阅读说明：本技术 用于冷却和/或加热机动车辆中的物体或流体的方法 (Method for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle ) 是由 W.雷切德 于 2019-04-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于冷却和/或加热机动车辆中的物体或流体的方法,所述方法使用包含以下的系统：其中流动第一传热组合物的蒸汽压缩回路；以及,其中流动第二传热组合物的次级回路。本发明还涉及：用于冷却和/或加热机动车辆中的物体或流体的装置；以及,传热组合物用于冷却和/或加热机动车辆中的物体或流体的用途,所述传热组合物包含一种或多种沸点在0-40℃之间的选自氢氯氟烯烃、氢氟烯烃及其组合的传热化合物。(The invention relates to a method for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, using a system comprising: a vapor compression circuit in which the first heat transfer composition flows; and, a secondary loop in which a second heat transfer composition flows. The invention also relates to: means for cooling and/or heating an object or fluid in a motor vehicle; and the use of a heat transfer composition comprising one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point between 0 and 40 ℃ selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins and combinations thereof for cooling and/or heating objects or fluids in motor vehicles.)

1. A method for cooling an object or fluid in a motor vehicle by means of a system comprising a first heat transfer composition circulating in a vapour compression circuit and a second heat transfer composition circulating in a secondary circuit, the method comprising:

-transferring heat from the object or fluid to the second heat transfer composition, resulting in evaporation of the second heat transfer composition;

-transferring heat from the second heat transfer composition to the first heat transfer composition, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition and evaporation of the first heat transfer composition.

2. A method for heating an object or fluid in a motor vehicle by means of a system comprising a first heat transfer composition circulating in a vapour compression circuit and a second heat transfer composition circulating in a secondary circuit, the method comprising:

-transferring heat from the second heat transfer composition to the object or fluid, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition;

-transferring heat from the first heat transfer composition to the second heat transfer composition, resulting in evaporation of the second heat transfer composition and condensation of the first heat transfer composition.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid is air, and the method is preferably a method for air conditioning or for heating a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and/or, the object is a battery; and/or the object is one or more electronic components.

4. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first heat transfer composition comprises 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene.

5. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said second heat transfer composition comprises one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point of from 0 to 40 ℃, preferably selected from hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins and combinations thereof; more preferably selected from: 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene, preferably having the form E; 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, preferably having the form Z; and 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene having the E and/or Z form.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said second heat transfer composition is at a substantially uniform pressure in said secondary loop, said pressure preferably being equal to the saturation pressure of said second composition.

7. A method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the motor vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle.

8. Device for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, comprising:

-a first heat transfer composition circulating in the vapour compression circuit (1); and

-a second heat transfer composition circulating in the secondary circuit (2);

said vapour compression circuit (1) being associated with said secondary circuit (2) through an intermediate heat exchanger (5) so as to evaporate said first heat transfer composition and condense said second heat transfer composition, and/or, to condense said first heat transfer composition and evaporate said second heat transfer composition; and, the apparatus comprises an additional heat exchanger (7), the additional heat exchanger (7) being configured for transferring heat of the object or fluid to the second heat transfer composition by evaporating the second heat transfer composition, and/or for transferring heat of the second heat transfer composition to the object or fluid by condensing the second heat transfer composition.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said vapour compression circuit (1) is reversible and further comprises means for reversing its operation.

10. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9 wherein said circulation of said second heat transfer composition in said secondary loop (2) after its condensation is by means of a pump, or by gravity, or by capillary action.

11. The device as claimed in one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the secondary circuit (2) comprises a plurality of additional heat exchangers (7) configured for cooling and/or heating a plurality of objects or fluids, preferably selected from air, electronic components of the vehicle, a passenger compartment, and a battery.

12. The device as claimed in one of claims 8 to 11, which is suitable for air conditioning of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or heating of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or for cooling of the battery of the vehicle and/or heating of the battery of the vehicle and/or cooling of the electronic components of the vehicle and/or heating of the electronic components of the vehicle.

13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the first heat transfer composition comprises 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene.

14. Apparatus as claimed in one of claims 8 to 13 wherein said second heat transfer composition comprises one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point in the range of from 0 to 40 ℃, preferably selected from hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins and combinations thereof; more preferably selected from: 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene, preferably having the form E; 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, preferably having the form Z; and 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene having the E and/or Z form.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, and to a device suitable for carrying out the method. The invention also relates to the use of hydrochlorofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroolefins having a boiling point of 0-40 ℃ for this purpose.

