be enlarged, improving the entrainment of the ejector304(e.g., the mixture of the two input streams of refrigerant101within the ejector304).

The ejector304includes an ejector outlet324that is configured to expel the refrigerant101into the accumulator-separator302as shown by the arrows332. The refrigerant101travels through the accumulator-separator302and the refrigerant101primarily in the liquid phase accumulates near the low-pressure refrigerant outlet line325while the refrigerant101primarily in the gaseous phase accumulates near the accumulator-separator outlet line317. The description of the function of the ejector104made with respect toFIG.2is applicable to the ejector304.

In some implementations, the integrated energy management unit305includes an actuator340. The actuator340is a controllable component of the ejector304and is configured to control a variable restrictor of the ejector304. The actuator340is an electrically controlled electric motor or pneumatic actuator that is operable to change a position of a component of the ejector304to change a rate of fluid flow through the ejector304. In the illustrated implementation, the actuator340is coupled with a valve342. The valve342may be a needle valve, in some implementations. The actuator340is configured to control a position of the valve342to regulate a flow of the refrigerant101through the ejector304. The valve342directly controls the flow rate of one of the two inlet streams of refrigerant101to the ejector304, which changes the amount of refrigerant101that enters the second inlet due to the suction applied to the second inlet by the first stream of refrigerant101. The actuator340is in electronic communication with a control system, such as the control system130, and is configured to receive one or more control signals from the control system130to affect the flow rate through the ejector304by adjusting the position of the valve342.

In some implementations, the actuator340is at least partially positioned within the housing306. By positioning at least a portion of the actuator340within the housing306, the size of the actuator340can be smaller and the integrated energy management unit305is more compact to enable easier packaging in various applications.

The integrated energy management unit305also includes a gas cooler310. The gas cooler310is arranged around an external surface307of the housing306. In various implementations, the gas cooler310is an external heat exchanger positioned around an exterior of the housing306and is in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator302. In some implementations, the gas cooler310is a coil style heat exchanger. In other implementations, the gas cooler310is an annular heat exchanger with fins. The gas cooler310is similar to the gas cooler110discussed with respect toFIG.2and receives the refrigerant101from a compressor, such as the compressor109, and transfers heat from the refrigerant101to another fluid or to another system or component that is being heated. The refrigerant101from the gas cooler310returns to the accumulator-separator302as shown by the arrow335and is routed around the coils of the internal heat exchanger303as shown by the arrows333and334to exchange heat with the refrigerant101that leaves the accumulator-separator302via the accumulator-separator outlet line317.

The consolidation of the accumulator-separator302, the internal heat exchanger303, and the ejector304within the housing306eliminates several physical fluid transfer lines between components, such as the high-pressure ejector supply line122and the ejector outlet line124. Instead, these connections and lines can be replaced by brazed connections between the components within the housing306, for example.

FIG.5is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit405of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a second implementation. The integrated energy management unit405includes an accumulator-separator402positioned within a housing406that defines an internal space408(e.g., a cavity). In various implementations, the accumulator-separator402is a generally cylindrical vessel or pressure vessel contained within the housing406. In some implementations, the other components are positioned within the accumulator-separator402without the need for the housing406. The accumulator-separator402is similar in function to the accumulator-separator102discussed with respect toFIG.2.

The integrated energy management unit405also includes an internal heat exchanger403. The internal heat exchanger403may be positioned within the accumulator-separator402or adjacent to the accumulator-separator402. The internal heat exchanger403is positioned generally concentric about the axis A. An ejector404is positioned within the housing406and in some implementations is positioned within the accumulator-separator402. The ejector404is generally aligned around the axis A. The ejector404is similar in function to the ejector104and the ejector304discussed with respect toFIGS.2and4.

A gas cooler410is arranged around an external surface407of the housing406. The gas cooler410is similar in function to the gas cooler110discussed with respect toFIG.2. The size and shape of the gas cooler410is tied to the diameter and shape of the housing406.

