JP7738538B2

JP7738538B2 - Automotive battery temperature control device

Info

Publication number: JP7738538B2
Application number: JP2022176451A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 恵三岩間
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-02
Filing date: 2022-11-02
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2042-11-02
Also published as: JP2024066770A

Description

本発明は、自動車に搭載されたバッテリの温度を制御する自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a battery temperature control device for an automobile that controls the temperature of a battery installed in the automobile.

自動車に搭載されるバッテリは、一般に、バッテリ温度が適温範囲よりも低いと、効率が大きく低下する一方、バッテリ温度が適温範囲よりも高いと、劣化が進行しやすいという特性を有する。このため、バッテリを適宜、暖機又は冷却することによって、バッテリ温度を適温範囲に制御することが好ましい。電気自動車の場合には、モータ駆動用の大型のバッテリを含む、多くのバッテリが搭載されるため、バッテリ温度の制御が特に必要である。 Batteries installed in automobiles generally have the characteristic that their efficiency drops significantly when their battery temperature is lower than the optimum temperature range, while they are prone to deterioration when their battery temperature is higher than the optimum temperature range. For this reason, it is preferable to control the battery temperature within the optimum temperature range by appropriately warming or cooling the battery. In the case of electric vehicles, which are equipped with many batteries, including a large battery for driving the motor, battery temperature control is particularly necessary.

車両用のエンジンを対象として暖機や廃熱回収を行うように構成された熱サイクルシステムとして、例えば特許文献１に開示されたものが従来、知られている。このシステムは、エンジンを冷却／暖機するための冷却水が循環する冷却回路と、冷却回路の冷却水との間で熱の授受を行うための有機媒体が循環するランキンサイクル回路を備える。冷却回路において、冷却水は、蒸発器、エンジン、エンジンの排気との熱交換器、及び蒸発器を順に通って流れる。一方、ランキンサイクル回路は、その一方向に、前記蒸発器、膨張機及び凝縮器を順に有する。 A known example of a heat cycle system designed to warm up and recover waste heat from a vehicle engine is the one disclosed in Patent Document 1. This system includes a cooling circuit through which coolant circulates to cool and warm up the engine, and a Rankine cycle circuit through which an organic medium circulates to exchange heat with the coolant in the cooling circuit. In the cooling circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through an evaporator, engine, a heat exchanger with the engine's exhaust, and another evaporator. Meanwhile, the Rankine cycle circuit has the evaporator, expander, and condenser in that order in one direction.

この熱サイクルシステムにおいて、エンジンを暖機する暖機モードでは、有機媒体を凝縮器、膨張機、及び蒸発器の順で循環させるとともに、膨張機にエネルギを供給し、圧縮機として作動させることにより、有機媒体を圧縮・昇温した後、蒸発器に供給する。これにより、冷却回路の冷却水が、蒸発器における有機媒体との熱交換、凝縮器における外気との熱交換、及び熱交換器における排気との熱交換によって加熱されることによって、エンジンが暖機される。一方、暖機後にエンジンから廃熱を回収する廃熱回収モードでは、有機媒体を蒸発器、膨張機、及び凝縮器の順で循環させる。これにより、蒸発器において主としてエンジンの廃熱で加熱された有機媒体が膨張機で減圧されるとともに、その際、有機媒体の熱エネルギが機械エネルギとして膨張機に回収される。 In this heat cycle system, in warm-up mode, which warms up the engine, the organic medium is circulated through the condenser, expander, and evaporator in that order, and energy is supplied to the expander, which operates as a compressor to compress and heat the organic medium before supplying it to the evaporator. This warms up the engine by heating the coolant in the cooling circuit through heat exchange with the organic medium in the evaporator, heat exchange with outside air in the condenser, and heat exchange with exhaust gas in the heat exchanger. Meanwhile, in waste heat recovery mode, which recovers waste heat from the engine after warm-up, the organic medium is circulated through the evaporator, expander, and condenser in that order. This allows the organic medium, which has been heated primarily by engine waste heat in the evaporator, to be decompressed in the expander, and the thermal energy of the organic medium is recovered as mechanical energy in the expander.

特開２０１９－８５８７６号公報JP 2019-85876 A

しかし、上述した従来の熱サイクルシステムを、エンジンに代えて自動車のバッテリの暖機や廃熱回収に用いた場合には、次のような問題がある。例えば、エンジンと比較して、バッテリの廃熱温度はかなり低く、熱エネルギが小さいため、膨張機を駆動するのに十分な圧力差を確保することが困難であり、廃熱回収を良好に行うことができない。また、極低温時に暖機を行う際、エンジンであれば、その始動時に発生する大きな熱量の廃熱を利用できるのに対し、バッテリの場合には、廃熱量が小さいため、暖機を良好に行うことができない。 However, when the above-mentioned conventional heat cycle system is used to warm up an automobile battery or recover waste heat instead of an engine, the following problems arise. For example, compared to an engine, the waste heat temperature of a battery is significantly lower and the thermal energy is small, making it difficult to ensure a pressure difference sufficient to drive the expander and preventing effective waste heat recovery. Furthermore, when warming up at extremely low temperatures, an engine can utilize the large amount of waste heat generated when it starts, whereas a battery cannot warm up effectively because the amount of waste heat is small.

本発明は、このような課題を解決するためになされたものであり、暖機や廃熱回収が行いにくい自動車のバッテリの温度を、バッテリの状態に応じて適切に制御することができる自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置を提供することを目的とする。そして、ひいては、エネルギ効率の向上に寄与するものである。 The present invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide an automobile battery temperature control device that can appropriately control the temperature of an automobile battery, which is difficult to warm up or recover waste heat from, according to the battery's condition. This will ultimately contribute to improving energy efficiency.

この目的を達成するために、請求項１に係る発明は、自動車に搭載されたバッテリ２の温度を制御する自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置であって、バッテリ２の温度を制御するための冷媒が循環する温度制御回路４と、冷媒よりも低沸点の作動媒体（有機媒体）が循環するとともに、作動媒体を選択的に圧縮／膨張させる圧縮／膨張機１２と、作動媒体と外気との間で熱交換を行う第１熱交換器１３と、作動媒体を膨張させ、減圧する膨張弁１４と、作動媒体と温度制御回路４の冷媒との間で熱交換を行う第２熱交換器３３を有するランキンサイクル回路５と、バッテリ２の状態に応じて圧縮／膨張機１２及び作動媒体の流れを制御することにより、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換を制御することによって、バッテリ２の温度を制御するバッテリ温度制御手段（実施形態における（以下、本項において同じ）ＥＣＵ６）と、を備えることを特徴とする。 To achieve this objective, the invention of claim 1 is a battery temperature control device for an automobile that controls the temperature of a battery 2 mounted on an automobile, characterized by comprising: a temperature control circuit 4 through which a refrigerant for controlling the temperature of the battery 2 circulates; a compressor/expander 12 through which a working medium (organic medium) with a lower boiling point than the refrigerant circulates and which selectively compresses and expands the working medium; a Rankine cycle circuit 5 having a first heat exchanger 13 that exchanges heat between the working medium and outside air; an expansion valve 14 that expands and decompresses the working medium; and a second heat exchanger 33 that exchanges heat between the working medium and the refrigerant of the temperature control circuit 4. Battery temperature control means (ECU 6 in the embodiment (hereinafter the same in this paragraph)) that controls the temperature of the battery 2 by controlling the flow of the compressor/expander 12 and the working medium in accordance with the state of the battery 2, thereby controlling the heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.

この構成によれば、バッテリの状態に応じて、ランキンサイクル回路における圧縮／膨張機及び作動媒体の流れを制御する。例えば、低温状態のバッテリを暖機する場合には、圧縮／膨張機を圧縮機として作動させるとともに、作動媒体を、膨張弁、第１熱交換器、圧縮／膨張機、及び第２熱交換器の順で、循環させる。これにより、作動媒体は、膨張弁で膨張・減圧され、第１熱交換器において外気で加熱され、圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温された後、第２熱交換器において温度制御回路の冷媒と熱交換される。それにより、冷媒が加熱され、バッテリが暖機される。 With this configuration, the compressor/expander and working medium flow in the Rankine cycle circuit are controlled according to the battery's condition. For example, when warming up a cold battery, the compressor/expander is operated as a compressor, and the working medium is circulated through the expansion valve, first heat exchanger, compressor/expander, and second heat exchanger in that order. As a result, the working medium is expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, heated by outside air in the first heat exchanger, compressed and heated by the compressor/expander, and then heat-exchanged with refrigerant from the temperature control circuit in the second heat exchanger. This heats the refrigerant and warms up the battery.

また、例えば、高温状態のバッテリを冷却する場合には、圧縮／膨張機を膨張機として作動させるとともに、作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機、第１熱交換器、及び第２熱交換器の順で、循環させる。これにより、作動媒体は、圧縮／膨張機で膨張・降温され、第１熱交換器において外気で冷却された後、第２熱交換器において冷媒と熱交換される。それにより冷媒が冷却され、バッテリが冷却される。 For example, when cooling a high-temperature battery, the compressor/expander is operated as an expander, and the working medium is circulated through the compressor/expander, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger in that order. As a result, the working medium is expanded and cooled in the compressor/expander, cooled by outside air in the first heat exchanger, and then heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. This cools the refrigerant, which in turn cools the battery.

以上のように、バッテリの状態に応じて、圧縮／膨張機及び作動媒体の流れを制御することにより、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換を制御することによって、バッテリの温度を適切に制御し、その暖機及び冷却を適切に行うことができる。 As described above, by controlling the flow of the compressor/expander and working medium according to the state of the battery and by controlling the heat exchange between the working medium and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, the battery temperature can be appropriately controlled, and the battery can be appropriately warmed and cooled.