Background

In motor vehicles, the thermal engine comprises a circuit for the circulation of a heat exchange fluid, which is used to cool the engine and to heat the passenger compartment. To this end, the circuit comprises in particular a pump and a unit heater in which an air flow is circulated which picks up the heat stored by the heat exchange fluid to heat the passenger compartment.

Furthermore, an air-conditioning system intended for cooling the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a fluid capable of changing state (liquid/gas), generally called refrigerant or heat-transfer fluid. The compressor, which is driven directly by the engine of the vehicle using belts and pulleys, compresses the refrigerant, forcing it back to the condenser at high pressure and temperature. The condenser condenses the gas in the gaseous state at high pressure and temperature by means of forced ventilation. The condenser liquefies the gas by virtue of the reduction in temperature of the air flowing through it. The evaporator is a heat exchanger, the heat of which is removed from the air to be blown into the passenger compartment. The expansion valve makes it possible to regulate the flow rate of the gas into the loop via varying the passage section (section) according to the temperature and pressure in the evaporator. Thus, the hot air from the outside is cooled by passing through the evaporator.

Traditionally, the refrigerant used for air conditioning of motor vehicles is 1,1,1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134 a).

However, large amounts of HFC fluids, including HFC-134a, may contribute deleteriously to the greenhouse effect. This contribution is quantified by a numerical parameter GWP (global warming potential).

Another refrigerant that will be used in heat transfer applications in the future is 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234 yf). However, although HFO-1234yf is a low GWP fluid, it is considered a combustible fluid.

Document WO2013/035908 describes a system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle, which is installed in the vicinity of an evaporator. This document does not mention specific products for cooling and/or heating of vehicles.

Document US2014/0202671 describes a cooling and/or heating system for electric or hybrid vehicles comprising a radiator whose cooling fluid is HFO-1234yf or a mixture of water and glycol.

Document FR3008929 describes a thermal conditioning device for a motor vehicle comprising a refrigerant circuit and two heat exchange fluid circuits, the refrigerant being HFC-134a or HFO-1234yf and the heat exchange fluid being a mixture of water and antifreeze.

Document WO2007/042621 describes a heat exchanger device comprising a liquid/solid phase change material for controlling the temperature of a vehicle, a building, a room or even a computer.

Document EP1598406 describes latent heat storage materials comprising a liquid/solid phase change material and graphite for storing energy in the form of latent heat.

Document WO2016/138463 describes a device for storing electrical energy for charging vehicles and electronic equipment, while minimizing the risk of fire.

Document WO2008/001004 describes a temperature control device which, for space applications, is capable of transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink by means of a cooling fluid located in a closed circuit.

Document EP1621389 describes a system for providing electric energy to a vehicle when the engine of the vehicle has stopped. The system described in this document comprises a thermal energy storage material, for example, water or brine.

Document EP2416438 describes a battery module featuring enhanced safety, which includes a radiator mounted on a plurality of stacked battery cells for controlling the temperature of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The module includes a phase change material, such as paraffin, polyethylene glycol, or an inorganic hydrate.

Document WO2012/146368 describes an assembly comprising a refrigerant circuit and a heat exchange fluid circuit, which are in heat exchange with each other by means of a refrigerant/heat exchange fluid exchanger, and a heat storage device containing a phase change material. The assembly is applied to a motor vehicle.

Document WO98/13222 describes a unit for storing and distributing thermal energy for air conditioning and/or heating of a vehicle, for example comprising a chamber containing a phase change material, such as paraffin.

Document WO2007/114615 describes a heat transfer medium circulating in a structure surrounding a battery, said battery being covered by a layer comprising a phase change material.

Document FR2847973 describes a heat exchanger for a heat exchange fluid circuit, applied to an air-conditioning evaporator of a motor vehicle. The evaporator contains a heat storage fluid formed from a phase change material selected from the group consisting of paraffin, a hydrated salt, and a eutectic compound.

Document WO2011/072988 describes a device and a method for controlling the temperature of a vehicle, comprising at least one phase change material, which can be in thermal contact with the passenger compartment and with the battery of the vehicle.

Document US2006/0168991 describes an air conditioning device of a vehicle comprising a compressed refrigerant circuit and an accumulator containing a heat storage medium. The heat storage medium may be, for example, paraffin.

