SE2251345A1

SE2251345A1 - Method of Controlling Operation of Vehicle Cooling System, Computer Program, Computer-readable Medium, Control Arrangement, Vehicle Cooling System, and Vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE2251345A1
Application number: SE2251345A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Ola Hall; Zoltan Kardos
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2022-11-16
Filing date: 2022-11-16
Publication date: 2024-05-17
Also published as: DE102023129471A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT A method (100) of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system (10, 10') is disclosed. The vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a high temperature coolant circuit (1), a low temperature coolant circuit (2), a connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and a first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2). The first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) is controllable between a closed state and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is directed through the low temperature radiator (r2) via the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'). The method (100) comprises the steps of estimating (110) a cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), and controlling (120) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand (cd1). The present disclosure further relates to a computer program, a computer- readable medium (200), a control arrangement (21), a vehicle cooling system (10, 10'), and a vehicle (20).

Description

1 Method of Controlling Operation of Vehicle Cooling System, Computer Program, Computer-readable Medium, Control Arrangement, Vehicle Cooling System, and Vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a control arrangement for controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system, a vehicle cooling system, and a vehicle comprising a vehicle cooling system.

BACKGROUND Traditionally, a combustion engine has been used to provide motive power to a vehicle. A combustion engine produces a lot of excess heat which is transported to the surroundings via a cooling system. Such a cooling system usually comprises coolant channels, a coolant pump, and a radiator configured to transfer heat from the cooling system to ambient air. The radiator is normally arranged at a front section of the vehicle such that a flow of air is generated through the radiator upon movement of the vehicle in a forward moving direction. Moreover, many vehicles comprise a fan arranged at a region of the radiator, wherein the fan is controlled to operate in case the flow of air generated by driving is below what is needed given current cooling requirements of coolant of the coolant circuit. The coolant pump and the fan require energy for their operation which affects the total energy efficiency of a vehicle.

Therefore, the driving energy of the coolant pump and the fan can be seen as parasitic losses when regarding the propulsion system of a vehicle in its entirety.

The use of electric drive for vehicles provides many advantages, especially regarding local emissions. Such vehicles comprise one or more electric machines configured to provide motive power to the vehicle. These types of vehicles can be divided into the categories pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Pure electric vehicles, sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles, only-electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles, comprise a pure electric powertrain and comprise no internal combustion engine and therefore produce no emissions in the place where they are used.

A hybrid electric vehicle comprises two or more distinct types of power, such as an internal combustion engine and an electric propulsion system. The combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric propulsion system provides advantages with regard to energy efficiency compared to vehicles using only an internal combustion engine, partly 2 because of the poor energy efficiency of an internal combustion engine at lower power output levels. Moreover, some hybrid electric vehicles are capable of operating in pure electric drive when wanted, such as when driving in certain areas requiring low noise levels and/or low emission levels.

Modern vehicles usually comprise numerous components and systems which require a regulation of the temperature and the introduction of components and systems such as electric propulsion systems, hybrid electric propulsion systems, waste heat recovery systems, batteries, retarders, and the like, has increased this number considerably. Many of these components and systems have different temperature requirements, and some components, such as batteries, are especially sensitive to temperature deviations. Therefore, modern vehicles usually comprise several cooling systems each configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle system or a vehicle component.

All these cooling systems are usually designed in size and capacity to provide sufficient cooling at the highest power output of the respective system/component. Moreover, many of these components and systems have a greatly varying cooling requirement. Therefore, in most operating conditions, the size and capacity of the respective cooling system is greater than what is needed given the current power output of the vehicle system or component. Moreover, each component of a cooling system adds cost, complexity, and weight to a vehicle.

One solution for avoiding overheating of a vehicle arrangement or system is to temporarily restrict operation of the arrangement or system when the cooling demand of the arrangement or system is higher than a cooling capacity of the radiator. Such situations may occur for example upon high ambient temperatures. The operation of the arrangement or system may be restricted by limiting a power output of the arrangement or system. However, obviously, such a solution significantly impairs the intended functionality of the arrangement or system.

