EV Multi-Mode Thermal Management System

A multi-mode vehicle thermal management system, comprising:

• a battery thermal control loop comprising a first circulation pump, wherein said first circulation pump circulates a first heat transfer fluid within said battery thermal control loop, and wherein said battery thermal control loop is thermally coupled to a vehicle battery pack;
• a drive train control loop comprising a second circulation pump, wherein said second circulation pump circulates a second heat transfer fluid within said drive train control loop, wherein said drive train control loop is thermally coupled to at least one drive train component, and wherein said battery thermal control loop operates in parallel with and independent of said drive train thermal control loop;
• a refrigerant-based thermal control loop, wherein said refrigerant-based thermal control loop is comprised of a refrigerant, a compressor, and a condenser/evaporator;
• a refrigerant-air heat exchanger coupled to said refrigerant-based thermal control loop by a first expansion valve, wherein said refrigerant-air heat exchanger is thermally coupled to a vehicle HVAC system;
• a refrigerant valve operable in at least two modes;
• and
• a refrigerant-fluid heat exchanger coupled to said battery thermal control loop, wherein said refrigerant valve in a first mode directs said refrigerant through said refrigerant-air heat exchanger and said first expansion valve, wherein said refrigerant valve in a second mode directs said refrigerant through said refrigerant-fluid heat exchanger, and wherein said first heat transfer fluid within said battery thermal control loop is heated when said refrigerant is directed through said refrigerant-fluid heat exchanger.