There is a need to provide a method for cooling and/or heating objects or fluids in a motor vehicle that is effective and safe while limiting or reducing the amount of combustible products in the vehicle or the proximity of said products to the hottest parts of the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates firstly to a method for cooling an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, by means of a system comprising a first heat transfer composition circulating in a vapour compression circuit and a second heat transfer composition circulating in a secondary circuit, the method comprising:

-transferring heat from the object or fluid to the second heat transfer composition, resulting in evaporation of the second heat transfer composition;

-transferring heat from the second heat transfer composition to the first heat transfer composition, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition and evaporation of the first heat transfer composition.

The invention also relates to a method for heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle by means of a system comprising a first heat transfer composition circulating in a vapour compression circuit and a second heat transfer composition circulating in a secondary circuit, the method comprising:

-transferring heat from the second heat transfer composition to the object or fluid, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition;

-transferring heat from the first heat transfer composition to the second heat transfer composition, resulting in evaporation of the second heat transfer composition and condensation of the first heat transfer composition.

In some embodiments, the fluid is air, and the method is preferably a method for air conditioning or for heating a passenger compartment of the vehicle; and/or, the object is a battery; and/or the object is one or more electronic components.

In some embodiments, the first heat transfer composition comprises 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition comprises one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point of 0-40 ℃, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins, and combinations thereof; more preferably selected from: 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene, preferably having the form E; 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, preferably having the form Z; and 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene having the E and/or Z form.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition is at a substantially uniform pressure in the secondary loop, preferably equal to the saturation pressure of the second composition.

In some embodiments, the motor vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle.

The invention also relates to a device for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, comprising:

-a first heat transfer composition circulating in a vapour compression circuit; and

-a second heat transfer composition circulating in the secondary loop;

said vapor compression circuit being used in conjunction with a secondary circuit through an intermediate heat exchanger to vaporize said first heat transfer composition and condense said second heat transfer composition, and/or, to condense said first heat transfer composition and vaporize said second heat transfer composition; furthermore, the apparatus comprises an additional heat exchanger configured for transferring heat of the object or fluid to the second heat transfer composition by evaporating the second heat transfer composition and/or configured for transferring heat of the second heat transfer composition to the object or fluid by condensing the second heat transfer composition.

In some embodiments, the secondary circuit does not include a compressor.

In some embodiments, the vapor compression circuit is reversible, and further comprises means for reversing its operation.

In some embodiments, circulation of the second heat transfer composition in the secondary loop after it has condensed is by means of a pump, or by gravity, or by capillary action.

In some embodiments, the secondary loop comprises a plurality of additional heat exchangers configured for cooling and/or heating a plurality of objects or fluids, preferably selected from air, electronic components of the vehicle, a passenger compartment, and a battery.

In some embodiments, the device is suitable for air conditioning of, and/or heating of, a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and/or for cooling of, and/or heating of, a battery of a vehicle, and/or for cooling of, and/or heating of, electronic components of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first heat transfer composition comprises 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition comprises one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point of 0-40 ℃, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins, and combinations thereof; more preferably selected from: 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene, preferably having the form E; 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, preferably having the form Z; and 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene having the E and/or Z form.

The invention also relates to the use of a heat transfer composition comprising one or more heat transfer compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins and combinations thereof having a boiling point of 0-40 ℃ for cooling and/or heating objects or fluids in motor vehicles.

In some embodiments, the hydrochlorofluoroolefin is selected from the group consisting of 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene and 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, the 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene preferably having the E form and the 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene preferably having the Z form; furthermore, the hydrofluoroolefin is 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene having the E and/or Z form.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer composition undergoes neither compression nor expansion; moreover, the heat transfer composition preferably exchanges heat with another heat transfer composition circulating in the vapor compression circuit.

In some embodiments, the use is for air conditioning of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and/or heating of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and/or for cooling of a battery of a vehicle, and/or for cooling of electronic components of a vehicle, and/or heating of electronic components of a vehicle.

The present invention enables the aforementioned needs to be met. More specifically, it provides an efficient and safe method for cooling and/or heating objects or fluids in a motor vehicle. Where appropriate, it can limit or reduce the amount of combustible products in the vehicle or the proximity of these products to the hottest parts of the vehicle.