SUMMARY lt is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising the vehicle cooling system, a high temperature vehicle arrangement and a low temperature vehicle arrangement. The vehicle cooling system comprises a high temperature coolant circuit 3 comprising a high temperature radiator, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement. The vehicle cooling system further comprises a low temperature coolant circuit comprising a low temperature radiator, wherein the low temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement. The vehicle cooling system further comprises a connecting conduit assembly and a first flow control assembly. The first flow control assembly is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit is directed through the low temperature radiator via the connecting conduit assembly. The method comprises the steps of: - estimating a cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand.

Since the method comprises the step of controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, a method is provided capable of ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, also during high cooling demands thereof, without requiring a large size and capacity of the high temperature radiator. ln other words, due to the features of the method, conditions are provided for smaller size and capacity of the high temperature radiator than would be needed othenNise for providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement during high cooling demands thereof. ln this manner, conditions are provided for a vehicle cooling system adding less costs, complexity, and weight to a vehicle while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement.

Moreover, a method is provided capable of providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement also during high cooling demands thereof in an energy efficient manner. This is because the method can reduce the need for operating a fan assembly and/or a coolant pump of the high temperature coolant circuit at high power levels to ensure sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement. ln other words, due to the features of the method, the total energy consumption of the vehicle cooling system can be reduced. 4 ln addition, a method is provided circumventing, or at least reducing, the need for temporarily restricting operation of the high temperature vehicle arrangement to avoid overheating, for example upon high ambient temperatures.

Accordingly, a method is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - estimating an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of controlling the first flow control assembly in a situation-based manner on the basis of the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator and on the basis of the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement. Moreover, a method is provided in which disturbances of the cooling of the low temperature vehicle arrangement can be avoided.

The step of estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator may comprise the steps of: - obtaining a current temperature of coolant of the low temperature coolant circuit, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator based on the obtained current temperature of coolant of the low temperature coolant circuit.

Thereby, the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator can be estimated in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.

The step of controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator may comprise the steps of: - controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state if the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement exceeds a threshold demand and if the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator exceeds a threshold capacity. ln this manner, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly can be performed on the basis of the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - estimating a cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator.

Thereby, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly can be provided on the basis of the estimated available cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator and on the basis of the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement.

The step estimating the available cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator may comprise the steps of: - obtaining a current temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator based on the current temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit.

Thereby, the available cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator can be estimated in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state if the estimated cooling demand exceeds the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, also during high cooling demands thereof, while circumventing the need for a large sized high temperature radiator. ln addition, the need for temporarily restricting operation of the high temperature vehicle arrangement is further reduced.

Moreover, a method is provided capable of cooling the high temperature vehicle arrangement in an energy efficient manner. This is because the method can reduce the need for operating a fan assembly and/or a coolant pump of the high temperature coolant circuit at high power levels for ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement. 6 Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - monitoring a current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system, - estimating a change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated change in the power consumption.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements in a more energy efficient manner. This is because the first flow control assembly can be controlled between the open and closed states so as to minimize the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements.

Optionally, the vehicle cooling system comprises a fan assembly configured to generate an airflow through the high temperature radiator, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit comprises a coolant pump configured to pump coolant through the high temperature coolant circuit, and wherein the vehicle cooling system comprises a heat pump circuit comprising an evaporator arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature coolant circuit and a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant through the heat pump circuit, and wherein the step of monitoring the current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system comprises the step of: - monitoring a current power consumption of the fan assembly, the coolant pump, and the compressor, and wherein the step of estimating the change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system comprises the step of: - estimating a change in the power consumption of the fan assembly, the coolant pump, and the compressor.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements in a more energy efficient manner. This is because the first flow control assembly can be controlled between the open and closed states so as to minimize the power consumption of the fan assembly, the coolant pump, and the compressor while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements.