請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、外気の温度ＴＥＸを検出する外気温度検出手段（外気温度センサ４１）と、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴを検出するバッテリ温度検出手段（バッテリ温度センサ４２）と、をさらに備え、バッテリ温度制御手段は、検出された外気温度ＴＥＸ及びバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴに応じて、バッテリ温度を制御すること（図３）を特徴とする。 The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that the automotive battery temperature control device described in claim 1 further includes an outside air temperature detection means (outside air temperature sensor 41) that detects the outside air temperature TEX and a battery temperature detection means (battery temperature sensor 42) that detects the battery temperature TBAT, and the battery temperature control means controls the battery temperature in accordance with the detected outside air temperature TEX and battery temperature TBAT (Figure 3).

この構成によれば、検出された外気温度及びバッテリ温度に応じて、バッテリ温度を制御する。これにより、実際の外気温度及びバッテリ温度を反映させながら、バッテリ温度を適切に制御することができる。 With this configuration, the battery temperature is controlled according to the detected outside air temperature and battery temperature. This allows the battery temperature to be appropriately controlled while reflecting the actual outside air temperature and battery temperature.

請求項３に係る発明は、請求項２に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが低く、かつバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが低いときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって蒸発させ、圧縮／膨張機１２による圧縮によって昇温した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を加熱することによって、バッテリ２を暖機する暖機制御手段(図４、図５（ａ）)を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device of claim 2, the battery temperature control means includes warm-up control means (Figs. 4 and 5(a)) that, when the outside air temperature TEX is low and the battery temperature TBAT is low, expands and decompresses the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 using the expansion valve 14, evaporates it through heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, compresses it using the compressor/expander 12 to raise its temperature, and then heats the refrigerant through heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, thereby warming up the battery 2.

この構成によれば、外気温度が低く、かつバッテリ温度が低いときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、膨張弁で膨張・減圧し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって蒸発させ、圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を加熱することによって、バッテリを暖機する。以上のように、外気温度が低く、バッテリ温度が低いときに、作動媒体を圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温した後、第２熱交換器において冷媒と熱交換させることにより、加熱された冷媒によってバッテリを効果的に暖機することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is low, the working fluid in the Rankine cycle circuit is expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, evaporated by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, compressed and heated by the compressor/expander, and then heated by heat exchange between the working fluid and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby warming the battery. As described above, when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is low, the working fluid is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander, and then heat exchanged with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, allowing the heated refrigerant to effectively warm up the battery.

請求項４に係る発明は、請求項２に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが高く、かつバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが高いときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機１２による圧縮によって昇温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を冷却することによって、バッテリ２を冷却する冷却制御手段(図４、図５（ｂ）)を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device of claim 2, the battery temperature control means includes cooling control means (Figs. 4 and 5(b)) that, when the outside air temperature TEX is high and the battery temperature TBAT is high, heats the working fluid circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 by compressing it with the compressor/expander 12, cools it by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expands and decompresses it with the expansion valve 14, and then cools the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working fluid and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, thereby cooling the battery 2.

この構成によれば、外気温度が高く、かつバッテリ温度が高いときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁で膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を冷却することによって、バッテリを冷却する。以上のように、外気温度が高く、バッテリ温度が高いときに、作動媒体を圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁で膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器において冷媒と熱交換させることによって、バッテリを効果的に冷却することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is high and the battery temperature is high, the working medium in the Rankine cycle circuit is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby cooling the battery. As described above, when the outside air temperature is high and the battery temperature is high, the working medium is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, and then heat exchanged with refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby effectively cooling the battery.

請求項５に係る発明は、請求項２に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、ランキンサイクル回路５は、膨張弁１４をバイパスするバイパス流路（第３流路１１ｃ）に設けられ、作動媒体を第１熱交換器１３側から第２熱交換器３３側に送出するためのポンプ（第１ポンプ１５）をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが低く、かつバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが高いときに、作動媒体の流路をバイパス流路側に切り替え、ポンプを作動させるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機における膨張によって減圧・降温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を冷却することによって、バッテリ２を冷却する冷却制御手段（図４、図５（ｃ））を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device of claim 2, the Rankine cycle circuit 5 further includes a pump (first pump 15) provided in a bypass flow path (third flow path 11c) that bypasses the expansion valve 14 and sends the working medium from the first heat exchanger 13 to the second heat exchanger 33, and the battery temperature control means switches the working medium flow path to the bypass flow path and operates the pump when the outside air temperature TEX is low and the battery temperature TBAT is high, and also includes cooling control means (Figures 4 and 5(c)) that reduces the pressure and lowers the temperature of the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 by expanding it in a compressor/expander, cools it by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, and then cools the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, thereby cooling the battery 2.

この構成によれば、外気温度が低く、かつバッテリ温度が高いときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、ポンプで送出しながら、圧縮／膨張機における膨張で減圧・降温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換により冷媒を冷却することによって、バッテリを冷却する。以上のように、外気温度が低く、バッテリ温度が高いときに、作動媒体を、第１熱交換器において外気で冷却し、圧縮／膨張機における膨張によってさらに降温させた後、第２熱交換器において冷媒と熱交換させることによって、バッテリを効果的に冷却することができる。また、圧縮／膨張機において減圧・降温された有機媒体の熱エネルギ（廃熱）を、機械エネルギとして圧縮／膨張機に有効に回収することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is high, the working medium is pumped through the Rankine cycle circuit, decompressed and cooled by expansion in the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby cooling the battery. As described above, when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is high, the working medium is cooled with outside air in the first heat exchanger, further cooled by expansion in the compressor/expander, and then heat exchanged with refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby effectively cooling the battery. Furthermore, the thermal energy (waste heat) of the organic medium decompressed and cooled in the compressor/expander can be effectively recovered as mechanical energy in the compressor/expander.

請求項６に係る発明は、請求項２に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、温度制御回路５２は、冷媒と空調装置用の空気との間で熱交換を行うための第３熱交換器５４を有し、空調装置の運転モードが、車室を暖房する暖房モード又は冷房する冷房モードのいずれであるかを判定する運転モード判定手段（ＥＣＵ６）をさらに備え、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸ及びバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴに加え、判定された空調装置の運転モードにさらに応じて、バッテリ温度を制御することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device described in claim 2, the temperature control circuit 52 has a third heat exchanger 54 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air for the air conditioning system, and further includes an operation mode determination means (ECU 6) for determining whether the operation mode of the air conditioning system is a heating mode for heating the passenger compartment or a cooling mode for cooling the passenger compartment, and the battery temperature control means controls the battery temperature in accordance with the determined operation mode of the air conditioning system in addition to the outside air temperature TEX and the battery temperature TBAT.

この構成では、温度制御回路は、冷媒と空調装置用の空気との間で熱交換を行うための第３熱交換器を有する。そして、バッテリ温度制御手段は、検出された外気温度及びバッテリ温度に加え、空調装置の運転モードに応じて、バッテリ温度を制御する。これにより、実際の外気温度及びバッテリ温度を反映させるとともに空調装置の運転モードに見合うように、バッテリ温度を適切に制御することができる。 In this configuration, the temperature control circuit has a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air for the air conditioning system. The battery temperature control means controls the battery temperature according to the detected outside air temperature and battery temperature, as well as the operating mode of the air conditioning system. This allows the battery temperature to be appropriately controlled to reflect the actual outside air temperature and battery temperature and to match the operating mode of the air conditioning system.

請求項７に係る発明は、請求項６に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが低く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが暖房モードのときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって加熱し、圧縮／膨張機１２による圧縮によって昇温し、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって冷媒を加熱した後、第３熱交換器５４において、加熱された冷媒と空調装置用の空気との熱交換を行わせるとともに、冷媒によってバッテリ温度を制御する温度制御手段（図７、図８）を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device of claim 6, the battery temperature control means expands and decompresses the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 using the expansion valve 14 when the outside air temperature TEX is low and the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, heats it through heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, increases its temperature through compression using the compressor/expander 12, heats the refrigerant through heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, and then exchanges heat between the heated refrigerant and air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger 54, and includes temperature control means (Figures 7 and 8) that controls the battery temperature using the refrigerant.

この構成によれば、外気温度が低く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが暖房モードのときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、膨張弁で膨張・減圧し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって加熱し、圧縮／膨張機で圧縮・昇温した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒を加熱する。そして、第３熱交換器において、加熱された冷媒と空調装置用の空気との熱交換を行わせることによって、暖房モードにある空調装置用の空気を適切に加熱するとともに、冷媒によってバッテリ温度を適切に制御することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is low and the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the working medium in the Rankine cycle circuit is expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, heated by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, compressed and heated in the compressor/expander, and then heated by heat exchange between the working medium and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. Then, by exchanging heat between the heated refrigerant and air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger, the air for the air conditioner in heating mode can be appropriately heated and the battery temperature can be appropriately controlled by the refrigerant.