According to some aspects of the invention, this is accomplished by using two heat transfer compositions, one circulating in a vapor compression circuit and the other circulating in a secondary circuit, wherein the heat transfer composition in the secondary circuit evaporates and condenses in order to effect the desired heat transfer with the desired object or fluid. The heat transfer composition in the secondary loop is preferably free of flammable heat transfer compounds; alternatively, the composition is non-flammable. More specifically, when HFO-1234yf is used as the heat transfer fluid in a vapor compression circuit, the use of a secondary circuit can limit the range (extent) of the vapor compression circuit and reduce the amount of HFO-1234yf used, and/or prevent the HFO-1234yf from coming into proximity with the hottest elements (elements) of the vehicle or components subject to high voltages, thereby reducing the risk of leakage and fire. In addition, the use of a secondary loop facilitates thermal management of the vehicle. More specifically, and using electric cars as an example, there are many heat sources (batteries, electrical and electronic circuits, engines) and many objects (batteries, passenger compartments) that are heated and/or cooled at different temperature levels. The use of a secondary loop containing a heat transfer fluid facilitates thermal management of these devices relative to other technologies.

In some embodiments, the use of a secondary circuit also enables a reduction in energy consumption by means of a low pumping power, with respect to the use of a single-phase heat exchange fluid.

In some embodiments, the use of a secondary loop containing the second heat transfer composition allows the vehicle to be made lighter, avoiding the use of solid phase change materials for carrying out the heat exchange.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition does not contain any flammable heat transfer compounds, or at least is non-flammable, and thus, may also act as a fire extinguishing agent in the event of overheating of the vehicle's battery.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, the invention will now be described in more detail and in a non-limiting manner.

The invention relates to a heat transfer method for cooling and/or heating an object or a fluid in a motor vehicle, which method is carried out by means of a heat transfer device. The apparatus comprises first and second heat transfer compositions, each heat transfer composition comprising a heat transfer fluid comprising one or more heat transfer compounds.

In the present application under consideration, the term "heat transfer compound" is intended to mean a compound capable of absorbing heat by evaporation and capable of releasing heat by condensation.

In the context of the present invention, "HFO-1234 yf" means 2,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, "HCFO-1233 zd" means 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene, "HCFO-1224 yd" means 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene, and "HFO-1336 mzz" means 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene.

The motor vehicle may be a combustion-powered, electric or hybrid vehicle, preferably an electric or hybrid vehicle. It comprises at least one motor unit, which may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. When the vehicle is electric or hybrid, it comprises an electronic circuit and a traction battery, the latter being indicated more simply as "battery" in the following text.

Device for cooling and/or heating in a vehicle

The present invention relates to a method for heat transfer in a heat transfer device, including cooling and/or heating of an object or fluid in a motor vehicle.

Thus, the method according to the invention may be a method for cooling an object or a fluid in a vehicle.

Alternatively, the method according to the invention may be a method for heating an object or a fluid in a vehicle.

Alternatively, the method according to the invention may be a method wherein one or more phases of cooling of the object or fluid are alternated with one or more phases of heating of the object or fluid.

The method according to the invention is carried out by means of the apparatus set forth below.

The heat transfer device comprises a vapor compression circuit (or refrigeration circuit) containing a first heat transfer composition, and a secondary circuit (or heat exchange circuit) containing a second heat transfer composition.

According to one embodiment of the invention (schematically shown in fig. 1), a vapour compression circuit 1 is used in conjunction with a secondary circuit 2. The vapour compression circuit 1 comprises at least one first heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, an intermediate heat exchanger 5 and a compressor 6. The first heat exchanger 3 is preferably an air/refrigerant exchanger, which allows heat exchange with an energy source (e.g. ambient air). The secondary circuit 2 comprises at least one additional heat exchanger 7.

By "energy source" is meant an object in a solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous state capable of absorbing or releasing thermal energy as desired. Outside air, air in the passenger compartment, a battery, and an electronic circuit of the vehicle represent examples of the energy source.