Optionally, the step of controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated change in the power consumption comprises the steps of: 7 - switching opening state of the first flow control assembly if the estimated change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system indicates a reduction in power consumption compared to the monitored current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - estimating a cooling demand of the low temperature vehicle arrangement, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demand of the low temperature vehicle arrangement.

Thereby, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly can be provided on the basis of the estimated cooling demands of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - monitoring a current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system, - estimating a change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly, - estimating a cooling demand of the low temperature vehicle arrangement, - estimating a cooling capacity of the high and low temperature radiators, and - controlling the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demands of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements, the estimated cooling capacities of the high and low temperature radiators, and on the estimated change in the power consumption.

Thereby, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly can be provided so as to minimize the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements.

Optionally, the vehicle cooling system comprises a heat pump circuit comprising an evaporator arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature coolant circuit, wherein the low temperature coolant circuit comprises a bypass line bypassing the low temperature radiator and a second flow control assembly controllable between a first state in which coolant is directed through the low temperature radiator and a second state in which coolant is directed through the bypass line, and wherein the method comprises the step of: 8 - controlling the second flow control assembly between the first and second states based on the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement.

Thereby, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly can be provided capable of ensuring that the high temperature vehicle arrangement is sufficiently cooled in a wider range of operational conditions. This is because the second flow control assembly can be controlled to the second state such that coolant in the low temperature coolant circuit bypasses the low temperature radiator for example when the cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement exceeds the cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement can be cooled using each of the high and low temperature radiators without simultaneously using the low temperature radiator for cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements.

Optionally, the method comprises the step of: - controlling the second flow control assembly to the second state upon controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of ensuring that the high temperature vehicle arrangement is sufficiently cooled without requiring a large size and capacity of the high temperature radiator and without simultaneously cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements using the low temperature radiator.

Optionally, the heat pump circuit comprises a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant through the heat pump circuit, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: - estimating a cooling demand of the low temperature vehicle arrangement, - estimating an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator, and - operating the compressor if the estimated cooling demand of the low temperature vehicle arrangement exceeds the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator.

Thereby, a sufficient cooling of the low temperature vehicle arrangement can be ensured in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.

Optionally, the vehicle cooling system comprises a fan assembly configured to generate an airflow through the high temperature radiator, and wherein the method comprises the step of: - controlling the operation rate of the fan assembly based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of reducing the operation rate of the fan assembly and thereby the energy consumption thereof.

Optionally, the step of controlling the operation rate of the fan assembly based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly may comprise the step of: - reducing the operation rate of the fan assembly upon controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state.

Optionally, the method may comprise the steps of: - controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state if the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement exceeds a first threshold demand, and - controlling the fan assembly to operate at a power level being lower than 50%, or lower than 75%, of a maximum power level of the fan assembly if the estimated cooling demand is lower than the first threshold demand.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of maintaining a low operation rate of the fan assembly and thereby also a low energy consumption of the vehicle cooling system.

Optionally, the high temperature coolant circuit comprises a coolant pump configured to pump coolant through the high temperature coolant circuit, and wherein the method comprises the step of: - controlling the operation rate of the coolant pump based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of reducing the operation rate of the coolant pump and thereby the energy consumption of the vehicle cooling system.

Optionally, the step of estimating the cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement comprises the steps of: - obtaining temperature data representative of at least one of a preceding temperature, a current temperature, and an impending temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit, and - estimating the cooling demand based on the temperature data.

Thereby, the cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement can be estimated in a simple, efficient, and reliable manner.

Optionally, the step of estimating the cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement comprises the steps of: - obtaining power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, and - estimating the cooling demand based on the power output data.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Since the computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments described herein, a computer program is provided which provides conditions for overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Since the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments described herein, a computer-readable medium is provided which provides conditions for overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a control arrangement for controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising the vehicle cooling system, a high temperature vehicle arrangement and a low temperature vehicle arrangement. The vehicle cooling system comprises a high temperature coolant circuit comprising a high temperature radiator, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement, and a 11 low temperature coolant circuit comprising a low temperature radiator, wherein the low temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement. The vehicle cooling system further comprises a connecting conduit assembly and a first flow control assembly. The first flow control assembly is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit is directed through the low temperature radiator via the connecting conduit assembly. The control arrangement is configured to: - estimate a cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, and - control the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand.

