Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a technical field of thermal management, in particular to a thermal management system for vehicles.

A thermal management system includes an external heat exchanger. A refrigerant in the external heat exchanger can absorb or release heat to the environment air. The thermal management system can thermally manage heating components to ensure that the heating components work within a reasonable temperature range. How to control the temperature of the heating components and improve the performance of the thermal management system is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

<CIT> discloses a thermal management system including a refrigerant system and a cooling liquid system. The thermal management system further includes a fourth heat exchanger which has a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The refrigerant system and the cooling liquid system can perform heat exchanging by means of the fourth heat exchanger, thereby facilitating improving the performance of the thermal management system.

<CIT> discloses a device for thermal regulation of the air in the passenger compartment and of components of a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, including: a first circuit for circulation of a first heat transfer fluid which passes through first, second and third heat exchangers, a second circuit for the circulation of a second heat transfer fluid which passes through a fourth heat exchanger and the second and third heat exchangers, and a thermal energy storage means adapted to restore and/or produce thermal energy.

<CIT> discloses a multi-mode vehicle thermal management system that allows efficient thermal communication between a refrigerant-based thermal control loop, which may be operated in either a heating mode or a cooling mode, and multiple non-refrigerant-based thermal control loops like battery control loop, passenger cabin control loop and drive train control loop. As a result, the system is able to efficiently regulate the temperature within the various vehicle thermal control loops, for example utilizing the heat generated within one subsystem to heat another subsystem.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle air-conditioning system including a refrigerant circulation system and a coolant circulation system. The refrigerant circulation system can provide cold source for the coolant circulation system, and includes a compressor, a gas-liquid separator before an air inlet of the compressor, a condenser connected to an outlet of the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor evaporator.

An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system according to claim <NUM>, which is beneficial to improve the performance of the thermal management system.

A thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. A refrigerant of the refrigerant system and a coolant of the coolant system are isolated from each other without mixing. The refrigerant system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a throttling element. An outlet of the compressor is capable of communicating with a refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger. The thermal management system further includes a dual-channel heat exchanger. The dual-channel heat exchanger defines a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The throttling element is capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor through the refrigerant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger.

The coolant system includes a second heat exchanger and/or a third heat exchanger, the coolant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger, a pump and a fourth heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger is disposed outside an air-conditioning box of a vehicle.

In a heating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor is in communication with the throttling element through the first heat exchanger, the pump is turned on and the throttling element is opened, and the coolant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger is in communication with the fourth heat exchanger and the pump.

In a first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the pump is turned on, and at least one of the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger is in communication with the pump and the fourth heat exchanger.

The present invention also discloses a thermal management system including a refrigerant system and a coolant system, a refrigerant of the refrigerant system and a coolant of the coolant system being isolated from each other without mixing, the refrigerant system including a compressor and a first throttling device, the thermal management system further including a first dual-channel heat exchanger, the first dual-channel heat exchanger including a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel, the first throttling device being capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor through the refrigerant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger;.

The thermal management system includes the refrigerant system and the coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger is a part of the coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger is disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. The thermal management system can absorb heat in the air through the fourth heat exchanger, and the coolant system can release heat to the air through the fourth heat exchanger. By disposing a fourth heat exchanger in the coolant system, it provides a new way for the thermal management system to absorb and release heat. In other words, when the thermal management system is working, the fourth heat exchanger in the coolant system can not only absorb heat from the environment in the heating mode, but also release heat to the environment in the cooling mode, which is beneficial to enhance the heating and cooling performance of the thermal management system.

In the following, specific thermal management systems for vehicles are taken as an example for description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the case of no conflict, the features in these embodiments can be combined with each other. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same numbers in different drawings indicate the same or similar elements.

Referring to <FIG>, a thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. A refrigerant of the refrigerant system and a coolant of the coolant system are isolated from each other without contacting each other. The refrigerant system includes a compressor <NUM>, a first heat exchanger <NUM> and a throttling element. In an embodiment of the present invention, the throttling element includes a first throttling device <NUM> and a second throttling device <NUM>. An outlet of the compressor <NUM> is in communication with a refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The thermal management system also includes a first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> has a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flowing through the coolant flow channel can exchange heat in the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. An inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first throttling device <NUM>. An outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with an inlet of the compressor <NUM> or is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> via a gas-liquid separator <NUM>. The thermal management system also includes a second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> has a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flowing through the coolant flow channel can exchange heat in the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. An inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the second throttling device <NUM>. An outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> or is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> via the gas-liquid separator <NUM>. The coolant system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop and the second loop can operate independently from each other. The first loop includes the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, a second heat exchanger <NUM> and a first pump <NUM>. The coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the first pump <NUM> are in communication in series so as to form the first loop. The first pump <NUM> can drive the coolant to flow in the first loop. The second heat exchanger <NUM> can be used to adjust the temperature of heat-generating devices such as motors, inverters and controllers. The heat-generating device such as the motor can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the second heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor. The second loop includes the coolant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, a third heat exchanger <NUM> and a second pump <NUM>. The coolant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the third heat exchanger <NUM> and the second pump <NUM> are in communication in series so as to form the second loop. The second pump <NUM> can drive the coolant to flow in the second loop. The third heat exchanger <NUM> can be used to adjust the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a battery. The heat-generating device such as the battery can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the third heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the battery. Since the working temperature of heat-generating device such as the motor is higher than that of heat-generating device such as the battery, the coolant in the first loop is not in communication with the coolant in the second loop in order to prevent damage to the battery.