請求項８に係る発明は、請求項６に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、ランキンサイクル回路５は、膨張弁１４をバイパスするバイパス流路（第３流路１１ｃ）に設けられ、作動媒体を第１熱交換器１３側から第２熱交換器３３側に送出するためのポンプ（第１ポンプ１５）をさらに有し、温度制御回路５２は、第２熱交換器３３からの冷媒の流路を、バッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側のいずれか一方又は双方に切り替える流路切替弁（第１～第３切替弁５５～５７）をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが低く、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが高く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが車室の暖房又は冷房をいずれも行わない停止モードのときに、作動媒体の流路をバイパス流路側に切り替え、ポンプを作動させるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機における膨張によって減圧・降温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって冷媒を冷却するとともに、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒をバッテリ２にのみ流入させ、バッテリ２を冷却する冷却制御手段（図７、図９（ａ））を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 8 relates to the automotive battery temperature control device of claim 6, wherein the Rankine cycle circuit 5 further includes a pump (first pump 15) provided in a bypass flow path (third flow path 11c) that bypasses the expansion valve 14 and sends the working medium from the first heat exchanger 13 side to the second heat exchanger 33 side, and the temperature control circuit 52 further includes flow path switching valves (first to third switching valves 55 to 57) that switch the flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 33 to either the battery 2 side or the third heat exchanger 54 side, or both, and the battery temperature control means controls the temperature of the battery 2 when the outside air temperature TEX is low and the battery temperature TBAT is high. When the air conditioning system is in a stop mode in which neither heating nor cooling of the passenger compartment is performed, the flow path of the working medium is switched to the bypass flow path, the pump is operated, the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 is decompressed and cooled by expansion in the compressor/expander, and cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, and then the refrigerant is cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, and the flow path switching valve allows the cooled refrigerant to flow only into the battery 2, thereby cooling the battery 2 (Figures 7 and 9(a)).

この構成によれば、外気温度が低く、バッテリ温度が高く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが車室の暖房又は冷房をいずれも行わない停止モードのときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、ポンプで送出しながら、圧縮／膨張機における膨張で減圧・降温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒を冷却する。そして、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒を、停止モードにある第３熱交換器には流入させず、バッテリにのみ流入させることによって、バッテリを最大限、冷却することができる。また、圧縮／膨張機において減圧・降温された有機媒体の熱エネルギ（廃熱）を、機械エネルギとして圧縮／膨張機に有効に回収することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is low, the battery temperature is high, and the air conditioning system is in a stop mode that neither heats nor cools the passenger compartment, the working medium is pumped through the Rankine cycle circuit, while being decompressed and cooled by expansion in the compressor/expander. The working medium is then cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, and the refrigerant is then cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. The flow path switching valve then directs the cooled refrigerant only to the battery, rather than to the third heat exchanger, which is in stop mode, thereby maximizing battery cooling. Furthermore, the thermal energy (waste heat) of the organic medium decompressed and cooled in the compressor/expander can be effectively recovered as mechanical energy in the compressor/expander.

請求項９に係る発明は、請求項６に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、温度制御回路５２は、第２熱交換器３３からの冷媒の流路を、バッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側のいずれか一方又は双方に切り替える流路切替弁（第１～第３切替弁５５～５７）をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが高く、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが低く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機による圧縮によって昇温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって冷媒を冷却するとともに、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒を第３熱交換器５４及びバッテリ２に順に流入させることによって、第３熱交換器５４における空調装置用の空気との熱交換により、空調装置用の空気を冷却するとともに冷媒を加熱し、当該加熱された冷媒によってバッテリ２を暖機する暖機制御手段（図７、図９（ｂ））を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 9 relates to a battery temperature control device for an automobile as described in claim 6, wherein the temperature control circuit 52 further includes flow path switching valves (first to third switching valves 55 to 57) that switch the flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 33 to either the battery 2 side or the third heat exchanger 54 side, or both, and the battery temperature control means increases the temperature of the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 by compressing it with the compressor/expander when the outside air temperature TEX is high, the battery temperature TBAT is low, and the air conditioner is in cooling mode. The refrigerant is cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the second heat exchanger 13, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve 14, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. The flow path switching valve allows the cooled refrigerant to flow sequentially into the third heat exchanger 54 and the battery 2, and the air for the air conditioning system is cooled and the refrigerant is heated by heat exchange with the air for the air conditioning system in the third heat exchanger 54. The heated refrigerant then warms up the battery 2 (see Figures 7 and 9(b)).

この構成によれば、外気温度が高く、バッテリ温度が低く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機による圧縮で昇温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁で膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒を冷却する。そして、流路切替弁により、冷媒を第３熱交換器及びバッテリに順に流入させる。これにより、第３熱交換器における、冷却された冷媒と空調装置用の空気との熱交換によって、冷房モードにある空調装置用の空気を適切に冷却することができる。また、この熱交換で加熱された冷媒によって、バッテリを適切に暖機することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is low, and the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the working fluid in the Rankine cycle circuit is heated by compression using the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working fluid and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. The flow path switching valve then causes the refrigerant to flow sequentially into the third heat exchanger and the battery. This allows the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode to be appropriately cooled by heat exchange between the cooled refrigerant and the air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger. The refrigerant heated by this heat exchange can also be used to appropriately warm up the battery.

請求項１０に係る発明は、請求項６に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、温度制御回路５２は、第２熱交換器３３からの冷媒の流路を、バッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側のいずれか一方又は双方に切り替える流路切替弁（第１～第３切替弁５５～５７）をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが高く、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが高く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機１２による圧縮によって昇温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって冷媒を冷却するとともに、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒を第３熱交換器５４及びバッテリ２に並列に流入させることによって、第３熱交換器５４における冷媒との熱交換により空調装置用の空気を冷却するとともに、冷媒によってバッテリ２を冷却する冷却制御手段（図７、図１０（ａ））を有することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 10 relates to the automotive battery temperature control device according to claim 6, wherein the temperature control circuit 52 further includes flow path switching valves (first to third switching valves 55 to 57) that switch the flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 33 to either the battery 2 side or the third heat exchanger 54 side, or both, and the battery temperature control means controls the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 to be compressed by the compressor/expander 12 when the outside air temperature TEX is high, the battery temperature TBAT is high, and the operating mode of the air conditioner is in cooling mode. The system is characterized by having a cooling control means (FIGS. 7 and 10(a)) that raises the temperature of the refrigerant by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, cools it by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expands and decompresses it in the expansion valve 14, and then cools the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. The flow path switching valve allows the cooled refrigerant to flow in parallel into the third heat exchanger 54 and the battery 2, thereby cooling the air for the air conditioning system through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 54 and cooling the battery 2 with the refrigerant.

この構成によれば、外気温度が高く、バッテリ温度が高く、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機による圧縮で昇温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁で膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒を冷却する。そして、流路切替弁により、冷媒を第３熱交換器及びバッテリに並列に流入させる。これにより、第３熱交換器における、冷却された冷媒と空調装置用の空気との熱交換によって、冷房モードにある空調装置用の空気を適切に冷却することができる。また、冷却された冷媒をバッテリに直接、流入させることによって、バッテリを適切に冷却することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is high, and the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the working fluid in the Rankine cycle circuit is heated by compression using the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working fluid and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. The flow path switching valve then allows the refrigerant to flow in parallel into the third heat exchanger and the battery. This allows the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode to be appropriately cooled by heat exchange between the cooled refrigerant and the air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger. Furthermore, by flowing the cooled refrigerant directly into the battery, the battery can be appropriately cooled.

請求項１１に係る発明は、請求項６に記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、温度制御回路５２は、第２熱交換器３３からの冷媒の流路を、バッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側のいずれか一方又は双方に切り替える流路切替弁（第１～第３切替弁５５～５７）をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、外気温度ＴＥＸが高く、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが所定の適温範囲にあり、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときに、ランキンサイクル回路５を循環する作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機１２による圧縮によって昇温し、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁１４によって膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器３３における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって冷媒を冷却するとともに、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒を第３熱交換器５４にのみ流入させることによって、第３熱交換器５４における冷媒との熱交換により空調装置用の空気を冷却する冷却制御手段（図７、図１０（ｂ））を有することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 11 relates to a battery temperature control device for an automobile as described in claim 6, wherein the temperature control circuit 52 further includes flow path switching valves (first to third switching valves 55 to 57) that switch the flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 33 to either the battery 2 side or the third heat exchanger 54 side, or both, and the battery temperature control means operates to circulate the refrigerant through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 when the outside air temperature TEX is high, the battery temperature TBAT is within a predetermined optimum temperature range, and the operating mode of the air conditioner is the cooling mode. The medium is heated by compression using the compressor/expander 12, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve 14, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.The flow path switching valve allows the cooled refrigerant to flow only into the third heat exchanger 54, and the cooling control means (Figures 7 and 10(b)) cools the air for the air conditioning unit by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 54.

この構成によれば、外気温度が高く、バッテリ温度が所定の適温範囲にあり、かつ空調装置の運転モードが冷房モードのときには、ランキンサイクル回路において作動媒体を、圧縮／膨張機による圧縮で昇温し、第１熱交換器における外気との熱交換によって冷却し、膨張弁で膨張・減圧した後、第２熱交換器における作動媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒を冷却する。そして、流路切替弁により、冷却された冷媒を第３熱交換器にのみ流入させる。これにより、第３熱交換器における冷媒との熱交換によって、冷房モードにある空調装置用の空気を適切に冷却するとともに、バッテリへの冷媒の流入が阻止されるため、バッテリ温度を適温範囲に維持することができる。 With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is within a predetermined optimum temperature range, and the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the working fluid in the Rankine cycle circuit is heated by compression using the compressor/expander, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve, and then cooled by heat exchange between the working fluid and refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. The flow path switching valve then allows the cooled refrigerant to flow only into the third heat exchanger. As a result, heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger appropriately cools the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode, and refrigerant is prevented from flowing into the battery, maintaining the battery temperature within the optimum temperature range.