Since the control arrangement is configured to control the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, a control arrangement is provided capable of ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, also during high cooling demands thereof, without requiring a large size and capacity of the high temperature radiator. ln other words, due to the features of the control arrangement, conditions are provided for smaller size and capacity of the high temperature radiator than would otherwise be needed for providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement during high cooling demands thereof. ln this manner, the control arrangement provides conditions for a vehicle cooling system associated with less costs, complexity, and weight while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement.

Moreover, a control arrangement is provided capable of providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement also during high cooling demands thereof in an energy efficient manner. This is because the control arrangement can reduce the need for operating a fan assembly and/or a coolant pump of the high temperature coolant circuit at high power levels to ensure sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement. ln other words, due to the features of the control arrangement, the total energy consumption of the vehicle cooling system can be reduced. ln addition, a control arrangement is provided circumventing, or at least reducing, the need for temporarily restricting operation of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, for example upon high ambient temperatures. 12 Accordingly, a control arrangement is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved. lt will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the method are all combinable with the control arrangement as described herein. That is, the control arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention may be configured to perform any one of the method steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle cooling system configured to cool a high temperature vehicle arrangement and a low temperature vehicle arrangement, the vehicle cooling system comprising a high temperature coolant circuit comprising a high temperature radiator, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement, a low temperature coolant circuit comprising a low temperature radiator, wherein the low temperature coolant circuit is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement, a connecting conduit assembly, and a first flow control assembly. The first flow control assembly is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit is directed through the low temperature radiator via the connecting conduit assembly, and wherein the vehicle cooling system comprises a control arrangement configured to: - estimate a cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, and - control the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand.

Since the vehicle cooling system comprises the control arrangement configured to control the first flow control assembly between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, a vehicle cooling system is provided capable of ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, also during high cooling demands thereof, without requiring a large size and capacity of the high temperature radiator. ln other words, conditions are provided for smaller size and capacity of the high temperature radiator than would be needed othenNise for providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement during high cooling demands thereof. ln this manner, a vehicle cooling system is provided having conditions for adding less costs, complexity, and 13 weight to a vehicle while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement.

Moreover, a vehicle cooling system is provided capable of providing sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement also during high cooling demands thereof in an energy efficient manner. This is because the control of the control arrangement can reduce the need for operating a fan assembly and/or a coolant pump of the high temperature coolant circuit at high power levels to ensure sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement. ln other words, due to the features of the control arrangement of the vehicle cooling system, the total energy consumption of the vehicle cooling system can be reduced. ln addition, a vehicle cooling system is provided circumventing, or at least reducing, the need for temporarily restricting operation of the high temperature vehicle arrangement, for example upon high ambient temperatures.

Accordingly, a vehicle cooling system is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a high temperature vehicle arrangement, a low temperature vehicle arrangement, and a vehicle cooling system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Since the vehicle comprises a vehicle cooling system according to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the high temperature vehicle arrangement comprises at least one of power electronics and a propulsion machine, and wherein the low temperature vehicle arrangement comprises a propulsion battery. Thereby, a vehicle is provided in which the vehicle cooling system thereof can ensure sufficient cooling of the power electronics and/or the propulsion machine, also during high cooling demands thereof, without requiring a large size and capacity of the high temperature radiator. ln other words, conditions are provided for smaller size and capacity of the high temperature radiator than would be needed othenNise for providing sufficient cooling of the power electronics and/or the propulsion machine during high cooling demands thereof. ln this 14 manner, a vehicle is provided having conditions for a less costly, complex, and heavy vehicle cooling system while ensuring sufficient cooling of the power electronics and/or the propulsion machine.