Specifically, the first loop includes a first branch. The first branch includes the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the first pump <NUM>. The second heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first pump <NUM>. The first branch has two ports. The two ports of the first branch are an inlet of the coolant flowing into the first branch and an outlet of the coolant flowing out of the first branch. The two ports of the first branch can be openings of a device or openings of a pipeline. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first pump <NUM> and/or the second pump <NUM> are also referred to as a pump <NUM>.

The second loop includes a second branch. The second branch includes the third heat exchanger <NUM> and the second pump <NUM>. The second branch has two ports. The two ports of the second branch are an inlet of the coolant flowing into the second branch and an outlet of the coolant flowing out of the second branch. The two ports of the second branch can be openings of a device or openings of a pipeline. The two ports of the second branch are communicated with the two ports of the coolant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, respectively.

The coolant system also includes a fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. In a technical solution of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the first loop. In other words, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the first loop. The fourth heat exchanger <NUM> may be an air-cooled heat exchanger, such as a microchannel heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, the first pump <NUM> and the second heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. In the thermal management system for the vehicle, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside an air-conditioning box of a vehicle, and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can exchange heat with the environment air. Specifically, when the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor is high and needs to be dissipated, the coolant in the first loop only circulates in the first loop. The heat of heat-generating device such as the motor is released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. At this time, it is not necessary to turn on the compressor <NUM> to realize the temperature control of the heat-generating device such as the motor, which can save energy. In other technical solutions of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can be disposed in the second loop, which will not be described in detail. Alternatively, the first loop and the second loop may also share the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. When the first loop needs to dissipate heat, the first loop is in communication with the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. When the second loop needs to dissipate heat, the second loop is in communication with the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. Of course, the coolant system may also include two fourth heat exchangers <NUM>, one of which is disposed in the first loop, and the other of which is disposed in the second loop.

The refrigerant system includes a first throttling unit <NUM>, a seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and a first valve device <NUM>. The seventh heat exchanger <NUM> includes at least a first port and a second port. The first throttling unit <NUM> can be in communication with the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. The refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the outlet of the compressor <NUM>. The refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first valve device <NUM>. The refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM> can be in communication with the first throttling unit <NUM> through the first valve device <NUM>. The first heat exchanger <NUM> can also be communication with the first throttling device <NUM> and/or the second throttling device <NUM> through the first valve device <NUM>. The first port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> can also be communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> through the first valve device <NUM>, or be communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> through the first valve device <NUM> and the gas-liquid separator <NUM> which is communicated between the first valve device <NUM> and the compressor <NUM>. The refrigerant system also includes an eighth heat exchanger <NUM> and a second throttling unit <NUM>. The second throttling unit <NUM> can be in communication with an inlet of the eighth heat exchanger <NUM>. An outlet of the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> or is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> via the gas-liquid separator <NUM>. The first valve device <NUM> includes a first communication port, a second communication port, a third communication port and a fourth communication port. Specifically, the first communication port is in communication with the refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The fourth communication port is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM>. The second communication port can be in communication with at least one of the first throttling unit <NUM>, the first throttling device <NUM>, the second throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling unit <NUM>. The third communication port is in communication with the first port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. The first valve device <NUM> includes a first working state and a second working state. In the first working state of the first valve device <NUM>, the first valve device <NUM> only opens the communication channel between the first communication port and the third communication port, and closes the communication channels of other communication ports. In the second working state of the first valve device <NUM>, the first valve device <NUM> opens the communication channel between the first communication port and the second communication port, and opens the communication channel between the third communication port and the fourth communication port. Among them, the first heat exchanger <NUM> and the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed in the air-conditioning box of the vehicle, and are used to adjust the temperature of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle, and can exchange heat with the environment air.

The second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> is also provided with a one-way element <NUM> parallel to the first throttling unit <NUM>. In other words, the second communication port can be in communication with the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> through the first throttling unit <NUM> and the one-way element <NUM> which are connected in parallel. Among which, the one-way element <NUM> is turned on when the refrigerant flows out of the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, and is turned off when the refrigerant flows toward the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. In other words, the inlet of the one-way element <NUM> is in communication with the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. In addition, the first throttling unit <NUM> can also use a throttling device with a cut-off function, so that the one-way element <NUM> can be eliminated. In addition, the connection or communication described in this specification can be direct connection or communication. For example, two components can also be assembled together, which eliminates the need of a connecting pipeline, and the system is more compact. The connection or communication may also be an indirect connection or communication, such as communication through a pipeline, or communication after passing through a certain component, which will not be illustrated one by one here. In the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, turning on the throttling device means that the opening degree of the throttling device is the largest, turning off the throttling device means that the opening degree of the throttling device is zero, and opening the throttling device refers to a state between turning on and turning off, or a throttling state of the throttling device. The second throttling device <NUM> and the first throttling device <NUM> may be throttling devices such as a thermal expansion valve, an electronic expansion valve, or a capillary tube that can regulate the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The one-way element <NUM> can be a shut-off valve with on-off control function, a flow regulating valve or a solenoid valve, or a one-way valve that flows in one direction and shuts off in the other direction. The one-way element or valve module can also be integrated with the heat exchanger to form an assembly with a more compact structure, such as an assembly formed by the integration of the second throttling unit <NUM> and the eighth heat exchanger <NUM>.

