초록 ▼

An efficient thermal management system (100) that utilizes a single heat exchanger (133) is provided. A refrigeration subsystem (103) cools the heat exchanger (133). A first coolant loop (139) in thermal communication with the heat exchanger (133) is used to cool the energy storage system (137). A s

An efficient thermal management system (100) that utilizes a single heat exchanger (133) is provided. A refrigeration subsystem (103) cools the heat exchanger (133). A first coolant loop (139) in thermal communication with the heat exchanger (133) is used to cool the energy storage system (137). A second coolant loop (151) corresponding to the HVAC subsystem (107) is also in thermal communication with the heat exchanger (133). Preferably a third coolant loop (109) corresponding to the drive motor cooling subsystem (101) is coupleable to the HVAC coolant loop (151), thus providing an efficient means of providing heat to the HVAC subsystem (107).

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An electric vehicle thermal management system comprising: a refrigeration subsystem comprising a refrigerant and a heat exchanger; a first coolant loop in thermal communication with an energy storage system and in thermal communication with said heat exchanger; a heating, ven

What is claimed is: 1. An electric vehicle thermal management system comprising: a refrigeration subsystem comprising a refrigerant and a heat exchanger; a first coolant loop in thermal communication with an energy storage system and in thermal communication with said heat exchanger; a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) subsystem comprising a second coolant loop in thermal communication with said heat exchanger; a power train cooling subsystem, said power train cooling subsystem comprising a third coolant loop in thermal communication with a vehicle drive motor and in thermal communication with a radiator; and means for controllably and fluidly coupling said second coolant loop to said third coolant loop, wherein said means for controllably and fluidly coupling provides a means for allowing and preventing coolant fluid exchange between said second and third coolant loops. 2. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said HVAC subsystem further comprising a radiator and a blower fan. 3. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 2, said second coolant loop further comprising a coolant pump. 4. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 2, further comprising a heater in thermal communication with said radiator. 5. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said first coolant loop further comprising a coolant pump and a coolant reservoir. 6. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 5, further comprising a heater in thermal communication with said first coolant loop. 7. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, wherein said means for controllably and fluidly coupling means comprises a first flow control valve within said third coolant loop and a pair of flow control valves within said second coolant loop. 8. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said refrigeration system further comprising a compressor, a condenser and a thermostatic expansion valve. 9. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said energy storage system further comprising a plurality of batteries. 10. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said third coolant loop further comprising a coolant pump and a coolant reservoir. 11. The electric vehicle thermal management system of claim 1, said power train cooling subsystem further comprising a power electronics module in thermal communication with said third coolant loop.