Moreover, a vehicle is provided capable of providing sufficient cooling of the power electronics and/or the propulsion machine also during high cooling demands thereof in an energy efficient manner. ln addition, a vehicle is provided circumventing, or at least reducing, the need for temporarily restricting operation of the power electronics and/or the propulsion machine, for example upon high ambient temperatures.

Furthermore, since the low temperature vehicle arrangement comprises a propulsion battery, i.e., a component with a relatively high heat capacity, conditions are provided for controlling the first flow control assembly to the open state to cool the high temperature vehicle arrangement via the low temperature radiator, during some short periods of time, without significantly affecting the temperature of the propulsion battery.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to some embodiments, Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle cooling system according to some embodiments, Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a vehicle cooling system according to some further embodiments, Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle, and Fig. 5 illustrates a computer-readable medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 20 is a truck, i.e., a type of heavy vehicle. According to further embodiments, the vehicle 20, as referred to herein, may be another type of heavy or lighter type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land or water- based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, a boat, or the like.

The vehicle 20 comprises a high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, a low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, and a vehicle cooling system 10. The vehicle cooling system 10 is configured to cool the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9 as is further explained herein. The high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is configured to operate at higher temperatures than the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, as referred to herein, comprises power electronics 7 and a propulsion machine 8. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 comprises a propulsion battery 9”. The propulsion battery 9' is configured to supply electricity to the propulsion machine 8 by an amount controlled by the power electronics 7. According to the illustrated embodiments, the propulsion machine 8 is an electric propulsion machine configured to provide motive power to the vehicle 20 via wheels 62 of the vehicle 20. The propulsion battery 9' may comprise a number of rechargeable battery cells, such as a number of lithium-ion battery cells, or the like.

According to further embodiments, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, as referred to herein, may comprise at least one of power electronics 7 and a propulsion machine 8. Moreover, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, as referred to herein, may comprise one or more of an internal combustion engine, a portion of a waste heat recovery system, a retarder, an air compressor, a condenser, a gearbox, a fuel cell, an electric fan motor, charging electronics, or the like.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the propulsion machine 8 is comprised in a powertrain 60 of the vehicle 20. According to the illustrated embodiments, the powertrain 60 of the vehicle 20 is a pure electric powertrain, i.e., a powertrain comprising no internal 16 combustion engine. According to further embodiments, the powertrain 60 of the vehicle 20 may be a so-called hybrid electric powertrain comprising a combustion engine in addition to the propulsion machine 8 for providing motive power to the vehicle 20. Moreover, according to further embodiments, the powertrain 60 of the vehicle 20 may comprise a combustion engine as the only source of power for providing motive power to the vehicle 20.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle cooling system 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned, the vehicle cooling system 10 is configured to cool the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 and the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9. The vehicle cooling system 10 comprises a high temperature coolant circuit 1 comprising a high temperature radiator r1. The high temperature coolant circuit 1 is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8. Moreover, the high temperature coolant circuit 1 comprises a coolant pump p1 configured to pump coolant through the high temperature coolant circuit 1. The coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 may also be referred to as a first coolant pump of the vehicle cooling system , or a high temperature coolant circuit pump.

The high temperature coolant circuit 1 further comprises a bypass line 1' bypassing the high temperature radiator r1 and a bypass valve t1 controllable between a first state in which the bypass valve t1 directs coolant through the high temperature radiator r1 and a second state, in which the bypass valve t1 directs coolant through the bypass line 1”. The bypass valve t1 may comprise a thermostat configured to switch between the first and second states based on a temperature of coolant in the high temperature coolant circuit 1, such as based on a temperature of coolant supplied to the bypass valve t1. As an alternative, or in addition, the bypass valve t1 may be switched between the first and second states by a control arrangement 21, as is further explained herein. ln other words, an opening degree of the bypass valve t1 may be controlled by a control arrangement 21. The bypass valve t1 may also be referred to as a thermostatic valve.