The coolant system of the thermal management system further includes a coolant storage device <NUM>. The medium in the coolant storage device <NUM> may be a coolant. The coolant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the coolant storage device <NUM>, the second pump <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. At this time, the coolant in the coolant storage device <NUM> participates in the flow of the coolant system in the second loop. In other embodiments, the coolant storage device <NUM> may also only be in communication with the second loop and participate in the flow of the coolant in the second loop. A coolant storage device <NUM>' may also be provided in the first loop, which will not be described in detail.

The air-conditioning box of the vehicle is provided with several air ducts (not shown) to communicate with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A grille (not shown) is provided in the air duct in order to adjust the size of the air duct. An inner circulation air opening, an outer circulation air opening, a circulation damper <NUM> for adjusting the size of the inner circulation air opening and the outer circulation air opening, and a motor for driving the circulation damper <NUM> are disposed on a side of the air-conditioning box where the air enters. The inner circulation air opening is communicated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle enters the air-conditioning box through the inner circulation air opening and then re-enters the vehicle cabin through the air duct, forming an inner circulation. The outer circulation air opening is communicated with the outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The air outside the vehicle enters the air-conditioning box through the outer circulation air opening, and enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle through the air duct. The circulation damper <NUM> is disposed between the inner circulation port and the outer circulation port. The controller can control the circulation damper <NUM> through the motor. When the circulation damper <NUM> is switched to the inner circulation port, the inner circulation port can be closed to form an outer circulation. When the circulation damper <NUM> is switched to the outer circulation port, the outer circulation port can be closed to form the inner circulation. By adjusting the position of the circulation damper <NUM>, the sizes of the inner circulation air opening and the outer circulation air opening can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the ratio of the air outside the vehicle to the air inside the vehicle when the air enters the air-conditioning box. In addition, a fan <NUM> is also provided on one side of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, which can accelerate the air speed flowing through the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>.

The first heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the air-conditioning box. A blower <NUM> is provided at a position of the air-conditioning box close to the inner circulation air opening and the outer circulation air opening. A temperature damper <NUM> is also provided on an upwind side of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. When the thermal management system further includes the eighth heat exchanger <NUM>, the first heat exchanger <NUM> and the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> may be disposed in the air-conditioning box at a certain distance. In other words, the temperature damper <NUM> is disposed between the first heat exchanger <NUM> and the eighth heat exchanger <NUM>. When the temperature damper <NUM> is opened, the air blown in from the inner circulation port or the outer circulation port exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger <NUM>. When the temperature damper <NUM> is closed, the air blown in from the inner circulation port or the outer circulation port cannot flow through the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The air flows through the passages on both sides of the temperature damper <NUM>, and then enters the vehicle cabin through the air duct. The seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. Specifically, the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed at a front end module of the vehicle close to a front bumper.

The thermal management system includes a heating mode and a first cooling mode. The working conditions of the thermal management system under several modes are described below. Among them, the heating mode of the thermal management system includes a first heating mode and a second heating mode. When the environment temperature is too low, the heating performance of the first heat exchanger <NUM> is insufficient, or the heat absorbed by the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> by the thermal management system is insufficient to provide the required indoor heat, the thermal management system executes the first heating mode. In the first heating mode, the first valve device <NUM> is in the second working state, and the first throttling unit <NUM> and the first throttling device <NUM> are opened. The refrigerant of the thermal management system is compressed by the compressor <NUM> and becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The temperature damper <NUM> is opened. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the surrounding air in the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The refrigerant in the first heat exchanger <NUM> releases heat to the surrounding air. The flow paths for the refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger <NUM> leading to the second port of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, and leading to the refrigerant flow channels of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> and the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> are turned on, and the flow path leading to the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> is closed. Correspondingly, the refrigerant enters the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> after being throttled by the first throttling unit <NUM>. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the surrounding air in the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and absorbs the heat of the air. The refrigerant can return to the compressor <NUM> after flowing out of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, the refrigerant enters the compressor <NUM>, and is compressed again by the compressor <NUM> into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, which works in cycles in this way. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channels of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> exchanges heat with the coolant of the coolant system, then the refrigerant enters the compressor <NUM> and is compressed by the compressor <NUM> again. The situation of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is the same as the situation of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, which will not be described in detail. In this embodiment, both the first throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling device <NUM> are opened, and both the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> and the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> participate in the work. Of course, in other embodiments, only one of the first throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling device <NUM> may be opened. Since heat-generating device such as the motor does not require high temperature control accuracy, the first throttling device <NUM> may be a thermal expansion valve with a cut-off function, which can reduce the cost. The second throttling device <NUM> can be an electronic expansion valve, which can accurately control the temperature of device such as the battery.