As discussed with respect to the internal heat exchanger103, the internal heat exchanger403is configured to receive the refrigerant101from the gas cooler410and exchange heat with the refrigerant101leaving the accumulator-separator402. It is understood that the integrated energy management unit405shown inFIG.5is connected to other components of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100such as the compressor109and the evaporator114.

FIG.6is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit505of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a third implementation. The integrated energy management unit505is similar to the integrated energy management unit405discussed with respect toFIG.5except as described herein.

Instead of arranging a gas cooler around the external surface507of the housing506, a gas cooler510is positioned adjacent to an end of the accumulator-separator402. The gas cooler510is an external heat exchanger positioned adjacent to an end of the housing506and in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator402. The gas cooler510receives refrigerant101directly from the accumulator-separator402via an internal fluid connection between the two components. The gas cooler510is also in fluid communication with the internal heat exchanger403such that the refrigerant101moves from the gas cooler510to the internal heat exchanger403as has been discussed herein. The gas cooler510is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant101to the atmosphere or to other components, such as the vehicle climate control system151shown inFIG.2. In this implementation, the size or shape of the gas cooler510is not tied to the external diameter or shape of the housing506.

FIG.7is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit605of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a fourth implementation. The integrated energy management unit605includes the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, and the ejector404arranged within an internal space608of a housing606similar to the arrangement of the components described with respect toFIG.5. A control valve612is included within the housing606, as discussed with respect toFIG.3. In this implementation, the control valve612is positioned adjacent to a first end of the accumulator-separator402. The refrigerant101in the liquid phase116is separated from the refrigerant101in the gaseous phase115within the accumulator-separator402and settles at the first end of the accumulator-separator402adjacent to the control valve612. A brazed connection or other connection is made between the accumulator-separator402and the control valve612to eliminate a fluid line between the components. The refrigerant101is metered through the control valve612and transferred to an evaporator, such as the evaporator114, as discussed with respect toFIG.2.

FIG.8is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit705of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a fifth implementation. The integrated energy management unit705is similar to the integrated energy management unit605discussed with respect toFIG.7but includes a first control valve712and a second control valve722. Each of the first control valve712and the second control valve722are positioned within the interior space708of the housing706. The first control valve712and the second control valve722are both positioned adjacent to the first end of the accumulator-separator402. The first control valve712and the second control valve722are, in some implementations, components of a dual climate control system for a vehicle, such as a vehicle having a first climate control system such as the vehicle climate control system151, and a second climate control system. In various implementations, the first control valve712is configured to regulate a first flow of the liquid phase of the refrigerant101from the accumulator-separator402. The first flow of the refrigerant101through the first control valve712is directed to a first evaporator (e.g., a first heat exchanger) of a first climate control system of a vehicle, in one example. Similarly, the second control valve722is configured to regulate a second flow of the liquid phase of the refrigerant101from the accumulator-separator402. The second flow of the refrigerant101through the second control valve722is directed to a second evaporator (e.g., a second heat exchanger) of a second climate control system of a vehicle. In various implementations, the second flow of the refrigerant101through the second control valve722to the second evaporator is used to control temperature of a coolant associated with a subsystem, such as a vehicle subsystem, for example and without limitation.

FIG.9is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit805of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a sixth implementation. In this implementation, the internal space808of the housing806includes the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, and the ejector404arranged and aligned with the axis A as discussed herein with respect toFIG.5. The integrated energy management unit805can be coupled with the compressor109, the gas cooler110, the control valve112, and the evaporator114, or other components, as part of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100shown inFIG.2. The integrated energy management unit805has a smaller package size than the integrated energy management unit405, the integrated energy management unit505, the integrated energy management unit605, and the integrated energy management unit705since the housing806can be sized to accommodate the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, and the ejector404without other components.

FIG.10is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit905of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a seventh implementation. In this implementation, the integrated energy management unit905includes only the accumulator-separator402and the ejector404concentrically arranged and aligned with the axis A within the interior space908of the housing906. The functions normally performed by the internal heat exchanger are performed on the refrigerant101outside of the housing906of the integrated energy management unit905.