Moreover, the vehicle cooling system 10 comprises a low temperature coolant circuit 2 comprising a low temperature radiator r2. The low temperature coolant circuit 2 is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, i.e. the propulsion battery 9' according to the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, the low temperature coolant circuit 2 comprises a coolant pump p2 configured to pump coolant through the low temperature coolant circuit 2. The coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 may also be referred to as a second coolant pump of the vehicle cooling system 10, or a low temperature coolant circuit pump. 17 The low temperature coolant circuit 2 is configured to operate at lower coolant temperatures than the high temperature coolant circuit 1. For example, the low temperature coolant circuit 2 may be configured to operate with a set temperature being lower than a set temperature of the high temperature coolant circuit 1. Purely as an example, the low temperature coolant circuit 2 may be configured to operate with a set temperature below 55 degrees Celsius, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit 1 may be configured to operate with a set temperature above 55 degrees Celsius. As a further example, the low temperature coolant circuit 2 may be configured to operate with a set temperature below 45 degrees Celsius, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit 1 may be configured to operate with a set temperature above 50 degrees Celsius.

According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 is arranged at a front section of a vehicle such that the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 are subjected to an airflow during movement of the vehicle in a fonNard moving direction thereof.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle cooling system 10 further comprises a heat pump circuit 4. The heat pump circuit 4 comprises an evaporator 5 arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature coolant circuit 2. The heat pump circuit 4 further comprises a compressor 24 configured to compress a refrigerant through the heat pump circuit 4. Moreover, the heat pump circuit 4 comprises a condenser 23. According to the illustrated embodiments, the condenser 23 is arranged at the front section of the vehicle comprising the vehicle cooling system 10 and is configured to dissipate heat to the surroundings. ln this manner, the heat pump circuit 4 is able to generate a temperature of the evaporator 5 being below a current ambient temperature. ln other words, by operating the heat pump circuit 4 and the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2, the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 can be cooled to a temperature below a current ambient temperature.

Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle cooling system 10 comprises a fan assembly 11. The fan assembly 11 is configured to generate an airflow through the high temperature radiator r1, the low temperature radiator r2 and the condenser 23 of the heat pump circuit 4. According to the illustrated embodiments, the fan assembly 11 comprises a fan body 31 and an electric motor 32. The fan body 31 comprises a number of fan blades. The electric motor 32 is configured to rotate the fan body 31 to generate an 18 airflow through the high temperature radiator r1, the low temperature radiator r2 and the condenser 23 of the heat pump circuit 4.

The vehicle cooling system 10 further comprises a connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' and a first flow control assembly v1, V2 configured to regulate flow of coolant through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' comprises a first conduit 3 connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located downstream of the high temperature radiator r1. ln more detail, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the first conduit 3 is connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located downstream of a junction 1" connecting the high temperature radiator r1 and the bypass line 1' of the high temperature coolant circuit 1. Moreover, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the first conduit 3 is connected to a portion of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 located upstream of low temperature radiator r2.

Moreover, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' comprises a second conduit 3'. The second conduit 3' is connected to a portion of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 located downstream of the low temperature radiator r2 and is connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located downstream of a connection point of the first conduit 3 and upstream of the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1.

Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' is configured to direct coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit 1 to the low temperature radiator r2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 and the second conduit 3' of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' is configured to return coolant from the low temperature radiator r2 to the high temperature coolant circuit 1. Therefore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first conduit 3 may also be referred to as a supply conduit whereas the second conduit 3' may be referred to as a return conduit.

The first flow control assembly v1, v2, referred to above, is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit 1 is directed through the low temperature radiator r2 via the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the first flow control assembly v1, v2 comprises a first valve v1 configured to control the flow of coolant through the first conduit 3 of the 19 connecting conduit assembly 3, 3” and a second valve v2 configured to control the flow of coolant through the second conduit 3” of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3”.