Taking the refrigerant heat exchange between the first loop and the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> as an example, the heat-generating device such as the motor exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger <NUM>, the coolant in the second heat exchanger <NUM> absorbs heat from the heat-generating device such as the motor. The thermal management system obtains the heat absorbed by the second heat exchanger <NUM> from the heat-generating device such as the motor through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, and releases it to the air-conditioning box through the first heat exchanger <NUM>. At this time, there are two heat sources for the thermal management system, which are the air outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle and the heat-generating device such as the motor. When the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is also provided in the first loop, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can absorb heat from the environment air. It should be noted here that according to the invention, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed upstream of the second heat exchanger <NUM>. The word "upstream" mentioned here means that the coolant firstly passes through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> and then passes through the second heat exchanger <NUM>. This setting is because the temperature of the environment air is lower than the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor, the coolant firstly absorbs the heat of the environment air in the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, the temperature of the coolant rises, then the second heat exchanger <NUM> absorbs the heat, and then the temperature of the coolant can be further increased. If the second heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed upstream of the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, after the coolant absorbs heat from the second heat exchanger <NUM>, it cannot absorb the heat from the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. The thermal management system can absorb heat from the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, which is equivalent to increasing the heat exchange area of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. Because the specific heat capacity of the coolant is larger than that of the air, and the temperature change range is smaller, the superheat control of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is relatively easier than the control of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>. In addition, the dual-channel heat exchanger has a small volume, a short flow channel, and better oil return.

In winter, the temperature outside the vehicle is low in some areas. When the outside temperature is lower than or close to zero and the humidity is high to reach the dew point temperature, the surface of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> is easy to frost, freeze, or malfunction, which will affect the energy efficiency of the thermal management system and even lose the heating performance. The thermal management system executes the second heating mode, the first valve device <NUM> is in the second working state, and at least one of the first throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling device <NUM> is opened. The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger <NUM> enters the first throttling device <NUM> and/or the second throttling device <NUM>, after passing through the first valve device <NUM>. The second throttling unit <NUM> is turned off. The thermal management system absorbs heat from the air and the heat-generating device such as the motor through the first loop; and/or, the thermal management system absorbs heat from the air and the heat-generating device such as the battery through the second loop. Compared with the first heating mode, the refrigerant flowing through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can absorb heat from the coolant in the first loop; or the refrigerant flowing through the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can absorb heat from the second loop. When the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> cannot effectively absorb heat, the heat of the device such as the battery or the device such as the motor is used to provide a certain amount of heat indoors, which is beneficial to improve comfort. Of course, when the environment temperature is relatively high, the thermal management system absorbs heat through the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, and then releases heat in the first heat exchanger <NUM>, which will not be described in detail.

In the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the compressor <NUM> is turned off. Taking the operation of the first loop as an example, when the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor is high and needs to be cooled, the first pump <NUM> is turned on to allow the coolant in the first loop to flow in the first loop. The heat of the heat-generating device such as the motor is released to the coolant, and finally released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. At this time, the heat-generating device such as the motor can be cooled by the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, or the heat-generating device such as the motor can be cooled by itself, or the heat can be dissipated by another fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. In the first cooling mode, the first pump <NUM> is turned on, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, the first pump <NUM> and the second heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication, and the first pump <NUM> drives the coolant to flow in the first loop. In the first cooling mode, at least one of the battery or the motor uses the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> to release heat. The compressor <NUM> may not be turned on or the compressor <NUM> may be operated with relatively low power consumption, which can reduce energy consumption and save energy. In summary, in the heating mode of the thermal management system, the thermal management system can absorb heat in the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. In the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the thermal management system can release heat to the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. Compared with the heat management system with only the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, it is equivalent to increasing the heat exchange area of the seventh heat exchanger <NUM>, which improves the heating performance and cooling performance of the heat management system.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerant system can also be provided with only one throttling device <NUM>', that is, only one of the first throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling device <NUM> in the first embodiment is provided. Specifically, the refrigerant system includes a first valve <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first valve <NUM> is a three-way valve. The first valve <NUM> has three connection ports. A first connection port of the first valve <NUM> can be in communication with a second connection port of the first valve <NUM> and/or a third connection port of the first valve <NUM>. The first valve <NUM> may be a three-way switching valve or a three-way flow regulating valve. The first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with a first port of the throttling device <NUM>'. A second port of the throttling device <NUM>' is in communication with the outlet of the one-way element <NUM>. The second connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with the refrigerant inlet of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with the inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. When the first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is communicated with the third connection port of the first valve <NUM>, and the first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is not communicated with the second connection port, the second pump <NUM> is turned on and the first pump <NUM> is turned off. At this time, the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> does not work, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant of the second loop in the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. When the first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is not communicated with the third connection port, and the first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is communicated with the second connection port, the second pump <NUM> is turned off and the first pump <NUM> is turned on. At this time, the refrigerant and the coolant of the first loop exchange heat in the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, and the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> does not work. In other embodiments, the first valve <NUM> may also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow regulating valves, which will not be described in detail. Compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system can save an expansion valve and relatively reduce the cost. When the first throttling device <NUM> and the second throttling device <NUM> are thermal expansion valves or capillary tubes, in order to facilitate the control of the working conditions of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> and the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the refrigerant system is also provided with the first valve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with the outlet of the one-way element <NUM>, the second connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with the refrigerant inlet of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> through the first throttling device <NUM>, and the third connection port of the first valve <NUM> is in communication with the refrigerant inlet of the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> through the second throttling device <NUM>. The specific working modes will not be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the first heat exchanger <NUM> is a dual-channel heat exchanger. For example, the first heat exchanger <NUM> may be a plate heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger <NUM> includes a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The outlet of the compressor <NUM> is in communication with an inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant can release heat in the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> to increase the heat of the coolant in the coolant flow channel. The thermal management system includes a third loop. The third loop includes a third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and a sixth heat exchanger <NUM>. The third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and the sixth heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. The sixth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in an air-conditioning box of a vehicle, and the first heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle.