In the cooling mode (cooling of the body or fluid in the vehicle), heat is transferred from the body or fluid of the vehicle to the additional heat exchanger 7, resulting in evaporation of the second heat transfer composition circulating in the secondary circuit 2. Subsequently, the second heat transfer composition proceeds to an intermediate heat exchanger 5, said intermediate heat exchanger 5 acting as a condenser for the secondary circuit 2. In the vapour compression circuit 1, the first heat transfer composition is compressed by a compressor 6 and passed through a first heat exchanger 3 acting as a condenser (i.e. it transfers thermal energy to a source (e.g. outside air)), then through an expansion valve 4 (in which expansion takes place), and then through an intermediate heat exchanger 5 acting as an evaporator for the vapour compression circuit 1. Thus, in the intermediate heat exchanger 5, heat is transferred from the second heat transfer composition to the first heat transfer composition, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition and evaporation of the first heat transfer composition. Subsequently, the first heat transfer composition is again passed to the compressor 6, while the second heat transfer composition is passed to the additional heat exchanger 7 and enables cooling of the objects or fluids in the vehicle.

In the heat pump mode (heating of the body or fluid in the vehicle), not shown in fig. 1, heat is transferred from the additional heat exchanger 7 to the body or fluid in the vehicle, resulting in condensation of the second heat transfer composition circulating in the secondary circuit 2. Subsequently, the second heat transfer composition travels to the intermediate heat exchanger 5, which acts as an evaporator for the secondary circuit 2. In the vapour compression circuit 1, the first heat transfer composition is expanded in an expansion valve 4 and passed through a first heat exchanger 3 acting as an evaporator (i.e. it absorbs thermal energy from a source (e.g. outside air)), then through a compressor 6 (in which compressor 6 it is compressed) and then through an intermediate heat exchanger 5 acting as a condenser for the vapour compression circuit 1. Thus, in the intermediate heat exchanger 5, heat is transferred from the first heat transfer composition to the second heat transfer composition, resulting in condensation of the first heat transfer composition and evaporation of the second heat transfer composition. Subsequently, the first heat transfer composition again travels to the expansion valve 4, while the second heat transfer composition travels to the additional heat exchanger 7 and enables heating of the objects or fluids in the vehicle.

In some embodiments, depending on the mode of operation, a single heat exchanger may assume the functions of the first heat exchanger 3 or the intermediate exchanger 5 described previously. A secondary switch may also be added to assume the same function. A system of pipes and valves may be used to provide each exchanger with a change in function.

In some embodiments, the vapour compression circuit 1 is reversible, and may further comprise means for reversing its operation.

The means for reversing the operation of the reversible vapour compression circuit 1 is means for reversing the operation of the vapour compression circuit 1 between the configuration in the refrigeration mode and the configuration in the heat pump mode.

The aforementioned reversing device may be a device for changing the path of the first heat transfer composition in the reversible vapour compression circuit 1, or a device for reversing the direction of circulation of the first heat transfer composition in said circuit 1.

The aforementioned reversing device may be a four-way valve, a switching valve, a cut-off (on/off) valve, an expansion valve, or a combination thereof.

For example, during the reversal of the operating mode of the vapour compression circuit 1, the role of the heat exchanger may change: for example, the heat exchanger may act as a condenser in a cooling mode or as an evaporator in a heat pump mode, or vice versa.

Alternatively, the role of the heat exchanger may remain unchanged during the reversal of the operating mode of the vapour compression circuit 1. Since the heat exchanger is rather simply connected to other energy sources via valves, it is able to absorb or release thermal energy depending on its function in the vapour compression circuit 1.

In some embodiments, the first heat transfer composition can circulate in a single direction in the vapor compression circuit 1.

In some embodiments, the first heat transfer composition is capable of circulating in both directions in the vapor compression circuit 1, i.e., in a first direction and in an opposite direction.

The reversible vapor compression circuit 1 typically may comprise a pipe, line, hose, tank, or other device through which the first heat transfer composition circulates between different exchangers, expansion valves, other valves, and the like.

The first heat exchanger 3 may act as an evaporator or as an energy recuperator (condenser) depending on the mode of operation of the vapour compression circuit 1 (refrigeration or heat pump). The same applies to the intermediate heat exchanger 5.

In the vapour compression circuit 1, any type of heat exchanger may be used, and in particular a parallel flow heat exchanger, or, preferably, a counter flow heat exchanger.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a cooling and heating method and a corresponding device to comprise a heat exchanger in counter-flow with respect to the first heat exchanger 3 or with respect to the intermediate heat exchanger 5. The reason for this is that the heat transfer compositions described in this patent application are particularly effective for counter-flow heat exchangers. Preferably, both the first heat exchanger 3 and the intermediate heat exchanger 5 are counter-flow heat exchangers.