FIG.11is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit1005of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to an eighth implementation. The integrated energy management unit1005includes the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, and the ejector404as has been previously described. Included within the housing1006and adjacent to a first end of the accumulator-separator402is a first control valve1012. The first control valve1012is similar in function to the control valve112discussed with respect toFIG.2and to the control valve612discussed with respect toFIG.7. The integrated energy management unit1005also includes a second control valve1022positioned adjacent to a second end of the accumulator-separator402. The second control valve1022is positioned at an opposite end or side of the accumulator-separator402. The second control valve1022is similar in function to the second control valve722discussed with respect toFIG.8. In some implementations, the first control valve1012and the second control valve1022are coupled to front and rear climate control systems, as discussed with respect toFIG.8. For some packaging considerations, rather than positioning both the first control valve1012and the second control valve1022adjacent to the same end of the accumulator-separator402, as shown inFIG.8, it may be advantageous to position the first control valve1012adjacent to a first end of the accumulator-separator402and to position the second control valve1022adjacent to a second and opposite end of the accumulator-separator402. The first control valve1012and the second control valve1022are illustrated as positioned within the interior space1008of the housing1006. However, in some implementations, the first control valve1012and/or the second control valve1022may be positioned outside of and adjacent to the housing1006. The refrigerant101may be routed through the housing1006to accommodate the positioning of the first control valve1012adjacent to the first end of the accumulator-separator402and the second control valve1022adjacent to the second end of the accumulator-separator402.

FIG.12is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit1105of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a ninth implementation. The integrated energy management unit1105is similar to the integrated energy management unit1005discussed herein, and includes the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, and the ejector404within the internal space1108of the housing1106as has been previously described. The integrated energy management unit1105also includes the gas cooler410that is adjacent to the external surface1107of the housing1106. A first control valve1112is positioned adjacent to the first end of accumulator-separator402and is illustrated outside of the housing1106. A second control valve1122is positioned adjacent to the second end of the accumulator-separator402and is also illustrated outside of the housing1106. Each of the components of the integrated energy management unit1105(that is, the accumulator-separator402, the internal heat exchanger403, the ejector404, the gas cooler410, the first control valve1112, and the second control valve1122) are arranged and aligned with the axis A. The refrigerant101may be routed through the housing1106to accommodate the positioning of the first control valve1012adjacent to the first end of the accumulator-separator402and the second control valve1022adjacent to the second end of the accumulator-separator402.

FIG.13is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit1205of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to a tenth implementation. In this implementation, the integrated energy management unit1205includes a housing1206defining an internal space1208. Positioned within the internal space1208of the housing1206is an accumulator-separator1202. The accumulator-separator1202functions similarly to the accumulator-separator102as described herein. The accumulator-separator1202is aligned along a first axis B that extends through the housing1206. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator1202is concentric about the first axis B that extends longitudinally through the housing1206. The integrated energy management unit1205also includes a first ejector1204a, a second ejector1204b, and a third ejector1204c. The first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care each in fluid communication with the accumulator-separator1202and are configured to deliver the refrigerant101to the accumulator-separator1202as part of the function of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100and function similar to the ejector104as discussed herein. The inclusion of multiple ejectors within the integrated energy management unit1205can replace the actuator and valve configuration shown as the actuator340and the valve342with reference toFIG.4. Rather than using continuous needle control, a binary “check valve”-type control using, for example, a solenoid, can be used to control flow through the multiple ejectors.

The first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care positioned adjacent to the accumulator-separator1202within the housing1206and are arranged and aligned with a second axis C that extends through the housing1206. In various implementations, the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care concentric about the second axis C that extends longitudinally through the housing1206. The second axis C is generally parallel to the first axis B. In various implementations, the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care positioned about the second axis C that is parallel to the first axis B such that the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care positioned adjacent to the accumulator-separator within the housing1206. The configuration shown inFIG.13illustrates a compact arrangement of multiple ejectors with a single accumulator-separator1202. The illustrated configuration reduces the number of external refrigerant lines needed to connect the components.