Referring to <FIG>, the third loop can exchange heat with the second loop or the first loop. In a specific embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first communication pipeline <NUM> and a second communication pipeline <NUM>. Each of the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM> includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first communication pipeline <NUM> is in communication with the second loop. The second end of the first communication pipeline <NUM> is in communication with the third loop. Similarly, the first end of the second communication pipeline <NUM> is in communication with the second loop. The second end of the second communication pipeline <NUM> is in communication with the third loop. The thermal management system can realize the exchange of the coolant of the second loop and the coolant of the third loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM>, or the coolant in the second loop can flow into the third loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> or the second communication pipeline <NUM>. In other words, the coolant in the third loop can flow into the second loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> or the second communication pipeline, and finally realize the heat exchange between the second loop and the third loop. Specifically, among the four ports of the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM>, at least one port is directly or indirectly communicated with the inlet of the third pump <NUM> or the second pump <NUM>. For example, the second end of the first communication pipeline <NUM> is communicated with the inlet of the third pump <NUM>. The second end of the first communication pipeline <NUM> is communicated with the second loop. Both ends of the second communication pipeline <NUM> are communicated with the second loop and the third loop. However, both ends of the second communication pipeline are not directly communicated with the third pump <NUM> or the second pump <NUM>. This facilitates the flow of coolant in the second loop and the third loop to each other.

The third loop includes a third branch. The third branch includes a third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and a sixth heat exchanger <NUM> communicated in series. In other words, the third branch is a discommunicated form of the third loop. The coolant system includes a third valve member <NUM>. The third valve member <NUM> includes a first connecting port <NUM>, a second connecting port <NUM> and a third connecting port <NUM>. The third valve member <NUM> can open or close a communication path between the first connecting port <NUM> and the third connecting port <NUM> or a communication path between the first connecting port <NUM> and the second connecting port <NUM>. The first connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> and the second connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> are in communication with both ends of the third branch. The third connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> is in communication with one end of the second communication pipeline <NUM>. The other end of the second communication pipeline <NUM> is in communication with one end of the second branch. Two ends of the first communication pipeline <NUM> communicate with the corresponding other ends of the second branch and the third branch. The thermal management system can control whether the second loop and the third loop perform coolant exchange through the third valve member <NUM>. For example, when the first connecting port <NUM> and the second connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> are communicated, and the first connecting port <NUM> and the third connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> are not communicated, the coolant in the third loop flows in the third loop. In a circulation mode of the thermal management system, that is, when the third loop and the second loop need heat exchange, for example, when using the heat generated by the first heat exchanger <NUM> to increase the heat of the battery and other heat-generating device, or using the heat of the battery and other heat-generating device to heat the passenger compartment, the first connecting port <NUM> and the second connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> are controlled not to be communicated, the first connecting port <NUM> of the third valve member <NUM> is controlled to be communicated with the third connecting port <NUM>, the second loop and the third loop exchange the coolant, and finally realize the heat exchange between the second loop and the third loop. That is, the heat of the second loop is released in the third loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM> so as to increase the temperature of the passenger compartment. Alternatively, the heat of the third loop is released in the second loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM> so as to increase the temperature of the device such as the battery. In other embodiments, the third valve member <NUM> may only include two connecting ports, for example, the third valve member <NUM> includes a first connecting port and a second connecting port. The third valve member <NUM> can open or close a communication path between the first connecting port of the third valve member <NUM> and the second connecting port of the third valve member <NUM>. The first connecting port of the third valve member <NUM> is in communication with the first communication pipeline <NUM>. The second connecting port of the third valve member <NUM> is in communication with one end of the second branch or one end of the third branch. The second loop is controlled by the thermal management system to communicate with the third loop through the third valve member <NUM>. Of course, the third valve member <NUM> may also be communicated with the second communication pipeline <NUM>, which will not be described in detail. Of course, the coolant system may also include a fourth valve member. The communication mode of the fourth valve member is the same as the communication mode of the third valve member, which will not be described in detail. By providing the third valve member <NUM> and/or the fourth valve member, the thermal management system can further control the second loop and the third loop to exchange coolant, so as to save the energy of the thermal management system.

Referring to <FIG>, the coolant system includes a third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> defines a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the third loop. The second flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the second loop. The coolant of the second loop and the coolant of the third loop can exchange heat in the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. Compared with the above-mentioned embodiments, the second loop and the third loop only exchange heat and do not exchange coolant. Since the second loop is provided with the second pump <NUM> and the third loop is provided with the third pump <NUM>, when the second loop and the third loop need heat exchange, the third pump <NUM> and the second pump <NUM> are turned on. In other words, the thermal management system can control whether the second loop and the third loop exchange heat by controlling the third pump <NUM> and the second pump <NUM>. Further, referring to <FIG>, the coolant system further includes a bypass pipeline <NUM> and a fifth valve member <NUM>. The bypass pipeline <NUM> and the fifth valve member <NUM> are disposed in the third loop. The bypass pipeline <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. By controlling the fifth valve member <NUM>, the bypass pipeline <NUM> bypasses the first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. Of course, the bypass pipeline <NUM> and the fifth valve member <NUM> can also be disposed in the second loop. The bypass pipeline <NUM> can bypass the second flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, which will not be described in detail. By providing the bypass pipeline <NUM> and the fifth valve member <NUM>, the second loop and the third loop of the thermal management system can operate independently and simultaneously when the second loop and the third loop do not exchange heat, which is convenient for control.

