Claims:We claim:

1. A method for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during electric charging, the method comprising:
detecting, by a control unit of the vehicle, ambient temperature conditions;
operating selectively, by the control unit, at least one of cooling unit (7) and a heating unit (6) of the vehicle based on the detection; and
operating, by the control unit, one or more valves in a coolant circulation path (9) to selectively pass coolant through one or more power train components of the vehicle to store the thermal mass.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the powertrain components comprises a battery module (1) and an electric motor (4).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the heating unit (6), when the ambient temperature is less than a predetermined temperature range.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the cooling unit (7), when the ambient temperature is more than the predetermined temperature range.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the heating unit (6) is a Positive Thermal Coefficient [PTC] heater.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cooling unit (7) is a refrigeration unit.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cooling unit (7) comprises a radiator and condenser to cool the coolant.

8. The method as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein operating the one or more valves selectively, comprises:
circulating the coolant from any one of the heating unit (6) and the cooling unit (7) through the battery module (1) till the temperature of the battery module (1) reaches a threshold temperature;
circulating the coolant from any one of the heating unit (6) and the cooling unit (7) and the battery module (1) through the electric motor (4) till the electric motor (4) reaches threshold temperature; and
circulating the coolant to an air conditioning system (10) of the vehicle to heat or cool the cabin of the vehicle.

9. The method as claimed in claims 1 and 8 comprises operating, a first valve (3) of the one or more valves, selectively, to circulate the coolant through the electric motor (4) to heat or cool the electric motor (4).

10. The method as claimed in claims 1 and 8 comprises operating, a second valve (5) of the one or more valves, selectively, to circulate the coolant through the cooling unit (7) to cool the coolant.

11. A system (10) for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during electric charging, the system (10) comprising:
a control unit configured to:
detect ambient temperature conditions;
operate at least one of the cooling unit (7) and the heating unit (6) selectively based on the detected ambient temperature conditions; and
operate one or more valves in the coolant circulation path (9) to selectively pass the coolant through one or more powertrain components of the vehicle to store thermal mass.

12. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the power train components includes a battery module (1), power circuit module and electric motors.

13. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11 comprises a cabin conditioner (8) to heat or cool cabin of the vehicle based on the ambient temperature conditions.

14. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more valves includes a first valve (3) configured to selectively circulate the coolant through the electric motor (4) to heat or cool the electric motor (4).

15. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more valves includes a second valve (5) configured to selectively circulate the fluid through at least one of cabin conditioner (8) and the cooling unit (7).

16. An electric vehicle comprising a system (10) as claimed in claim 11.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to thermal management of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and a system for storing thermal mass in the vehicle during charging, so that the thermal mass may be used to condition cabin of the vehicle during operation.

BACKGROUND

With the increase in vehicle population, and emissions emitting from the vehicles, significant environmental problems are originating day by day. Hence, there are continuous efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emission from the vehicles. Focus of the automobile manufacturers has been shifted to develop vehicles that can reduce reliance or completely eliminate the reliance on internal combustion engines as they require fuel for operation. Vehicles that are capable of running on electricity are currently being developed for this purpose.

Electric vehicles offer alternatives to vehicles that use internal combustion drive trains. One of the principal issues involved in designing an efficient electric drive train may be thermal management. This may be primarily due to the required operating conditions of the battery cells and the need to provide on-demand heating and cooling within the passenger cabin.

The temperature has an influence over battery performance in the electric vehicle. Batteries are preferred to be operated within an optimum temperature range. Batteries may also have to be operated at uniform temperatures as uneven temperature distribution may cause varying charge-discharge behaviour. Such varying charge-discharge behaviour may lead to electrically unbalanced and unmatched set of batteries and thereby reducing performance. The reduction in performance of the batteries may reduce the range that can be travelled by the electric vehicle.

Also, the temperature may influence the occupant who is using the vehicle. The climate controller in the cabin provides the required thermal comfort for the occupant. The vehicle may be preconditioned to the occupant thermal comfort when the vehicle is being charged. However, to condition the vehicle to the required occupant thermal comfort when it is moving, electric charge may be consumed from the batteries. The consumption of charge from the batteries reduces the range of travel of the electric vehicle.