請求項１２に係る発明は、請求項１～１１のいずれかに記載の自動車のバッテリ温度制御装置において、温度制御回路４、５２は、バッテリ２の上流側に、冷媒を加熱するためのヒータ３をさらに有し、バッテリ温度制御手段は、さらにヒータ３を制御することによって、バッテリ２の温度を制御することを特徴とする。 The invention of claim 12 is characterized in that, in the automotive battery temperature control device described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the temperature control circuit 4, 52 further has a heater 3 upstream of the battery 2 for heating the refrigerant, and the battery temperature control means further controls the heater 3 to control the temperature of the battery 2.

この構成によれば、例えば外気温度が極低温状態のときに、ヒータを作動させることによって、バッテリの暖機をより迅速に行うことができる。 With this configuration, for example, when the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heater can be activated to warm up the battery more quickly.

本発明の第１実施形態によるバッテリ温度制御装置を模式的に示す図である。1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery temperature control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 図１のバッテリ温度制御装置の制御装置を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the battery temperature control device of FIG. 1 . 図２の制御装置で実行されるバッテリ温度制御処理を示すフローチャートである。3 is a flowchart showing a battery temperature control process executed by the control device of FIG. 2 . 図１のバッテリ温度制御装置の制御モードを示す表である。2 is a table showing control modes of the battery temperature control device of FIG. 1 . 図４のそれぞれの制御モードにおけるバッテリ温度制御装置の動作を示す図である。5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the battery temperature control device in each control mode of FIG. 4. 本発明の第２実施形態によるバッテリ温度制御装置を模式的に示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery temperature control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 図６のバッテリ温度制御装置の制御モードを示す表である。7 is a table showing control modes of the battery temperature control device of FIG. 6; 図７の制御モードのうちの３つの制御モードにおけるバッテリ温度制御装置の動作を示す図である。8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the battery temperature control device in three of the control modes of FIG. 7; 図７の制御モードのうちの、図８と異なる２つの制御モードにおけるバッテリ温度制御装置の動作を示す図である。9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the battery temperature control device in two control modes different from that in FIG. 8 among the control modes in FIG. 7 . 図７の制御モードのうちの、図８及び図９と異なる２つの制御モードにおけるバッテリ温度制御装置の動作を示す図である。8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the battery temperature control device in two control modes different from those in FIG. 7 .

以下、図面を参照しながら、本発明の好ましい実施形態を詳細に説明する。図１は、本発明の第１実施形態によるバッテリ温度制御装置を模式的に示す。同図に示すように、バッテリ温度制御装置１は、バッテリ２を動力源とする電気自動車（図示せず）に搭載されており、バッテリ効率や劣化抑制の観点から、バッテリ２を暖機又は冷却し、その温度を所定の適温範囲に制御するものである。なお、同図（ａ）（ｂ）の相違は、前者がバッテリ２を昇温するためのヒータ３を有するのに対し、後者ではヒータ３が省略されている点である。以下の説明は、ヒータ３を有する（ａ）の場合について行うものとする。 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a battery temperature control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the battery temperature control device 1 is installed in an electric vehicle (not shown) powered by a battery 2, and warms or cools the battery 2 and controls its temperature within a predetermined optimum temperature range from the standpoint of battery efficiency and suppression of deterioration. The difference between Figures (a) and (b) is that the former has a heater 3 for raising the temperature of the battery 2, while the latter does not have the heater 3. The following explanation will be given for the case (a) in which the heater 3 is included.

バッテリ温度制御装置１は、バッテリ２の温度を制御するための冷媒が循環する温度制御回路４と、作動媒体としての有機媒体が循環し、ランキンサイクルを構成するランキンサイクル回路５と、温度制御回路４及びランキンサイクル回路５を制御するＥＣＵ（電子制御ユニット）６（図２参照）を備える。冷媒は、例えばＡＴＦ(Automatic Transmission fluid)で構成され、有機媒体は、冷媒よりも沸点及び比熱が低いものが用いられる。 The battery temperature control device 1 includes a temperature control circuit 4 through which a refrigerant circulates to control the temperature of the battery 2, a Rankine cycle circuit 5 through which an organic medium circulates as a working medium, forming a Rankine cycle, and an ECU (electronic control unit) 6 (see Figure 2) that controls the temperature control circuit 4 and the Rankine cycle circuit 5. The refrigerant is, for example, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and the organic medium has a lower boiling point and specific heat than the refrigerant.

温度制御回路４は、冷媒が循環する環状の冷媒流路３１と、冷媒流路３１に沿って順に設けられた第２ポンプ３２、第２熱交換器３３、ヒータ３及びバッテリ２によって構成されている。第２ポンプ３２は、例えば電動ポンプで構成されており、冷媒流路３１において冷媒を上記の順序で、すなわち第２ポンプ３２から第２熱交換器３３→ヒータ３→バッテリ２を経て第２ポンプ３２に戻る順序で循環させる（図１の矢印方向）。第２ポンプ３２の動作は、ＥＣＵ６によって制御される。 The temperature control circuit 4 is composed of a circular refrigerant flow path 31 through which the refrigerant circulates, and a second pump 32, a second heat exchanger 33, a heater 3, and a battery 2, which are arranged in this order along the refrigerant flow path 31. The second pump 32 is, for example, an electric pump, and circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 31 in the above order, i.e., from the second pump 32 to the second heat exchanger 33, the heater 3, the battery 2, and then back to the second pump 32 (in the direction of the arrows in Figure 1). The operation of the second pump 32 is controlled by the ECU 6.

第２熱交換器３３には、ランキンサイクル回路５の後述する有機媒体流路１１が通されており、第２熱交換器３３は、ランキンサイクル回路５を流れる有機媒体と温度制御回路４を流れる冷媒との間で、熱交換を行う。したがって、冷媒の温度が有機媒体の温度に対して相対的に低いときには、冷媒が加熱されると同時に有機媒体が冷却され、逆に冷媒の温度が有機媒体の温度に対して高いときには、冷媒が冷却されると同時に有機媒体が加熱される。 The second heat exchanger 33 is connected to the organic medium flow path 11 (described later) of the Rankine cycle circuit 5, and exchanges heat between the organic medium flowing through the Rankine cycle circuit 5 and the refrigerant flowing through the temperature control circuit 4. Therefore, when the temperature of the refrigerant is relatively low compared to the temperature of the organic medium, the refrigerant is heated and the organic medium is cooled at the same time. Conversely, when the temperature of the refrigerant is high compared to the temperature of the organic medium, the refrigerant is cooled and the organic medium is heated at the same time.

ヒータ３は、例えば電気ヒータで構成されており、例えば極低温時に一時的に作動し、冷媒を加熱することによって、バッテリ２の暖機をアシストする。ヒータ３の動作はＥＣＵ６によって制御される。 The heater 3 is, for example, an electric heater, and temporarily operates at extremely low temperatures, for example, to heat the refrigerant and thereby assist in warming up the battery 2. The operation of the heater 3 is controlled by the ECU 6.

ランキンサイクル回路５は、有機媒体が循環する環状の有機媒体流路１１と、有機媒体流路１１に沿って順に設けられた前記第２熱交換器３３、圧縮／膨張機１２及び第１熱交換器１３を有する。また、有機媒体流路１１の第１熱交換器１３と第２熱交換器３３との間は、互いに並列に接続された第１～第３流路１１ａ～１１ｃで構成されている。第１～第３流路１１ａ～１１ｃにはそれぞれ、第１膨張弁１４ａ、第２膨張弁１４ｂ（総称するときには「膨張弁１４」という）及び第１ポンプ１５が設けられている。第１及び第２膨張弁１４ａ、１４ｂと第１ポンプ１５の動作は、ＥＣＵ６によって制御される。 The Rankine cycle circuit 5 includes an annular organic medium flow path 11 through which the organic medium circulates, and the second heat exchanger 33, compressor/expander 12, and first heat exchanger 13, which are arranged in this order along the organic medium flow path 11. The organic medium flow path 11 is also configured with first to third flow paths 11a to 11c connected in parallel between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 33. Each of the first to third flow paths 11a to 11c is provided with a first expansion valve 14a, a second expansion valve 14b (collectively referred to as "expansion valves 14"), and a first pump 15. The operation of the first and second expansion valves 14a, 14b, and the first pump 15 is controlled by the ECU 6.

圧縮／膨張機１２は、モータジェネレータ１７及びバッテリ（図示せず）に接続されており、選択的に圧縮機又は膨張機として作動する。具体的には、圧縮／膨張機１２は、モータジェネレータ１７に電力が供給されることで回転駆動されたときに、圧縮機として機能する。その正回転時には、有機媒体は図１の時計方向（以下「順方向」という）に流れ、第２熱交換器３３側からの有機媒体を圧縮・昇温した後、第１熱交換器１３側に送出する（図５（ｂ）参照）。一方、圧縮／膨張機１２の逆回転時には、有機媒体は図１の反時計方向（以下「逆方向」という）に流れ、第１熱交換器１３側からの有機媒体を圧縮・加熱した後、第２熱交換器３３側に送出する（図５（ａ）参照）。 The compressor/expander 12 is connected to the motor-generator 17 and a battery (not shown) and selectively operates as a compressor or an expander. Specifically, the compressor/expander 12 functions as a compressor when driven to rotate by power supplied to the motor-generator 17. During forward rotation, the organic medium flows in the clockwise direction (hereinafter referred to as the "forward direction") in FIG. 1, compressing and heating the organic medium from the second heat exchanger 33 before sending it to the first heat exchanger 13 (see FIG. 5(b)). On the other hand, during reverse rotation of the compressor/expander 12, the organic medium flows in the counterclockwise direction (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse direction") in FIG. 1, compressing and heating the organic medium from the first heat exchanger 13 before sending it to the second heat exchanger 33 (see FIG. 5(a)).