Referring to <FIG>, compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system includes the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, but does not include the second dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the first loop. In other words, the first loop includes the third heat exchanger <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. In other embodiments, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> may also be communicated in series with the first pump <NUM> after being communicated in parallel.

Referring to <FIG>, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series or in parallel, then communicated with the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> in parallel, and then communicated with the first pump <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger in series. The second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are disposed in the same loop, so that the thermal management system has the advantage of being relatively simple.

Referring to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the first branch. Of course, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can also be disposed in the second branch, or both the first branch and the second branch are provided with the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. Compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the coolant system includes a second valve member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second valve member <NUM> is a three-way valve. A first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with a second mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> or a third mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM>. The first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with a port of the second branch. The second mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The other port of the second branch and the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be in communication with the third mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM>. When the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is communicated with the third mating port <NUM>, and the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the second mating port <NUM>, the second valve member <NUM> and the second branch form a second loop, and the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is not communicated with the second loop. When the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the third mating port <NUM>, and the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is communicated with the second mating port <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first branch. That is, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the second pump <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. In other embodiments, the second valve member <NUM> may also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow regulating valves, which will not be described in detail. When the thermal management system is working, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be communicated with the first branch or the second branch. It should be explained that "the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be communicated with the first branch or the second branch" mentioned here refers to the coolant in the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can flow into and out of the first branch or the second branch. In other words, the coolant of the first branch or the second branch can flow into and out of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>.

The coolant system includes a first valve member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first valve member <NUM> is a three-way valve. The first valve member <NUM> has three connection ports. A first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> can be in communication with a second connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> or a third connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM>. The first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with one port of the first branch. The second connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> and the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be in communication with the other port of the first branch. When the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with the third connection port <NUM>, and the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the second connection port <NUM>, the first valve member <NUM> and the first branch form a first loop, and the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is not communicated with the first loop. When the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the third connection port <NUM>, and the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is communicated with the second connection port <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first branch. That is, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the first pump <NUM>, and the second heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. At this time, the heat of the coolant in the first branch can be released to the refrigerant system through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first valve member <NUM> may also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow regulating valves, which will not be described in detail. At this time, by controlling the first valve member <NUM> and the second valve member <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be communicated with the first loop, or the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is communicated with the second loop. Taking the first branch and the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> as an example, the heat-generating device such as the motor exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger <NUM>, and the coolant in the second heat exchanger <NUM> absorbs the heat of the heat-generating device such as the motor. The refrigerant flowing through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> obtains the heat absorbed by the second heat exchanger <NUM> from heat-generating device such as the motor through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, and is released to the air-conditioning box through the eighth heat exchanger <NUM>. At this time, there are two heat sources for the thermal management system, which are the air outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle and the heat-generating device such as the motor. When the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is also disposed in the first loop, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can absorb heat from the environment air, which is equivalent to increasing the heat exchange area of the seventh heat exchanger. As a result, it is beneficial to improve the heat exchange performance. Similarly, the heat absorbed by the second heat exchanger <NUM> from the heat-generating device such as the motor can also be released through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> to reduce the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor.

The refrigerant suitable for the refrigerant system can be a conventional refrigerant, such as R134a, or a refrigerant with a supercritical state, such as CO<NUM>. If the refrigerant system uses CO<NUM> as the refrigerant, the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> may be a dual-channel heat exchanger. At this time, the eighth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside the air-conditioning box. In this way, the refrigerant system is all disposed outside the air-conditioning box, which is helpful to prevent the health of passengers from being harmed when CO<NUM> escapes. Due to the high working pressure of CO<NUM>, the refrigerant system components working under high pressure are located outside the air-conditioning box, which is also helpful to prevent damage to passengers due to accidental explosion of the components.

Referring to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the refrigerant system includes a compressor <NUM> and a first throttling device <NUM>. The first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> of the thermal management system has a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flowing through the coolant flow channel can exchange heat in the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. An inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first throttling device <NUM>. An outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> or is in communication with the inlet of the compressor <NUM> via a gas-liquid separator <NUM>. The coolant system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop and the second loop can operate independently of each other. The first loop includes a second heat exchanger <NUM> and a first pump <NUM>. The second heat exchanger <NUM> and the first pump <NUM> are in communication in series so as to form a first loop. The first pump <NUM> can drive the coolant to flow in the first loop. The second heat exchanger <NUM> can be used to adjust the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a motor. The heat-generating device such as the motor can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the second heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor. The second loop includes a third heat exchanger <NUM> and a second pump <NUM>. The third heat exchanger <NUM> and the second pump <NUM> are in communication in series so as to form a second loop. The second pump <NUM> can drive the coolant to flow in the second loop. The third heat exchanger <NUM> can be used to adjust the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a battery. The heat-generating device such as the battery can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the third heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the battery.