According to the invention, the term "counter-flow heat exchanger" is intended to denote a heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid at the inlet of the exchanger being in heat exchange with the second fluid at the outlet of the exchanger, and the first fluid at the outlet of the exchanger being in heat exchange with the second fluid at the inlet of the exchanger.

For example, a counter-flow heat exchanger includes a device in which the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid are in opposite directions or substantially opposite directions. For the purposes of this patent application, exchangers operating in cross-flow (cross) mode with a countercurrent tendency are also included in the counter-flow heat exchanger.

The compressor 6 may be closed, semi-closed, or open. The hermetic compressor includes a motor portion and a compression portion, which are contained in a non-detachable hermetic casing. The semi-hermetic compressor includes a motor part and a compression part, which are directly assembled with each other. The connection between the motor portion and the compression portion can be accessed by detaching and separating the two portions. The open type compressor includes a motor part and a compression part which are separated. They may operate by belt drive or by direct connection.

The compressor used may be in particular a dynamic compressor, or a positive displacement compressor.

Dynamic compressors include axial compressors and centrifugal compressors, which may have one or more stages. Centrifugal micro compressors may also be used.

The positive displacement compressor includes a rotary compressor and a reciprocating compressor.

Reciprocating compressors include both diaphragm compressors and piston compressors.

Rotary compressors include screw compressors, cam compressors, scroll (or screw) compressors, liquid ring compressors, and vane compressors. The screw compressor may preferably be twin-screw or single-screw.

In the device used, the compressor 6 can be driven by an electric motor or by a gas turbine (supplied, for example, by the exhaust gas of a vehicle) or by a transmission.

In the plant used, the compressor 6 may comprise means for injecting vapour or liquid. Injection entails introducing refrigerant in a liquid or vapor state into the compressor at an intermediate location (level) between the start and end of compression.

The secondary circuit 2 comprises at least one additional heat exchanger 7.

Each additional heat exchanger 7 may be a fluid/solids exchanger, or a fluid/fluid exchanger, or a fluid/air exchanger (for heating or cooling air-for example, air in the passenger compartment). In the latter two cases, the one or more additional heat exchangers 7 may again be parallel flow heat exchangers or, preferably, counter-flow heat exchangers.

The additional heat exchanger 7 may be configured for cooling and/or heating a plurality of objects or fluids, preferably selected from air (in particular air in the passenger compartment), batteries, and electronic components of the vehicle. In order to cool or heat the battery or the electronic component, air blown toward the battery or the electronic component may be cooled or heated; alternatively, the relative additional exchanger 7 is placed in direct contact with the battery or electronic assembly, or it is integrated into the latter.

In some embodiments, the secondary loop 2 does not include a compressor.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition is at a substantially uniform pressure in the secondary loop, which pressure is equal to the saturation pressure of the second heat transfer composition at the temperature of the second heat transfer composition. In the case of loss of head (loss of head), slight differences are possible. The temperature of the second heat transfer composition is preferably uniform in the secondary loop.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition is maintained at a constant temperature during the process.

"saturation pressure" means the pressure at which the gas phase of the composition is in equilibrium with the liquid phase in a closed system at a given temperature.

In some embodiments, the secondary loop 2 may comprise one or more valves, in particular when it comprises several additional heat exchangers 7, in order to direct the second heat transfer composition to one or more specific additional heat exchangers 7; and/or so as to allow the direction of circulation of the second heat transfer composition to be changed in all or part of the secondary loop 2.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition can circulate in a single direction in all or part of the secondary loop 2.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition can circulate in both directions, i.e., in the first direction and in the opposite direction, in all or part of the secondary loop 2.

In some embodiments, the circulation of the second heat transfer composition in the secondary loop 2 from the intermediate heat exchanger 5 to the one or more additional heat exchangers 7, and/or from the one or more additional heat exchangers 7 to the intermediate heat exchanger 5, may be carried out by means of a pump, or by gravity, or by capillary action.

In this device according to the invention, the vapour compression circuit 1 can be associated with the secondary circuit 2 through an intermediate heat exchanger 5. Thus, both the first heat transfer composition and the second heat transfer composition can pass through the intermediate heat exchanger 5.