また、圧縮／膨張機１２は、モータジェネレータ１７への電力の供給が停止され、第１ポンプ１５が作動した状態では、膨張機として機能し、第２熱交換器３３側から順方向に流れる有機媒体を膨張させることによって減圧・降温した後、第１熱交換器１３側に供給する（図５（ｃ）参照）。その際、有機媒体の熱エネルギが圧縮／膨張機１２の機械エネルギに変換され、さらにこの機械エネルギによりモータジェネレータ１７で発電が行われることで、電気エネルギとして回生され、バッテリに充電される。 Furthermore, when the supply of power to the motor-generator 17 is stopped and the first pump 15 is operating, the compressor/expander 12 functions as an expander, reducing the pressure and temperature of the organic medium flowing forward from the second heat exchanger 33 by expanding it, and then supplying it to the first heat exchanger 13 (see Figure 5(c)). At this time, the thermal energy of the organic medium is converted into mechanical energy by the compressor/expander 12, and this mechanical energy is then used to generate electricity in the motor-generator 17, which is then regenerated as electrical energy and charged into the battery.

第１及び第２膨張弁１４ａ、１４ｂは、有機媒体の互いに異なる一方向のみの流れを許容する絞り弁で構成されている。具体的には、第１膨張弁１４ａは、第２熱交換器３３側から第１熱交換器１３側への有機媒体の逆方向の流れのみを許容するとともに、その開度に応じて有機媒体を膨張・減圧した後、第１熱交換器１３側に供給する。これとは逆に、第２膨張弁１４ｂは、第１熱交換器１３側から第２熱交換器３３側への有機媒体の順方向の流れのみを許容し、その開度に応じて有機媒体を減圧した後、第２熱交換器３３側に供給する。第１及び第２膨張弁１４ａ、１４ｂの開度は、ＥＣＵ６からの制御信号によって全閉開度から全開開度までの任意の開度に制御される。 The first and second expansion valves 14a and 14b are configured as throttle valves that allow the organic medium to flow in only one direction. Specifically, the first expansion valve 14a only allows the organic medium to flow in the reverse direction from the second heat exchanger 33 side to the first heat exchanger 13 side, and expands and depressurizes the organic medium according to its opening before supplying it to the first heat exchanger 13 side. Conversely, the second expansion valve 14b only allows the organic medium to flow in the forward direction from the first heat exchanger 13 side to the second heat exchanger 33 side, and depressurizes the organic medium according to its opening before supplying it to the second heat exchanger 33 side. The openings of the first and second expansion valves 14a and 14b are controlled by control signals from the ECU 6 to any opening from fully closed to fully open.

第１ポンプ１５は、ＥＣＵ６による制御の下、有機媒体を第１熱交換器１３側から第２熱交換器３３側に順方向に送出する。 Under the control of the ECU 6, the first pump 15 pumps the organic medium in the forward direction from the first heat exchanger 13 side to the second heat exchanger 33 side.

図２に示すように、ＥＣＵ６には、外気温度センサ４１から外気温度ＴＥＸを表す検出信号が入力され、バッテリ温度センサ４２からバッテリの温度ＴＢＡＴを表す検出信号が入力される。 As shown in Figure 2, the ECU 6 receives a detection signal representing the outside air temperature TEX from the outside air temperature sensor 41, and a detection signal representing the battery temperature TBAT from the battery temperature sensor 42.

ＥＣＵ６は、ＣＰＵ、ＲＡＭ、ＲＯＭ及びＩ／Ｏインターフェース（いずれも図示せず）などから成るマイクロコンピュータで構成されている。ＥＣＵ６は、上記温度センサ４１、４２で検出された外気温度ＴＥＸ及びバッテリの温度ＴＢＡＴなどに応じて、バッテリ温度制御装置１の制御モードを決定するとともに、決定した制御モードに従って、上述した各種のデバイスを制御し、バッテリ温度を制御する。 The ECU 6 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, and I/O interface (none of which are shown). The ECU 6 determines the control mode of the battery temperature control device 1 based on the outside air temperature TEX and battery temperature TBAT detected by the temperature sensors 41 and 42, and controls the various devices mentioned above in accordance with the determined control mode to control the battery temperature.

図３は、このバッテリ温度制御処理を示す。本処理は、例えば所定の周期で繰り返し実行される。まず、ステップ１（「Ｓ１」と図示。以下同じ）では、外気温度の状態を判定する。この判定では、例えば、検出された外気温度ＴＥＸが、極低温状態のしきい値に相当する第１所定温度よりも低いときに、外気温度が「極低い」状態と判定され、第１所定温度以上で、低温状態のしきい値に相当する第２所定温度以下のときに、外気温度が「低い」状態と判定され、第２所定温度よりも高いときに、外気温度が「高い」状態と判定される。 Figure 3 shows this battery temperature control process. This process is executed repeatedly, for example, at a predetermined cycle. First, in step 1 (shown as "S1"; the same applies below), the state of the outside air temperature is determined. In this determination, for example, when the detected outside air temperature TEX is lower than a first predetermined temperature corresponding to the threshold for an extremely low temperature state, the outside air temperature is determined to be in an "extremely low" state; when it is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature and equal to or lower than a second predetermined temperature corresponding to the threshold for a low temperature state, the outside air temperature is determined to be in a "low" state; and when it is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the outside air temperature is determined to be in a "high" state.

次に、ステップ２において、バッテリ２の暖機／冷却モードを判定する。この判定では、例えば、検出されたバッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが、バッテリ２の所定の適温範囲（例えば３５～４０℃）よりも低いときに、バッテリ２を暖機する暖機モードが選択され、適温範囲よりも高いときに、バッテリ２を冷却する冷却モードが選択され、適温範囲にあるときに、バッテリ２を暖機も冷却もしない中立モードが選択される。 Next, in step 2, the warm-up/cooling mode for battery 2 is determined. In this determination, for example, if the detected battery temperature TBAT is lower than a predetermined optimum temperature range for battery 2 (e.g., 35-40°C), a warm-up mode that warms up battery 2 is selected; if it is higher than the optimum temperature range, a cooling mode that cools battery 2 is selected; and if it is within the optimum temperature range, a neutral mode that neither warms nor cools battery 2 is selected.

次に、ステップ３において、上記のように判定された外気温度の状態及びバッテリ２の暖機／冷却モードに応じて、バッテリ温度制御装置１の制御モードを決定する。また、ステップ４において、決定した制御モードに応じて各種デバイスを制御し、図３の処理を終了する。 Next, in step 3, the control mode of the battery temperature control device 1 is determined based on the outside air temperature state and the warming/cooling mode of the battery 2 determined as described above. Then, in step 4, various devices are controlled based on the determined control mode, and the processing in Figure 3 is terminated.

次に、上記ステップ３で決定される制御モードと、決定された制御モードに応じてステップ４で実行される制御について、図４及び図５を参照しながら、詳細に説明する。 Next, the control mode determined in step 3 above and the control executed in step 4 according to the determined control mode will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

・モード１
図４に示すように、外気温度が極低い状態で、かつバッテリ２が暖機モードのときには、制御モードとしてモード１が選択される。このモード１では、外気温度が極低い状態であるため、ヒータ３をＯＮし、ランキンサイクル回路５側では、図５（ａ）に示すように、第１ポンプ１５を停止するとともに、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を逆方向（図５の反時計方向）に循環させる。 Mode 1
As shown in Fig. 4, when the outside air temperature is extremely low and the battery 2 is in the warm-up mode, mode 1 is selected as the control mode. In mode 1, since the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heater 3 is turned on, and on the Rankine cycle circuit 5 side, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the first pump 15 is stopped and the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor to circulate the organic medium in the reverse direction (counterclockwise in Fig. 5).

これにより、有機媒体は、第１膨張弁１４ａによって膨張・減圧されることで、熱が入りやすくなり、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって蒸発し、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温された後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が加熱される。そして、加熱された冷媒が、冷媒回路３１を循環し、バッテリ２に供給されることによって、バッテリ２を効果的に暖機することができる。 As a result, the organic medium is expanded and decompressed by the first expansion valve 14a, making it easier for heat to enter the organic medium. It evaporates through heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, is compressed and heated in the compressor/expander 12, and then heat is exchanged between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33, heating the refrigerant. The heated refrigerant then circulates through the refrigerant circuit 31 and is supplied to the battery 2, effectively warming up the battery 2.

・モード２
外気温度が低く、かつバッテリ２が暖機モードのときには、モード２が選択される。このモード２は、ヒータ３をＯＦＦする点のみがモード１と異なり、他の動作はモード１と同じである。 Mode 2
When the outside air temperature is low and the battery 2 is in the warm-up mode, mode 2 is selected. Mode 2 differs from mode 1 only in that the heater 3 is turned off, and other operations are the same as mode 1.

・モード３
外気温度が高く、かつバッテリ２が冷却モードのときには、モード３が選択される。このモード３では、ヒータ３をＯＦＦし、図５（ｂ）に示すように、第１ポンプ１５を停止し、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を順方向（図５の時計方向）に循環させる。 Mode 3
When the outside air temperature is high and the battery 2 is in the cooling mode, mode 3 is selected. In mode 3, the heater 3 is turned off, the first pump 15 is stopped, and the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor to circulate the organic medium in the forward direction (clockwise in FIG. 5 ) as shown in FIG. 5( b).

これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって放熱した後、第２膨張弁１４ｂにおいて膨張・減圧されることで、沸点が低下した後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。そして、冷却された冷媒がバッテリ２に供給されることによって、バッテリ２を効果的に冷却することができる。 As a result, the organic medium is compressed and heated in the compressor/expander 12, dissipates heat through heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, and is then expanded and decompressed in the second expansion valve 14b, lowering its boiling point. The refrigerant is then cooled through heat exchange between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. The cooled refrigerant is then supplied to the battery 2, thereby effectively cooling the battery 2.

・モード４
外気温度が低く、かつバッテリ２が冷却モードのときには、モード４が選択される。このモード４では、ヒータ３をＯＦＦし、図５（ｃ）に示すように、第１及び第２膨張弁１４ａ、１４ｂを全閉状態に制御し、第１ポンプ１５を作動させるとともに、圧縮／膨張機１２を膨張機として用い、有機媒体を順方向に循環させる。 Mode 4
When the outside air temperature is low and the battery 2 is in the cooling mode, mode 4 is selected. In mode 4, the heater 3 is turned off, the first and second expansion valves 14a and 14b are controlled to be fully closed as shown in Fig. 5(c), the first pump 15 is operated, and the compressor/expander 12 is used as an expander to circulate the organic medium in the forward direction.

これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮／膨張機１２において減圧・降温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却された後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。そして、冷却された冷媒がバッテリ２に供給されることによって、バッテリ２を効果的に冷却することができる。また、圧縮／膨張機１２において減圧・降温された有機媒体の熱エネルギ（廃熱）を、圧縮／膨張機１２の機械エネルギに変換するとともに、さらにモータジェネレータ１７の発電に利用することにより、電気エネルギとして有効に回収することができる。 As a result, the organic medium is decompressed and cooled in the compressor/expander 12, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, and then the refrigerant is cooled by heat exchange between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. The cooled refrigerant is then supplied to the battery 2, thereby effectively cooling the battery 2. Furthermore, the thermal energy (waste heat) of the organic medium decompressed and cooled in the compressor/expander 12 is converted into mechanical energy for the compressor/expander 12, and is further used to generate electricity in the motor-generator 17, allowing it to be effectively recovered as electrical energy.

次に、図６～図１０を参照しながら、本発明の第２実施形態によるバッテリ温度制御装置について説明する。図６（ａ）（ｂ）に示すように、第２実施形態では、バッテリ温度制御装置５１は、空調用の第３熱交換器５４を有する。 Next, a battery temperature control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), in the second embodiment, the battery temperature control device 51 has a third heat exchanger 54 for air conditioning.

図６（ａ）のバッテリ温度制御装置５１は、第１実施形態と同じ構成のランキンサイクル回路５と、温度制御回路５２を備える。温度制御回路５２は、第１実施形態と同様、ヒータ３、バッテリ２、第２ポンプ３２及び第２熱交換器３３が設けられた冷媒流路５３を有する。また、温度制御回路５２は、ヒータ３及びバッテリ２をバイパスするように冷媒流路５３に接続された空調用冷媒流路５３ａを有し、空調用冷媒流路５３ａには空調用の第３熱交換器５４が設けられている。 The battery temperature control device 51 in FIG. 6(a) includes a Rankine cycle circuit 5 having the same configuration as the first embodiment, and a temperature control circuit 52. Similar to the first embodiment, the temperature control circuit 52 includes a refrigerant flow path 53 that includes a heater 3, a battery 2, a second pump 32, and a second heat exchanger 33. The temperature control circuit 52 also includes an air-conditioning refrigerant flow path 53a that is connected to the refrigerant flow path 53 so as to bypass the heater 3 and the battery 2, and a third air-conditioning heat exchanger 54 is provided in the air-conditioning refrigerant flow path 53a.

第３熱交換器５４は、空調用冷媒流路５３ａを流れる冷媒と空調装置用の空気との間で、熱交換を行うものである。冷媒流路５３と空調用冷媒流路５３ａとの接続部には、第２熱交換器３３側からの冷媒の流路を、バッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側の一方又は双方に切り替えるための第１切替弁５５が設けられている。 The third heat exchanger 54 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the air-conditioning refrigerant flow path 53a and the air for the air conditioning device. A first switching valve 55 is provided at the connection between the refrigerant flow path 53 and the air-conditioning refrigerant flow path 53a to switch the refrigerant flow path from the second heat exchanger 33 side to either the battery 2 side or the third heat exchanger 54 side, or both.

また、冷媒流路５３におけるヒータ３のすぐ上流側と空調用冷媒流路５３ａにおける第３熱交換器５４のすぐ下流側との間には、連通路５３ｂが接続されている。冷媒流路５３と連通路５３ｂとの接続部には、バッテリ２側への冷媒の流路を、冷媒流路５３側（第２熱交換器３３側）又は連通路５３ｂ側（第３熱交換器５４側）に切り替えるための第２切替弁５６が設けられている。また、空調用冷媒流路５３ａと連通路５３ｂとの接続部には、第３熱交換器５４側からの冷媒の流路を、連通路５３ｂ側（バッテリ２側）又は冷媒流路５３側（第２ポンプ３２側）に切り替えるための第３切替弁５７が設けられている。図示しないが、上述した第１～第３切替弁５５～５７は、ＥＣＵ６に電気的に接続されており、それらの動作は、ＥＣＵ６によって制御される。 A communication passage 53b is connected between the refrigerant flow passage 53 immediately upstream of the heater 3 and the air-conditioning refrigerant flow passage 53a immediately downstream of the third heat exchanger 54. A second switching valve 56 is provided at the connection between the refrigerant flow passage 53 and the communication passage 53b for switching the refrigerant flow path to the battery 2 between the refrigerant flow passage 53 side (second heat exchanger 33 side) and the communication passage 53b side (third heat exchanger 54 side). A third switching valve 57 is provided at the connection between the air-conditioning refrigerant flow passage 53a and the communication passage 53b for switching the refrigerant flow path from the third heat exchanger 54 side between the communication passage 53b side (battery 2 side) and the refrigerant flow passage 53 side (second pump 32 side). Although not shown, the first to third switching valves 55 to 57 are electrically connected to the ECU 6, and their operation is controlled by the ECU 6.

なお、図６（ｂ）のバッテリ温度制御装置５１は、図（ａ）の装置５１と比較し、空調用冷媒流路５３ａを設けることなく、空調用の第３熱交換器５４を、冷媒流路５３におけるヒータ３の上流側に直列に配置したものである。 Compared to the device 51 in Figure 6(a), the battery temperature control device 51 in Figure 6(b) does not have an air conditioning refrigerant flow path 53a, and instead has a third air conditioning heat exchanger 54 arranged in series with the heater 3 upstream of the refrigerant flow path 53.

以下、図６（ａ）のバッテリ温度制御装置５１を対象として実行されるバッテリ温度制御について説明する。この場合、ＥＣＵ６は、第１実施形態と同様の手法で判定した外気温度の状態及びバッテリ２の暖機／冷却モードと、別個に設定される空調装置（エアコン）の運転モードに応じて、図７に示すように、バッテリ温度制御装置５１の制御モードを決定するとともに、制御モードに応じて、図８～図１０に示すようなバッテリ温度制御を実行する。 The following describes the battery temperature control performed on the battery temperature control device 51 shown in Figure 6(a). In this case, the ECU 6 determines the control mode of the battery temperature control device 51 as shown in Figure 7 based on the outside air temperature state and the warming/cooling mode of the battery 2, determined using a method similar to that of the first embodiment, and the operating mode of the air conditioner, which is set separately, and then performs battery temperature control as shown in Figures 8 to 10 depending on the control mode.

・モード１’
図７に示すように、外気温度が極低い状態、バッテリ２が暖機モードで、かつエアコンが暖房モードのときには、制御モードとしてモード１’が選択される。このモード１’では、第１実施形態のモード１と同様、外気温度が極低い状態であるため、ヒータ３をＯＮするとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５側では、図８に示すように、第１ポンプ１５を停止するとともに、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を逆方向に循環させる。これにより、有機媒体は、第１膨張弁１４ａで膨張・減圧され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって蒸発し、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温された後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が加熱される。 Mode 1'
As shown in Fig. 7 , when the outside air temperature is extremely low, the battery 2 is in the warm-up mode, and the air conditioner is in the heating mode, mode 1' is selected as the control mode. In mode 1', since the outside air temperature is extremely low, as in mode 1 of the first embodiment, the heater 3 is turned on. In addition, as shown in Fig. 8 , on the Rankine cycle circuit 5 side, the first pump 15 is stopped and the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor to circulate the organic medium in the reverse direction. As a result, the organic medium is expanded and decompressed by the first expansion valve 14 a, evaporates through heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander 12, and then is heated by heat exchange between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.

一方、温度制御回路５２側では、第１切替弁５５を第３熱交換器５４側に、第２切替弁５６を第３熱交換器５４側に、第３切替弁５７をバッテリ２側に、それぞれ切り替える。これにより、第２熱交換器３３において加熱された冷媒が、第３熱交換器５４において、
暖房モードにあるエアコン用の暖かい空気との熱交換により加熱され、さらにヒータ３で加熱された後、バッテリ２に供給される。その結果、バッテリ２を迅速に暖機することができる。 On the other hand, on the temperature control circuit 52 side, the first switching valve 55 is switched to the third heat exchanger 54 side, the second switching valve 56 is switched to the third heat exchanger 54 side, and the third switching valve 57 is switched to the battery 2 side. As a result, the refrigerant heated in the second heat exchanger 33 is refrigerated in the third heat exchanger 54.
The air is heated by heat exchange with the warm air for the air conditioner in heating mode, and is further heated by the heater 3 before being supplied to the battery 2. As a result, the battery 2 can be warmed up quickly.