Specifically, the first loop includes a first branch. The first branch includes the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the first pump <NUM>. The second heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first pump <NUM>. The first branch has two ports. The two ports of the first branch are an inlet of the first branch and an outlet of the first branch, respectively. The two ports of the first branch can be openings of a device or openings of a pipeline. The coolant system includes a first valve member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first valve member <NUM> is a three-way valve. The first valve member <NUM> has three connection ports. A first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> can be in communication with a second connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> or a third connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM>. The first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with one port of the first branch. The second connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> and the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be in communication with the other port of the first branch. When the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with the third connection port <NUM>, and the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the second connection port <NUM>, the first valve member <NUM> and the first branch form a first loop, and the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is not communicated with the first loop. When the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the third connection port <NUM>, and the first connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is communicated with the second connection port <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first branch. That is, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the first pump <NUM>, and the second heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. At this time, the heat of the coolant in the first branch can be released to the refrigerant system through the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first valve member <NUM> may also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow regulating valves, which will not be described in detail.

The second loop includes a second branch. The second branch includes a third heat exchanger <NUM> and a second pump <NUM>. The second branch has two ports. The two ports of the second branch are an inlet of the coolant into the second branch and an outlet of the second branch, respectively. The two ports of the second branch can be openings of a device or openings of a pipeline. The coolant system includes a second valve member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second valve member <NUM> is a three-way valve. A first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with a second mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> or a third mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM>. The first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with one port of the second branch. The second mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> can be in communication with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The other port of the second branch and the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> can be in communication with the third mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM>. When the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is communicated with the third mating port <NUM>, and the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the second mating port <NUM>, the second valve member <NUM> and the second branch form a second loop, and the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is not communicated with the second loop. When the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is not communicated with the third mating port <NUM>, and the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is communicated with the second mating port <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first branch. That is, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the second pump <NUM> and the third heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. In other embodiments, the second valve member <NUM> may also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow regulating valves, which will not be described in detail.

The coolant system also includes a fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. In a technical solution of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the first branch. In other words, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the first branch. The fourth heat exchanger <NUM> may be an air-cooled heat exchanger, such as a microchannel heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger <NUM>, the first pump <NUM> and the second heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. In the thermal management system for the vehicle, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle, and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can exchange heat with the environment air. Specifically, when the temperature of the heat-generating device such as the motor is high and needs to be dissipated, the coolant in the first loop only circulates in the first loop, and the heat of the heat-generating device such as the motor is released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. At this time, it is not necessary to turn on the compressor <NUM> to realize the temperature control of the heat-generating device such as the motor, which can save energy. In other embodiments, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> may also be disposed in parallel with the second heat exchanger <NUM> and then communicate with the first pump <NUM> in series. In other words, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> is in serial communication with the first pump <NUM>, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the first pump <NUM> are also communicated in series, and the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed in parallel. In other technical solutions of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> may be disposed in the second branch. Of course, the coolant system may also include two fourth heat exchangers <NUM>, one of which is disposed in the first branch, and the other of which is disposed in the second branch. In the direction of gravity, the height of the two ports of the first branch is higher than that of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The height of the two ports of the second branch is higher than the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. As a result, it can reduce the flow of the higher-temperature coolant to the lower-temperature coolant, reduce heat exchange and reduce heat loss.

The first heat exchanger <NUM> is a dual-channel heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger <NUM> includes a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> exchanges heat with the coolant flow channel. The coolant system further includes a third loop which can exchange heat with the second loop or the first loop. The third loop includes a third branch. The third branch includes a third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and a sixth heat exchanger <NUM> communicated in series. The coolant system includes a third valve member <NUM>. The thermal management system can control whether the second loop and the third loop perform coolant exchange through the third valve member <NUM>. In the circulation mode of the thermal management system, that is, when the third loop and the second loop need to exchange heat, for example, when using the heat generated by the first heat exchanger <NUM> to increase the heat of the heat-generating device such as the battery, or using the heat of the heat-generating device such as the battery to heat up the passenger compartment, the third valve member is controlled to exchange the coolant in the second loop and the third loop, and finally the heat exchange between the second loop and the third loop is realized. The heat of the second loop is released in the third loop so as to increase the temperature of the passenger compartment. The first heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside the air-conditioning box. The sixth heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The sixth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the air-conditioning box, so that the sixth heat exchanger <NUM> can adjust the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. Specifically, the seventh heat exchanger <NUM> and the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> are provided in a front-end module of the vehicle.

Referring to <FIG>, the coolant system can also be provided with only one pump <NUM>. An outlet of the pump <NUM> is in communication with a port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The second connection port <NUM> of the first valve member <NUM> is in communication with the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> through the outlet of the pump <NUM>. Compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system can save one pump and relatively reduce the cost.