The first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204cmay each have an associated controllable component, such as a valve and an actuator, similar to the actuator340and the valve342shown and discussed with reference toFIG.4. Control of the controllable component of each of the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204ccan be achieved with a control system, such as the control system130discussed with reference toFIG.2and as discussed herein. A square wave or other input may be used to sequentially control the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204c. In various implementations, the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204care actuated together or separately, or in various combinations such that one or more of the ejectors are actuated simultaneously or in series. Each of the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204cmay have an associated flow rate to accommodate a refrigeration cycle thermal system having multiple flow rates and multiple cooling paths.

While three ejectors are illustrated inFIG.13, it is understood that this is exemplary and more or fewer ejectors could be arranged within the housing1206depending on the application and requirements of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100. In other implementations, one or more ejectors could be positioned adjacent to the housing1206.

While not specifically illustrated inFIGS.4-13, it is understood that each configuration of the integrated energy management unit shown in the figures could include one or more sensors, similar to the first sensor141, the second sensor142, the third sensor143, and the fourth sensor144shown inFIGS.2and3. The sensors may be used to measure a temperature and/or pressure of the refrigerant101at various points and between various components of the integrated energy management unit and components to which the integrated energy management unit is coupled, such as the gas cooler110and the evaporator114.

FIG.14is a schematic illustration of an integrated energy management unit1305of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to an eleventh implementation. In this implementation, the integrated energy management unit1305includes a housing1306defining an internal space1308. Positioned within the internal space1308of the housing1306is the accumulator-separator1202as discussed herein. The accumulator-separator1202is aligned along a first axis B that extends through the housing1306. In various implementations, the accumulator-separator1202is concentric about the first axis B that extends longitudinally through the housing1306. Multiple ejectors, such as a first ejector1304a, a second ejector1304b, and a third ejector1304c, are arranged adjacent to the housing1306. The first ejector1304a, a second ejector1304b, and a third ejector1304care similar in function to the first ejector1204a, the second ejector1204b, and the third ejector1204cdiscussed herein and may be controlled sequentially or serially as described herein.

FIG.15is a schematic block diagram of the control system130for the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, according to an implementation. The control system130can be used to control a controllable component of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100such as the actuator340and the valve342of the ejector304, for example. The control system130can also be used to control other components of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100.

The control system130includes a controller132, which may be implemented in the form of a computing device that executes program instructions. The controller132receives input signals from sensors, such as the first sensor141, the second sensor142, the third sensor143, and the fourth sensor144, that are associated with the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, determines control signals or commands for one or more components of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100using the input signals from the sensors, and transmits the control signals or commands to the one or more components of the refrigeration cycle thermal system100to operate the one or more components in accordance with the commands. The input signals from the sensors may represent measured values at various locations in the refrigeration cycle thermal system100, such as temperature values, flow rate values, and pressure values. The input signals from the sensors are used, in some implementations, by the controller132to control various valves, such as the control valve112, and the ejector(s), such as the ejector104. The controller132may use other information for determining the commands, such as sensed values or commands from a system that is heated or cooled by the refrigeration cycle thermal system100.

In the illustrated implementation, the controller132is configured to send commands to the compressor109to change an operating speed of the compressor, to the control valve112to change a degree of opening of the control valve112, and to the actuator340(e.g., the controllable component) of the ejector104to change an operating characteristic of the ejector104. As an example, the actuator340of the ejector104may be an electrically controlled actuator (e.g., an electric motor or a solenoid-operated pneumatic actuator) that is operable to change a position of a component of the ejector104in a manner that changes fluid flow characteristics through the ejector104.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for use in operating a refrigeration cycle thermal system. As an example, such data may identify the user and include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores climate control preference related information that allows adjustment of operation of the refrigeration cycle thermal system. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user's experience.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of storing a user profile for retaining preference information, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, climate control preference information may be determined each time the climate control system including the refrigeration cycle thermal system is used, such as by querying the user for a desired climate control setting and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.