・モード２’
外気温度が低く、バッテリ２が暖機モードで、かつエアコンが暖房モードのときには、モード２’が選択される。このモード２’は、モード１’と比較して、ヒータ３をＯＦＦする点のみが異なり、他の動作はモード１’と同じである。 Mode 2'
When the outside temperature is low, the battery 2 is in warm-up mode, and the air conditioner is in heating mode, mode 2' is selected. Mode 2' differs from mode 1' only in that the heater 3 is turned off, and other operations are the same as mode 1'.

・モード３’
外気温度が低く、バッテリ２が冷却モードで、かつエアコンが暖房モードのときには、モード３’が選択される。このモード３’の動作は、上記モード２’と同じであり、有機媒体は、第１膨張弁１４ａで膨張・減圧され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって加熱され、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温された後、第２熱交換器３３において冷媒と熱交換される。このモード３’では、モード２’の場合と異なり、バッテリ２が冷却モードであり、バッテリ温度ＴＢＡＴが冷媒の温度やエアコン用の空気の温度よりも高い関係にあるため、バッテリ２を冷媒によって有効に冷却することができる。 Mode 3'
Mode 3' is selected when the outside air temperature is low, the battery 2 is in the cooling mode, and the air conditioner is in the heating mode. Operation in mode 3' is the same as mode 2' described above, in which the organic medium is expanded and decompressed by the first expansion valve 14a, heated by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, compressed and heated by the compressor/expander 12, and then heat exchanged with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. In mode 3', unlike mode 2', the battery 2 is in the cooling mode and the battery temperature TBAT is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant and the temperature of the air for the air conditioner, so that the battery 2 can be effectively cooled by the refrigerant.

・モード４’
外気温度が低く、バッテリ２が冷却モードで、かつエアコンが暖房も冷房も行わない停止モードのときには、モード４’が選択される。このモード４’では、ヒータ３がＯＦＦされるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５側の動作は、第１実施形態のモード４と同じである。すなわち、図９（ａ）に示すように、第１及び第２膨張弁１４ａ、１４ｂを全閉状態に制御し、第１ポンプ１５を作動させるとともに、圧縮／膨張機１２を膨張機として用い、有機媒体を順方向に循環させる。これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮／膨張機１２で減圧・降温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却された後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。また、圧縮／膨張機１２において減圧・降温された有機媒体の熱エネルギ（廃熱）を、圧縮／膨張機１２の機械エネルギに変換するとともに、さらにモータジェネレータ１７の発電に利用することにより、電気エネルギとして有効に回収することができる。 Mode 4'
Mode 4' is selected when the outside air temperature is low, the battery 2 is in the cooling mode, and the air conditioner is in a stop mode in which neither heating nor cooling is performed. In Mode 4', the heater 3 is turned off, and the operation of the Rankine cycle circuit 5 is the same as Mode 4 in the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A , the first and second expansion valves 14a and 14b are controlled to be fully closed, the first pump 15 is operated, and the compressor/expander 12 is used as an expander to circulate the organic medium in the forward direction. As a result, the organic medium is decompressed and cooled by the compressor/expander 12, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, and then cooled by heat exchange between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33. In addition, the thermal energy (waste heat) of the organic medium decompressed and cooled by the compressor/expander 12 is converted into mechanical energy for the compressor/expander 12 and further utilized for generating electricity in the motor-generator 17, thereby effectively recovering the waste heat as electrical energy.

一方、温度制御回路５２側では、第１切替弁５５及び第２切替弁５６をいずれもバッテリ２側に切り替える。これにより、冷却された冷媒を、停止モードにある第３熱交換器５４には流入させず、バッテリ２にのみ流入させることによって、バッテリ２を最大限、冷却することができる。 Meanwhile, on the temperature control circuit 52 side, both the first switching valve 55 and the second switching valve 56 are switched to the battery 2 side. This prevents the cooled refrigerant from flowing into the third heat exchanger 54, which is in stop mode, and allows it to flow only into the battery 2, thereby maximizing the cooling of the battery 2.

・モード５’
外気温度が高く、バッテリ２が暖機モードで、かつエアコンが冷房モードのときには、モード５’が選択される。このモード５’では、ヒータ３がＯＦＦ又はＯＮされるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５側の動作は、第１実施形態のモード３と同じである。すなわち、図９（ｂ）に示すように、第１ポンプ１５を停止し、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を順方向に循環させる。 Mode 5'
Mode 5' is selected when the outside air temperature is high, the battery 2 is in the warm-up mode, and the air conditioner is in the cooling mode. In Mode 5', the heater 3 is turned off or on, and the operation of the Rankine cycle circuit 5 is the same as Mode 3 in the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first pump 15 is stopped, the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor, and the organic medium is circulated in the forward direction.

これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮機で圧縮・昇温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却され、第２膨張弁１４ｂで膨張・減圧されることで、沸点が低下した後、第２熱交換器３３における有機媒体と冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。 As a result, the organic medium is compressed and heated by the compressor, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expanded and decompressed in the second expansion valve 14b to lower its boiling point, and then the refrigerant is cooled by heat exchange between the organic medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.

一方、温度制御回路５２側では、第１切替弁５５及び第２切替弁５６をいずれも第３熱交換器５４側に切り替え、第３切替弁５７をバッテリ２側に切り替える。これにより、第２熱交換器３３で冷却された冷媒が、第３熱交換器５４及びバッテリ２に順に流入する。その結果、第３熱交換器５４における、冷却された冷媒との熱交換によって、冷房モードにあるエアコン用の空気を適切に冷却することができる。また、この熱交換で加熱された冷媒によって、バッテリ２を適切に暖機することができる。 Meanwhile, on the temperature control circuit 52 side, the first switching valve 55 and the second switching valve 56 are both switched to the third heat exchanger 54 side, and the third switching valve 57 is switched to the battery 2 side. This causes the refrigerant cooled in the second heat exchanger 33 to flow sequentially into the third heat exchanger 54 and the battery 2. As a result, heat exchange with the cooled refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 54 allows the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode to be appropriately cooled. In addition, the refrigerant heated by this heat exchange allows the battery 2 to be appropriately warmed up.

・モード６’
外気温度が高く、バッテリ２が冷却モードで、かつエアコンが冷房モードのときには、モード６’が選択される。このモード６’では、ヒータ３がＯＦＦされるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５側の動作は、上記のモード５’と同じであり、図１０（ａ）に示すように、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を順方向に循環させる。これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却され、第２膨張弁１４ｂで膨張・減圧されることで、沸点が低下した後、第２熱交換器３３における冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。 Mode 6'
Mode 6' is selected when the outside air temperature is high, the battery 2 is in the cooling mode, and the air conditioner is in the cooling mode. In Mode 6', the heater 3 is turned off, and the operation of the Rankine cycle circuit 5 is the same as in Mode 5'. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor to circulate the organic medium in the forward direction. As a result, the organic medium is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander 12, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expanded and decompressed by the second expansion valve 14b to lower its boiling point, and then cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.

一方、温度制御回路５２側では、第１切替弁５５をバッテリ２側及び第３熱交換器５４側の双方に切り替えるとともに、第２切替弁５６を第２熱交換器３３側に、第３切替弁５７を第２ポンプ３２側に、それぞれ切り替える。これにより、第２熱交換器３３において冷却された冷媒が、第３熱交換器５４及びバッテリ２に並列に流入する。その結果、第３熱交換器５４における、冷却された冷媒との熱交換によって、冷房モードにあるエアコン用の空気を適切に冷却することができる。また、冷却された冷媒をバッテリ２に直接、流入させることによって、バッテリ２を適切に冷却することができる。 Meanwhile, on the temperature control circuit 52 side, the first switching valve 55 is switched to both the battery 2 side and the third heat exchanger 54 side, the second switching valve 56 is switched to the second heat exchanger 33 side, and the third switching valve 57 is switched to the second pump 32 side. This causes the refrigerant cooled in the second heat exchanger 33 to flow in parallel into the third heat exchanger 54 and the battery 2. As a result, heat exchange with the cooled refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 54 can appropriately cool the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode. Furthermore, by flowing the cooled refrigerant directly into the battery 2, the battery 2 can be appropriately cooled.

・モード７’
外気温度が高く、バッテリ２が暖機も冷却もされない中立モードで、かつエアコンが冷房モードのときには、モード７’が選択される。このモード７’では、ヒータ３がＯＦＦされるとともに、ランキンサイクル回路５側の動作は、上記のモード５’と同じであり、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、圧縮／膨張機１２を圧縮機として用い、有機媒体を順方向に循環させる。これにより、有機媒体は、圧縮／膨張機１２で圧縮・昇温され、第１熱交換器１３における外気との熱交換によって冷却され、第２膨張弁１４ｂで膨張・減圧されることで、沸点が低下した後、第２熱交換器３３における冷媒との熱交換によって、冷媒が冷却される。 Mode 7'
Mode 7' is selected when the outside air temperature is high, the battery 2 is in a neutral mode in which it is neither warmed nor cooled, and the air conditioner is in a cooling mode. In Mode 7', the heater 3 is turned off, and the operation of the Rankine cycle circuit 5 is the same as in Mode 5'. As shown in FIG. 10(b), the compressor/expander 12 is used as a compressor to circulate the organic medium in the forward direction. As a result, the organic medium is compressed and heated by the compressor/expander 12, cooled by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger 13, expanded and decompressed by the second expansion valve 14b to lower its boiling point, and then cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 33.