In the conventional electric vehicles, the cabin may be pre-conditioned as per the thermal comfort of the occupant while the vehicle is charging. However, when the vehicle is in moving, conditioning of the cabin is ensured by a climate control unit, which consumes energy from the battery module. Further, the difference in ambient temperatures may also affect the performance of the batteries and in turn consume more charge from the battery when the vehicle is moving. This energy consumption reduces the travel range of the vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional method and system are overcome by the method and the system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a method for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during electric charging is disclosed. The method includes detecting ambient temperature conditions by a control unit of the vehicle, and then operating selectively at least one of a cooling unit and a heating unit based on the detection. The method further includes operating one or more valves by the control unit, in a coolant circulation path to selectively pass coolant through one or more power train components of the vehicle to store the thermal mass. This method ensures that sufficient thermal mass will be stored during charging of the vehicle and may be utilised during vehicle operation. This reduces the load on the battery module during operation of the vehicle and improves longevity of the vehicle travel

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the powertrain components include a battery module, a power circuit module and an electric motor.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit is configured to operate the heating unit, when the ambient temperature conditions are less than a predetermined temperature range. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heating unit is a PTC heater.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit is configured to operate the cooling unit, when the ambient temperature conditions is more than the predetermined temperature range. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cooling unit is a refrigeration unit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cooling unit includes a radiator and condenser to cool the coolant.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more valves are operated selectively by the control unit. The operation of one or more valves selectively includes circulating the coolant from the heating unit or cooling unit through the battery module till the temperature of the battery module reaches a threshold temperature. Further, the coolant is circulated through the electric motor till the electric motor reaches threshold temperature and the coolant is further circulated to air conditioning system of the vehicle to heat or cool the cabin of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a first valve of the one or more valves, selectively circulate the coolant through the electric motor to heat or cool the electric motor and a second valve of the one or more valves selectively circulate the coolant through the cooling unit to cool the coolant.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for storing thermal mass in an electric vehicle during electric charging is disclosed. The system includes power train components that are configured to drive the vehicle, one or more valves provided in a coolant circulation path to circulate the fluid, a cooling unit configured to cool the coolant and a heating unit configured to heat the coolant. The system further includes a control unit, configured to detect ambient temperature conditions, operate at least one of cooling and the heating unit selectively and operating one or more valves in the coolant circulation path to selectively pass the coolant through one or more powertrain components of vehicle to store thermal mass.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes a cabin conditioner to heat or cool the cabin of the vehicle based on ambient temperature conditions.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1A is a schematic representation of a system for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during charging in low ambient temperature conditions, where battery module is heated to store thermal mass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.1B is a schematic representation of the system of FIG.1A, where electric motor is heated for storing thermal mass during charging in low ambient temperature conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.1C is a schematic representation of the system of FIG.1A, where a cabin conditioner is heated to heat cabin of the vehicle during charging in low ambient temperature conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.1D is a schematic representation of the system of FIG.1A, where the thermal mass stored in the battery module and electric motor is utilized to heat the cabin of the vehicle, during vehicle movement in low ambient temperature conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig 2 is a schematic representation of coolant unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG.2A is a schematic representation of a system for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during charging in high ambient temperature conditions, where the battery module is cooled to store thermal mass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This has a secondary coolant loop in order to enable additional cooling.

FIG.2B is a schematic representation of the system of FIG.2A, where the electric motor is cooled to store the thermal mass during charging in high ambient conditions mass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2C is a schematic representation of a system of FIG.2A, where a cabin conditioner is cooled to cool the cabin of the vehicle during charging in high ambient temperature conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent processes do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method and a system for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during electric charging. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a plug in type hybrid vehicle. The thermal mass may be stored in powertrain components during electric charging of the vehicle and the thermal mass so stored may be utilized during running or movement of the vehicle to condition the cabin of the vehicle.

The system includes powertrain components configured to drive the vehicle. The powertrain components may include a battery module, a power circuit module and an electric motor. The system further includes one or more valves provided in a coolant circulation path. A coolant may be circulated along the coolant circulation path and with the one or more valves, the coolant may be selectively routed through the one or more powertrain components. The system also includes a heating unit and a cooling unit to heat and cool the powertrain components respectively. In an embodiment, the cooling unit may cool the coolant in the coolant circulation path when ambient temperature conditions are high, and the heating unit heats the coolant in the circulation path when the ambient temperature conditions are low. In an embodiment, when the ambient temperature conditions is below a pre-determined temperature, then it may be referred to as low ambient temperature conditions and when the ambient temperature condition is more than the pre-determined temperature, then it may be referred to as high ambient temperature conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined temperature below which it may be considered as low ambient temperature may be 20°C. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined temperature above which the temperature may be considered as high ambient temperature may be 35°C. The system further includes a control unit of the vehicle, the control unit is configured to detect the ambient temperature of the surroundings and to operate at least one of the cooling unit and heating unit selectively based on the detected ambient temperature conditions. The control unit also operates the one or more valves in the circulation path to selectively pass coolant through one or more powertrain components.