When the apparatus is used to cool an object or fluid in a vehicle, the intermediate heat exchanger 5 is capable of evaporating the first heat transfer composition and condensing the second heat transfer composition, and the additional heat exchanger 7 is configured to transfer heat from the object or fluid to the second heat transfer composition.

When the device is used to heat an object or fluid in a vehicle, the intermediate heat exchanger 5 is capable of condensing the first heat transfer composition and evaporating the second heat transfer composition, and the additional heat exchanger 7 is configured to transfer heat from the second heat transfer composition to the object or fluid by condensing the second heat transfer composition.

In the context of the present patent application, each evaporation and each condensation may be total or partial.

Thus, evaporation may require a transition from a liquid state to a vapor state; alternatively, from a two-phase liquid/vapor state to a vapor state; alternatively, from a liquid state to a two-phase liquid/vapor state; or from one two-phase liquid/vapor state to another.

Thus, condensation may require a transition from a vapor state to a liquid state; alternatively, from a vapor state to a two-phase liquid/vapor state; alternatively, from a two-phase liquid/vapor state to a liquid state; or from one two-phase liquid/vapor state to another.

Evaporation and condensation can occur at a constant temperature or, in the case of non-azeotropic mixtures of heat transfer compounds, at variable temperatures.

In some embodiments, in the intermediate heat exchanger 5, one composition (either the first heat transfer composition or the second heat transfer composition) is at a lower temperature than the other; preferably, the temperature difference is less than 12 ℃, preferably less than 8 ℃ and more preferably less than 5 ℃. In the case where the temperature of the composition is not constant in the intermediate heat exchanger 5, the reference used to estimate the above-mentioned temperature difference is the median temperature between the inlet and the outlet of the intermediate heat exchanger.

In some embodiments, the devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for air conditioning of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for use in the heating of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods of the present invention are suitable for use in cooling a battery of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for use in the heating of a battery of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods of the present invention are suitable for use in the cooling of electronic components of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods of the present invention are suitable for use in the heating of electronic components of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for air conditioning the passenger compartment of a vehicle, and/or heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle, and/or cooling the battery of a vehicle, and/or cooling the electronic components of a vehicle, and/or heating the electronic components of a vehicle.

Heat transfer composition

The present invention utilizes a first heat transfer composition and a second heat transfer composition, each heat transfer composition comprising a heat transfer fluid alone or in combination with a lubricant and/or an additive. The heat transfer fluid may comprise one or more heat transfer compounds.

A first heat transfer composition is present in and circulates in the vapor compression circuit.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the first heat transfer composition consists essentially of HFO-1234yf, or consists of HFO-1234 yf.

In other embodiments, the heat transfer fluid comprises HFO-1234yf in combination with one or more other heat transfer compounds (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons and/or hydrofluoroolefins and/or hydrocarbons and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefins and/or CO)₂) A mixture of (a).

Hydrofluorocarbons may include, inter alia, difluoromethane (HFC-32), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,2, 2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134), 1,1,1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1, 1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a), fluoroethane (HFC-161), 1,1,1,2,3,3, 3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1, 1-trifluoropropane (HFC-263fb), and mixtures thereof.

Hydrofluoroolefins may include, inter alia: 1,3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) having the cis and/or trans form, and preferably having the trans form; and trifluoroethylene (HFO-1123).

Hydrochlorofluoroolefins may include, inter alia, 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd), having the Z and/or E form, and preferably having the E form.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid comprises at least 50% by weight of HFO-1234yf, or at least 60% by weight of HFO-1234yf, or at least 70% by weight of HFO-1234yf, or at least 80% by weight of HFO-1234yf, or at least 90% by weight of HFO-1234yf, or at least 95% by weight of HFO-1234 yf.

Additives that may be present in the first heat transfer composition of the present invention may be selected from nanoparticles, stabilizers, surfactants, tracers, fluorescent agents, odorants (odorants) and solubilizing agents, among others.

The total amount of additives does not exceed 5%, more particularly 4%, and still more particularly 3%, and very particularly 2%, or even 1% by weight of the first heat transfer composition.

In some embodiments, HFO-1234yf comprises impurities. When present, it may occupy less than 1%, preferably less than 0.5%, preferably less than 0.1%, preferably less than 0.05%, and preferably less than 0.01% (by weight) relative to HFO-1234 yf.