一方、温度制御回路５２側では、第１切替弁５５を第３熱交換器５４側に切り替えるとともに、第３切替弁５７を第２ポンプ３２側に切り替える。これにより、第２熱交換器３３において冷却された冷媒が、第３熱交換器５４にのみ流入する。その結果、第３熱交換器５４における冷媒との熱交換によって、冷房モードにあるエアコン用の空気を適切に冷却するとともに、バッテリ２への冷媒の流入が阻止されるため、中立モードにあるバッテリ温度を適温範囲に維持することができる。 Meanwhile, on the temperature control circuit 52 side, the first switching valve 55 is switched to the third heat exchanger 54 side, and the third switching valve 57 is switched to the second pump 32 side. This allows the refrigerant cooled in the second heat exchanger 33 to flow only into the third heat exchanger 54. As a result, heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 54 appropriately cools the air for the air conditioner in cooling mode, and prevents refrigerant from flowing into the battery 2, thereby maintaining the battery temperature in neutral mode within an appropriate temperature range.

なお、本発明は、説明した実施形態に限定されることなく、種々の態様で実施することができる。例えば、第２実施形態のバッテリ温度制御装置については、図６（ａ）に示す、エアコン用の第３熱交換器５４をバッテリ２と並列に配置したタイプのものを中心として説明したが、同図（ｂ）に示す、エアコン用の第３熱交換器５４をバッテリ２と直列に配置したタイプのものもまた、本発明の範囲内である。この構成では、前述した制御モードがモード１’～３’及びモード５’の場合の動作を実現することができる。 The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways. For example, the battery temperature control device of the second embodiment has been described mainly with reference to the type shown in Figure 6(a) in which the third heat exchanger 54 for the air conditioner is arranged in parallel with the battery 2. However, the type shown in Figure 6(b) in which the third heat exchanger 54 for the air conditioner is arranged in series with the battery 2 also falls within the scope of the present invention. With this configuration, operation can be achieved when the control modes described above are modes 1' to 3' and mode 5'.

また、実施形態では、図１（ｂ）に示すバッテリ温度制御装置を除き、ヒータ３を用いているが、外気温度が極低い状態において、他のデバイスだけでバッテリを十分に暖機することが可能であれば、ヒータ３を省略してもよいことはもちろんである。 In addition, in this embodiment, heater 3 is used except for the battery temperature control device shown in Figure 1(b), but it goes without saying that heater 3 may be omitted if other devices alone are capable of sufficiently warming up the battery when the outside air temperature is extremely low.

さらに、実施形態は、主として電気自動車に搭載されるバッテリを対象とした例であるが、これに限らず、本発明は、ガソリン自動車やハイブリッド自動車などに搭載されるバッテリの温度制御にも適用することができる。 Furthermore, while the embodiments are primarily directed to batteries installed in electric vehicles, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to temperature control of batteries installed in gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

また、実施形態において示した具体的な構成や数値などはあくまで例示であり、細部の構成を、本発明の趣旨の範囲内で変更することが可能である。 Furthermore, the specific configurations and numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples, and the detailed configurations can be changed within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

１バッテリ温度制御装置
２バッテリ
３ヒータ
４温度制御回路
５ランキンサイクル回路
６ＥＣＵ（バッテリ温度制御手段、運転モード判定手段）
１１ｃ第３流路（バイパス流路）
１２圧縮／膨張機
１３第１熱交換器
１４ａ第１膨張弁（膨張弁）
１４ｂ第２膨張弁（膨張弁）
１５第１ポンプ（ポンプ）
３３第２熱交換器
５４第３熱交換器
４１外気温度センサ（外気温度検出手段）
４２バッテリ温度センサ（バッテリ温度検出手段）
５２温度制御回路
５５第１切替弁（流路切替弁）
５６第２切替弁（流路切替弁）
５７第３切替弁（流路切替弁）
ＴＥＸ外気温度
ＴＢＡＴバッテリ温度 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Battery temperature control device 2 Battery 3 Heater 4 Temperature control circuit 5 Rankine cycle circuit 6 ECU (battery temperature control means, operation mode determination means)
11c Third flow path (bypass flow path)
12 Compressor/Expander 13 First Heat Exchanger 14a First Expansion Valve (Expansion Valve)
14b Second expansion valve (expansion valve)
15 First pump (pump)
33 Second heat exchanger 54 Third heat exchanger 41 Outside air temperature sensor (outside air temperature detection means)
42 Battery temperature sensor (battery temperature detection means)
52 Temperature control circuit 55 First switching valve (flow path switching valve)
56 Second switching valve (flow path switching valve)
57 Third switching valve (flow path switching valve)
TEX Outside temperature TBAT Battery temperature

Claims

A battery temperature control device for an automobile that controls the temperature of a battery mounted in an automobile,
a temperature control circuit through which a refrigerant circulates to control the temperature of the battery;
a Rankine cycle circuit including a compressor/expander through which a working medium having a boiling point lower than that of the refrigerant circulates and which selectively compresses or expands the working medium, a first heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between the working medium and outside air, an expansion valve which expands and decompresses the working medium, and a second heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between the working medium and a refrigerant in the temperature control circuit;
a battery temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the battery by controlling the flow of the compressor/expander and the working medium in accordance with the state of the battery, thereby controlling the heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger;
A battery temperature control device for an automobile, comprising:

an outside air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the outside air;
a battery temperature detection means for detecting the battery temperature,
2. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein said battery temperature control means controls said battery temperature in accordance with said detected outside air temperature and battery temperature.

The battery temperature control means
3. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 2, further comprising a warm-up control means for warming up the battery by expanding and decompressing the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by the expansion valve, evaporating the working medium by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, compressing the working medium by the compressor/expander, and then heating the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is low.

The battery temperature control means
3. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 2, further comprising a cooling control means for cooling the battery by, when the outside air temperature is high and the battery temperature is high, increasing the temperature of the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by compression using the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanding and decompressing the working medium by the expansion valve, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger.

the Rankine cycle circuit further includes a pump provided in a bypass flow path that bypasses the expansion valve, for delivering the working medium from the first heat exchanger side to the second heat exchanger side;
The battery temperature control means
3. The automotive battery temperature control device according to claim 2, further comprising a cooling control means for, when the outside air temperature is low and the battery temperature is high, switching the flow path of the working medium to the bypass flow path, operating the pump, and reducing the pressure and temperature of the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by expansion in the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, thereby cooling the battery.

the temperature control circuit has a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air for an air conditioner;
The vehicle interior temperature sensor further includes an operation mode determination unit that determines whether the operation mode of the air conditioner is a heating mode for heating the vehicle interior or a cooling mode for cooling the vehicle interior,
3. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the battery temperature control means controls the battery temperature in accordance with the determined operating mode of the air conditioner in addition to the outside air temperature and the battery temperature.

The battery temperature control means
7. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 6, further comprising a temperature control means for controlling the battery temperature by the refrigerant, when the outside air temperature is low and the operating mode of the air conditioner is the heating mode, expanding and decompressing the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by the expansion valve, heating the working medium by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, compressing the working medium by the compressor/expander, heating the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, and then exchanging heat between the heated refrigerant and air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger.

the Rankine cycle circuit further includes a pump provided in a bypass flow path that bypasses the expansion valve, for delivering the working medium from the first heat exchanger side to the second heat exchanger side;
the temperature control circuit further includes a flow path switching valve that switches a flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to either one or both of the battery side and the third heat exchanger side;
The battery temperature control means
7. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 6, further comprising: a cooling control means for switching the flow path of the working medium to the bypass flow path side, operating the pump, and reducing the pressure and temperature of the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by expansion in the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, and causing the cooled refrigerant to flow only into the battery by the flow path switching valve, thereby cooling the battery.

the temperature control circuit further includes a flow path switching valve that switches a flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to either one or both of the battery side and the third heat exchanger side;
The battery temperature control means
7. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 6, further comprising: warm-up control means for, when the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is low, and the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, compressing the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanding and decompressing the working medium by the expansion valve, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger; and causing the cooled refrigerant to flow sequentially into the third heat exchanger and the battery by the flow path switching valve, thereby cooling the air for the air conditioner and heating the refrigerant by heat exchange with the air for the air conditioner in the third heat exchanger, and warming up the battery by the heated refrigerant.

the temperature control circuit further includes a flow path switching valve that switches a flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to either one or both of the battery side and the third heat exchanger side;
The battery temperature control means
7. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 6, further comprising: a cooling control means for, when the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is high, and the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, compressing the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with the outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanding and decompressing the working medium by the expansion valve, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger; and causing the cooled refrigerant to flow in parallel into the third heat exchanger and the battery by the flow path switching valve, thereby cooling the air for the air conditioner by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger and cooling the battery by the refrigerant.

the temperature control circuit further includes a flow path switching valve that switches a flow path of the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger to either one or both of the battery side and the third heat exchanger side;
The battery temperature control means
When the outside air temperature is high, the battery temperature is within a predetermined optimum temperature range, and the operation mode of the air conditioner is the cooling mode,
7. The battery temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 6, further comprising a cooling control means for heating the working medium circulating through the Rankine cycle circuit by compression by the compressor/expander, cooling the working medium by heat exchange with outside air in the first heat exchanger, expanding and decompressing the working medium by the expansion valve, and then cooling the refrigerant by heat exchange between the working medium and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger, and cooling the air for the air conditioning device by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger by allowing the cooled refrigerant to flow only into the third heat exchanger via the flow path switching valve.

the temperature control circuit further includes a heater located upstream of the battery for heating the refrigerant;
12. The automotive battery temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the battery temperature control means further controls the heater to control the temperature of the battery.