Accordingly, the method of storing thermal mass in the system of the vehicle during electric charging includes charging the battery module from an external power source. The power source charges the battery module. Energy is stored in the battery module in order to use the same energy during the moving of the vehicle. During the process of charging, the cabin and the powertrain components may be pre-conditioned based on the ambient temperature conditions and also store thermal mass in the powertrain components. The storage of thermal mass in the powertrain components allows the vehicle to have an improved range of travel. The preconditioning and storing of thermal mass in the powertrain components of the vehicle is based on the ambient temperature conditions. In an embodiment, the powertrain components are heated or cooled selectively until all the powertrain components reach their threshold temperatures. Once the powertrain components reach their optimum range of temperature, the cabin may also be heated or cooled based on the ambient temperature conditions. Further, the excess thermal energy during charging of the vehicle may be stored in the powertrain components. In an embodiment, to the stored thermal mass or thermal energy may be utilized to condition the cabin of the vehicle when the vehicle is on the move. This method of preconditioning and storing the thermal energy increases the range of travel, improves the performance of the powertrain components andreduces the weight, travel cost.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure. In the figures neither the vehicle nor the complete powertrain units is depicted for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the device may be employed in the internal combustion engine of any vehicle including but not limiting to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.1A-2D. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

FIG.1A is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a schematic representation of a system for storing thermal mass in a vehicle during charging in low ambient temperature conditions, where battery module (1) is heated to store thermal mass. As shown in the FIG.1A the system (10) uses one or more powertrain components of the vehicle to store the thermal mass. The powertrain components may include a battery module (1), an electric motor (4) and a power circuit module (not shown in the figure). The powertrain components may be fluidly connected with each other through a coolant circulation path (9) and may be capable of exchanging heat with each other. Further, the system (10) includes a heating unit (6) and a cooling unit (7). In an embodiment, the system (10) includes a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle which operates the heating unit (6), cooling unit (7) and one or more valves (3 and 5) disposed in the coolant circulation path to supply the coolant selectively to either heat or cool them based on the ambient temperature conditions.

FIG.1A shows operation of the system (10) during low ambient temperature conditions. In low ambient temperature conditions, the control unit may activate the heating unit (6) to heat the coolant in the coolant circulation path (9). In an embodiment, the heating unit (6) may be a PTC heater. In an embodiment, an external power source (not shown) may be used during charging. The energy from the power source may be transmitted to the heating unit (6) disposed in the coolant circulation path (9). The heating unit (6) in turn heats the coolant that is being circulated in the coolant circulation path (9). The heated coolant is circulated to the battery module (1) to heat the battery module (1). In an embodiment, the battery module (1) may be heated up to its threshold limit. The threshold limit of temperature may depend on the capacity of the battery module (1). In an embodiment, the optimum temperature range in which the powertrain components such as battery module (1) or electric motor (4) may be in the range of 30°C to 60°C. Thus, in an embodiment, the battery module (1) may be supplied with heat till it reaches temperature of 60°C.

Referring now to FIG.1B, once the threshold temperature limit is achieved in the battery module (1), excess heat may be released by the battery module (1) during charging. The coolant carries the heat away from the battery module (1) thereby maintaining the battery module (1) at the threshold temperature. The coolant heated by the heating unit (6), further carries the heat dissipated by the battery module (1) to the other powertrain components, such as the electric motor (4), as shown in FIG.1B. In an embodiment, the control unit may operate one or more valves (3 and 5) selectively to circulate the fluid to the electric motor (4). In an embodiment, a first valve (3) of the one or more valves (3 and 5) may be operated by the control unit to circulate the coolant through the electric motor (4). The heat from the coolant is transmitted to the electric motor (4), thus heating the electric motor (4). In an embodiment, the electric motor (4) may be heated up to its threshold limit. The heating unit (6) may supply incremental heat to the electric motor (4) through the coolant based on the requirement. The electric motor (4) used in the vehicle may be such as but not limiting to a traction motor. In an embodiment, once the electric motor (4) reaches its threshold temperature, the coolant may be then routed to other powertrain components such as power circuit module or gear box (not shown in the figure). Further, the control unit operates a second valve (5) of the one or more valves (3 and 5) to direct the flow of the coolant to a cabin conditioner (8). Further, as shown in FIG.1C, the coolant carries the heat dissipated from the battery module (1) and the electric motor (4) to the cabin conditioner (8) of the vehicle. The cabin conditioner (8) utilizes this heat to condition [heat] the cabin of the vehicle. As the vehicle continues to be charged, the energy from the external power source may be transferred to the heating unit (6) and in turn to the coolant in the coolant circulation path (9). This excess heat may be stored as thermal mass in the powertrain components. In an embodiment, the first and second valves (3 and 5) may be directional control valves such as solenoid valves.