In the first heat transfer composition, one or more lubricants may be present. These lubricants may be selected from polyol esters (POE), polyalkylene glycols (PAG), or polyvinyl ethers (PVE).

The lubricant may occupy 1 to 50%, preferably 2 to 40%, and more preferably 5 to 30% (by weight) of the first heat transfer composition.

The heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition may comprise one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point in the range of from 0 to 40 deg.C, preferably from 5 to 35 deg.C, and more preferably from 8 to 34 deg.C.

"boiling point of a compound" means the temperature at which the compound boils at a pressure of 1 bar.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition has a boiling point in the range of from 0 to 40 ℃, preferably from 5 to 35 ℃, and more preferably from 8 to 34 ℃.

In the case of a mixture of several compounds, the boiling point of the mixture corresponds to the average between the boiling onset temperature and the final boiling temperature at a pressure of 1 bar.

In some embodiments, one or more heat transfer compounds having a boiling point of 0-40 ℃ are employed, which may be selected from hydrochlorofluoroolefins, hydrofluoroolefins, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrochlorofluoroolefin may be selected from the group consisting of 1-chloro-3, 3, 3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd) and 1-chloro-2, 3,3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (HCFO-1224yd), and combinations thereof.

The HCFO-1233zd may have the E and/or Z form.

Preferably, the HCFO-1233zd comprises more than 50 mole% of form E, preferably more than 60 mole% of form E, preferably more than 70 mole% of form E, preferably more than 80 mole% of form E, preferably more than 85 mole% of form E, preferably more than 90 mole% of form E, preferably more than 95 mole% of form E, preferably more than 98 mole% of form E, and more preferably more than 99 mole% of form E. Preferably, it is entirely in the E form.

HCFO-1224yd can have E and/or Z forms.

Preferably, HCFO-1224yd comprises more than 50 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 60 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 70 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 80 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 85 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 90 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 95 mole% of the Z form, preferably more than 98 mole% of the Z form, and more preferably more than 99 mole% of the Z form. Preferably, it is entirely in the Z form.

In some embodiments, the hydrofluoroolefin may be 1,1,1,4,4, 4-hexafluorobut-2-ene (HFO-1336mzz) having the E and/or Z forms.

Thus, HFO-1336mzz may comprise more than 50 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 60 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 70 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 80 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 85 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 90 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 95 mol% of the form Z, preferably more than 98 mol% of the form Z, and more preferably more than 99 mol% of the form Z. It may be entirely in the Z form.

Alternatively, HFO-1336mzz may comprise more than 50 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 60 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 70 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 80 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 85 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 90 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 95 mole% of the form E, preferably more than 98 mole% of the form E, and more preferably more than 99 mole% of the form E. It may be entirely in the E form.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer compound used in the second heat transfer composition has a latent heat of evaporation at 20 ℃ of more than 100kJ/kg, preferably more than 110kJ/kg, more preferably more than 120kJ/kg, more preferably more than 130kJ/kg, more preferably more than 140kJ/kg, more preferably more than 150kJ/kg, and more preferably more than 160 kJ/kg.

The latent heat values of the heat transfer compounds preferably used as heat transfer fluids in the second composition for temperatures of 20 ℃ are given in the table below. The highest latent heat was observed for HCFO-1233zd (E).

Heat transfer composition	Temperature (. degree.C.)	Pressure (Bar)	Latent heat of vaporization (kJ/kg)
				HCFO-1233zd(E)	20	1.07	194
HFO-1336mzz(Z)	20	0.6	171
				HFO-1336mzz(E)	20	1.66	141
HCFO-1224yd(Z)	20	1.26	164

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition comprises a single heat transfer compound.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition can be a binary mixture of heat transfer compounds.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition can be a ternary mixture of heat transfer compounds.

A second heat transfer composition is present in and circulates in the secondary loop.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition undergoes neither compression nor expansion.

In some embodiments, the second heat transfer composition comprises at least 50% by weight of heat transfer fluid, or at least 60% by weight of heat transfer fluid, or at least 70% by weight of heat transfer fluid, or at least 80% by weight of heat transfer fluid, or at least 90% by weight of heat transfer fluid, or at least 95% by weight of heat transfer fluid.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer composition consists essentially of, or consists of, a heat transfer compound.

Additives that may be present in the second heat transfer composition of the present invention are the same as those described above with respect to the first heat transfer composition and, moreover, follow the same concentration ranges.