Referring to <FIG>, the first heat exchanger <NUM> is a dual-channel heat exchanger. For example, the first heat exchanger <NUM> may be a plate heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger <NUM> includes a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The outlet of the compressor <NUM> is in communication with the inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant can release heat in the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> to increase the heat of the coolant in the coolant flow channel. The thermal management system includes a third loop. The third loop includes a third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and a sixth heat exchanger <NUM>. The third pump <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger <NUM> and the sixth heat exchanger <NUM> are in communication in series. The sixth heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed in the air-conditioning box of the vehicle, and the first heat exchanger <NUM> is disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. The third loop can exchange heat with the second loop or the first loop. In a specific embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first communication pipeline <NUM> and a second communication pipeline <NUM>. The thermal management system can realize the exchange of the coolant of the second loop and the coolant of the third loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> and the second communication pipeline <NUM>. In other words, the coolant in the second loop can flow into the third loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> or the second communication pipeline <NUM>, or the coolant in the third loop can flow into the second loop through the first communication pipeline <NUM> or the second communication pipeline, and finally realize the heat exchange between the second loop and the third loop.

Referring to <FIG>, the coolant system includes a third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> defines a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the third loop. The second flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is a part of the second loop. The coolant of the second loop and the coolant of the third loop can exchange heat in the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. Compared with the above-mentioned embodiments, the second loop and the third loop only exchange heat and do not exchange coolant.

Further, referring to <FIG>, the coolant system also includes a bypass pipeline <NUM>. The bypass pipeline <NUM> is provided in the third loop. The bypass pipeline <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The bypass pipeline <NUM> can bypass the first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. Of course, in order to control whether the bypass pipeline <NUM> bypasses the first flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, the thermal management system is also provided with a corresponding fifth valve member <NUM>. Of course, the bypass pipeline <NUM> can also be disposed in the second loop, and the bypass pipeline <NUM> can bypass the second flow channel of the third dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>, which will not be described in detail. The thermal management system is provided with a bypass pipeline <NUM>. By providing the bypass pipeline <NUM>, the second loop and the third loop of the thermal management system can operate independently and simultaneously without heat exchange, which is convenient for control.

Referring to <FIG>, compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the coolant system only includes one valve member, such as a second valve member <NUM>. The second valve member <NUM> is a three-way valve. The first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is in communication with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. The second mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> and the third mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> are communicated with one end of the first branch and one end of the second branch, respectively. The other end of the first branch and the other end of the second branch are in communication with the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM>. When the first mating port <NUM> of the second valve member <NUM> is in communication with the second mating port <NUM> or the third mating port <NUM>, the coolant flow channel of the first dual-channel heat exchanger <NUM> is in communication with the first branch or the second branch. The heat of the air around the fourth heat exchanger <NUM> can be pumped to the refrigerant system through the first heat exchanger. The heat of the motor or the battery can be released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger. Compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system is relatively simple.

Referring to <FIG>, compared with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system includes a first shut-off valve <NUM>. A first port of the first shut-off valve <NUM> is in communication with one port of the first branch. A second port of the first shut-off valve <NUM> is in communication with the other port of the first branch. The thermal management system includes a second shut-off valve <NUM>. A first port of the second shut-off valve <NUM> is in communication with one port of the second branch. A second port of the second shut-off valve <NUM> is in communication with the other port of the second branch. When the thermal management system is working, the first shut-off valve is opened, and the first branch can form a first loop through the first shut-off valve <NUM>. The coolant in the first loop flows under the driving of the first pump <NUM>, and the heat of the heat-generating device such as the motor can be released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. Similarly, when the thermal management system is working, the second shut-off valve is opened, and the second branch can form a second loop through the second shut-off valve <NUM>. The coolant in the second loop flows under the driving of the second pump <NUM>. The heat of the heat-generating device, such as the battery, can be released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger <NUM>. By providing the first shut-off valve <NUM> and the second shut-off valve <NUM> in the coolant system, the first loop and the second loop can be operated independently at the same time or only one of them can be operated. Of course, the coolant system can also be provided with only one shut-off valve, such as the first shut-off valve or the second shut-off valve.

Claim 1:
A thermal management system, comprising a refrigerant system and a coolant system, a refrigerant of the refrigerant system and a coolant of the coolant system being isolated from each other; the refrigerant system comprising a compressor (<NUM>), a first heat exchanger (<NUM>) and a throttling element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), an outlet of the compressor (<NUM>) being capable of communicating with a refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger (<NUM>); the thermal management system further comprising a dual-channel heat exchanger (<NUM>, <NUM>), the dual-channel heat exchanger defining a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel, the throttling element being capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor (<NUM>) through the refrigerant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger;
the coolant system comprising a second heat exchanger (<NUM>) and a third heat exchanger (<NUM>), the coolant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger, a pump (<NUM>) and a fourth heat exchanger (<NUM>), the fourth heat exchanger (<NUM>) being disposed outside an air-conditioning box of a vehicle;
characterized in that, in a heating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor (<NUM>) is in communication with the throttling element through the first heat exchanger (<NUM>), the pump (<NUM>) is turned on and the throttling element is opened, and the coolant flow channel of the dual-channel heat exchanger is in communication with the fourth heat exchanger (<NUM>) and the pump (<NUM>); and
wherein in a first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the pump (<NUM>) is turned on, at least one of the second heat exchanger (<NUM>) and the third heat exchanger (<NUM>) is in series communication with the pump (<NUM>) and the fourth heat exchanger (<NUM>), and the fourth heat exchanger (<NUM>) is disposed upstream of the second heat exchanger (<NUM>).