As shown in FIG.1D, when the vehicle is being driven or is on the move, the thermal mass stored in the various powertrain components may be used for conditioning, here heating the cabin in the low ambient temperature conditions. In an embodiment, the system also includes a pump (2) which may be provided in the coolant circulation path (9) to assist in circulation of the coolant to the components of the system (10). Also, when the vehicle is being driven or is on the move, the power train components may dissipate heat. The coolant removes the excess heat dissipated from the powertrain components. The excess heat removed by the coolant may be utilized to condition the cabin, here heating the cabin. The coolant may be circulated through the cabin conditioner (8) to heat the cabin. The control unit may operate the heating unit (6) to provide incremental heat to the cabin conditioner when necessary. The utilization of heat of the thermal components may reduce the energy consumption from the battery module (1). The reduction in energy consumption from the battery module (1) may increase the range of drive of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIG.2A to FIG.2C, which are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating a system and method of storing thermal mass during high ambient temperature conditions. During the high ambient temperature conditions, the powertrain components may be required to be cooled to the its optimum range of temperature. Under these high ambient temperature conditions, as shown in FIG.2A, the coolant is allowed to pass through a cooling unit (7). In an embodiment, the cooling unit (7) may be a refrigeration system. The cooling unit (7) may include an evaporator (12) and a condenser (13) to cool the coolant [as shown in FIG.2]. In an embodiment, the vehicle cooling unit may be employed to serve this purpose. Further, the cooling unit (7) may also include a plurality of evaporators. The plurality of evaporators may be a coolant evaporator and a cabin evaporator. The cooling unit (7) thus cools the coolant. The required energy for the cooling unit (7) may be obtained through the external power source during vehicle charging. As the coolant passes through the powertrain components, the heat may be extracted from the powertrain components and transmitted to the coolant passing through them. The coolant carries the heat away from the powertrain components such as the battery module (1), the electric motor (4). As shown in FIG.2A, the coolant may extract the heat from the battery module (1). The heat from the battery module (1) may be removed or extracted until the battery module (1) is cooled to lower limit of its optimum temperature range. In an embodiment, the battery module (1) may be cooled till it reaches a temperature of 20°C.

Referring now to FIG.2B, shows operation of the system (10) during high ambient temperature conditions. In the high ambient temperature excess heat may be inherent in the electric motor (4) due to high ambient temperature conditions, the heat may now be removed from the electric motor (4). Thus, the control unit may be operating the first valve to direct the coolant to the electric motor (4). In an embodiment, the first valve (3) may be operated to circulate the coolant to the electric motor (4) when the optimum temperature range of the battery module (1) has been attained. The electric motor (4) may be cooled till it reaches optimum operating temperature range. The coolant may be routed to the cooling unit (7) by operating the valves, to dissipate the heat to the cooling unit (7).

As shown in FIG.2C, once the optimum temperature range of the powertrain components is achieved, the cabin may then be conditioned [cooled] during charging of the vehicle. The heat may be removed from the cabin and is dissipated to the coolant. In an embodiment, the second valve (5) may be operated by the control unit to route the coolant through the cabin conditioner. The one or more valves (3 and 5) used in the system may be at least one of, but not limiting to, the direction control valves. The heat removed from the cabin conditioner may be exchanged between the cooling unit (7) and coolant to remove the heat from the coolant. Once the heat is removed from the coolant, the coolant is then circulated back to the powertrain components to maintain the optimum temperature and through the cabin conditioner (8) to achieve occupant thermal comfort. The control unit may operate the secondary evaporator (11) to provide incremental cooling to the coolant, when necessary. Maintaining the powertrain components at optimum range of temperature increases the performance of the components and thereby increases the performance of the vehicle in terms of range of the drive. Also, storing the thermal mass during charging eliminates the heating or cooling of the powertrain components for a preset amount of time.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for storing thermal mass in vehicle during electric charging which offers advantages including energy storing while charging. Also, use of high thermal mass available in the vehicle will help to achieve vehicle occupant thermal comfort by keeping optimum temperature for performance of the powertrain components. Further, the energy is conserved and used while driving. The method disclosed is an enabler for extending driving of electric vehicles in a single charge. It also enables achieving thermal comfort for the vehicle occupants at a faster rate.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description

Referral Numerals:
Description Reference Number
Battery module 1
Pump 2
First valve 3
Motor 4
Second valve 5
Heating unit 6
Cooling unit 7
Cabin heater 8
Coolant circulation path 9
System 10
Secondary evaporator 11
Evaporator 12
Condenser 13