According to further embodiments, the first flow control assembly v1, V2, as referred to herein, may comprise another number of valves which each may be arranged at different portions of the vehicle cooling system 10 than depicted in Fig. 2. Moreover, the first flow control assembly v1, v2, as referred to herein, may comprise one or more other types of flow control arrangements than valves for controlling the flow of coolant through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3”.

Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the low temperature coolant circuit 2 comprises a bypass line 2” bypassing the low temperature radiator r2. The bypass line 2” of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 also bypasses the connection points of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3”. The vehicle cooling system 10 further comprises a second flow control assembly v3 controllable between a first state in which coolant is directed through the low temperature radiator r2 and a second state in which coolant is directed through the bypass line 2”. According to the illustrated embodiments, the second flow control assembly v3 comprises a valve.

As mentioned, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3” is connected to a portion downstream of the high temperature radiator r1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 and to a portion of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 upstream of the low temperature radiator r2. Moreover, the second conduit 3” of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3” is connected to a portion of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 downstream of the low temperature radiator r2 and to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 between the high temperature radiator r1 and the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1. ln this manner, the vehicle cooling system 10 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2 is operable in a state in which the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled by each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 in a serial manner.

That is, when the first flow control assembly v1, v2 is controlled to the open state, coolant can flow from the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, through portions being in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, through the high temperature radiator r1, through the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3”, through the low temperature radiator r2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 and back to the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 via the second conduit 3' of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'. ln other words, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the low temperature radiator r2 can be said to be arranged in series with the high temperature radiator r1 when the first flow control assembly v1, v2 is controlled to the open state.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a vehicle cooling system 10' according to some further embodiments. As indicated in Fig. 1, the vehicle 20 according to embodiments herein may comprise a vehicle cooling system 10' according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3. The vehicle cooling system 10' according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 may comprise the same features, functions, and advantages as the vehicle cooling system 10 illustrated in Fig. 2, with some differences explained below. Some of the shared features, functions, and advantages are not further explained herein for reasons of brevity and clarity.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' of the vehicle cooling system 10' comprises a first conduit 3 connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located upstream of the high temperature radiator r1. ln more detail, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the first conduit 3 is connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located downstream of portions of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 being in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 and upstream of the bypass valve t1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1. Moreover, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the first conduit 3 is connected to a portion of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 located upstream of low temperature radiator r2.

Moreover, the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises the same type of second conduit 3' as the vehicle cooling system 10 explained with reference to Fig. 2.

Thus, also in the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' is configured to direct coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit 1 to the low temperature radiator r2 and the second conduit 3' of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' is configured to return coolant from the low temperature radiator r2 to the high temperature coolant circuit 1. Therefore, also in these embodiments, the first conduit 3 may also be referred to as a supply conduit whereas the second conduit 3' may be referred to as a return conduit. 21 The first flow control assembly v1', v2 of the vehicle cooling system 10' is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit 1 is directed through the low temperature radiator r2 via the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the first flow control assembly v1', V2 comprises a first valve v1' configured to control the flow of coolant through the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' and a second valve v2 configured to control the flow of coolant through the second conduit 3' of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'.

According to further embodiments, the first flow control assembly v1', v2, as referred to herein, may comprise another number of valves which may be arranged at different portions of the vehicle cooling system 10 than depicted in Fig. 3. Moreover, the first flow control assembly v1', v2, as referred to herein, may comprise one or more other types of flow control arrangements than valves for controlling the flow of coolant through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'.

As understood from the above, the vehicle cooling system 10' according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 is operable in a state in which the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is cooled by each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 in a parallel manner. This is because the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' is connected to a portion of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 located upstream of the high temperature radiator r1.

That is, when the first flow control assembly v1', v2 is controlled to the open state, a portion of the coolant flow from the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 can flow through the high temperature radiator r1 and a portion of the flow can flow into the first conduit 3 of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' through the low temperature radiator r2 and back to the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 via the second conduit 3' of the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3'. ln other words, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, the low temperature radiator r2 can be said to be arranged in parallel with the high temperature radiator r1 when the first flow control assembly v1', v2 is controlled to the open state.

As seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the respective vehicle cooling system 10, 10' comprises a control arrangement 21. The control arrangement 21 is configured to control operation of the 22 vehicle cooling system 10, 10' and is operably connected to components of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', such as the first flow control assembly v1, v2.

Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 3, if not indicated otherwise. According to embodiments herein, the control arrangement 21 is configured to estimate a cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and is configured to control the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand cd1. ln Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is schematically indicated with the reference sign "cd1". The cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 may be representative of a cooling need of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 and may be given in the unitjoule indicating an amount of thermal energy which is needed to be removed from the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 in order to maintain the temperature of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 within a desired temperature range. As an alternative, or in addition, the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 may be given in the unit joules per seconds or watts indicating an amount of thermal power which is needed to be removed from the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 in order to maintain the temperature of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 within a desired temperature range.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the high temperature coolant circuit 1 comprises a temperature sensor s1 arranged to sense a current temperature of coolant in the high temperature coolant circuit 1. According to these embodiments, the temperature sensor s1 is arranged downstream of portions of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 being in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8. According to some embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to obtain temperature data from the temperature sensor s1 and may be configured to estimate the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 based on the temperature data from the temperature sensor s1.

As an alternative, or in addition, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to obtain power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and may be configured to estimate the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 based on the power output data. 23 Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method 100 of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle. The vehicle may be a vehicle 20 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 and the vehicle cooling system may be a vehicle cooling system 10, 10' explained with reference to Fig. 2 or Fig. 3. The various embodiments described for the method 100 herein are all combinable with the control arrangement 21 of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' as described herein. That is, the control arrangement 21 of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' may be configured to perform any one of the method steps of the method 100 illustrated in Fig. 4. Therefore, below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 4, if not indicated othenNise.

The method 100 is a method of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system 10, 10' of a vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 comprising the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', a high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 and a low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, wherein the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' comprises: - a high temperature coolant circuit 1 comprising a high temperature radiator r1, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit 1 is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, - a low temperature coolant circuit 2 comprising a low temperature radiator r2, wherein the low temperature coolant circuit 2 is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, - a connecting conduit assembly 3, 3', and - a first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2, wherein the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3' and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit 1 is directed through the low temperature radiator r2 via the connecting conduit assembly 3, 3', and wherein the method 100 comprises the steps of: - estimating 110 a cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and - controlling 120 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand cd1.

Optionally, the step of estimating 110 the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 comprises the steps of: 24 - obtaining 113 temperature data representative of at least one of a preceding temperature, a current temperature, and an impending temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, and - estimating 114 the cooling demand cd1 based on the temperature data.

As indicated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' comprises a temperature sensor s1 arranged to sense a current coolant temperature of the high temperature coolant circuit 1. According to these embodiments, the step of obtaining 113 temperature data representative of at least one of a preceding temperature and a current temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, may comprise the step of: - obtaining temperature data from the temperature sensor s1.

The step of estimating 114 the cooling demand cd1 based on the temperature data may be performed such that the cooling demand cd1 is set to a high cooling demand cd1 in case the temperature data indicates a high preceding, current, and/or impending temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, and vice versa.

As an alternative, or in addition, the step of estimating 110 the cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining 116 power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and - estimating 118 the cooling demand cd1 based on the power output data.

The step of estimating 118 the cooling demand cd1 based on the power output data may be performed such that the cooling demand cd1 is set to a high cooling demand cd1 in case the power output data indicates a high preceding, current, and/or impending power output of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and vice versa.

Optionally, the method 100 comprises the steps of: - estimating 111 an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2, and - controlling 121 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2.

As indicated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' comprises a temperature sensor s2 arranged to sense a current temperature of coo|ant in the low temperature coo|ant circuit 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the temperature sensor s2 is arranged to sense the temperature of coo|ant at a portion of the low temperature coo|ant circuit 2 located downstream of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 and upstream of the second flow control assembly v3. The temperature sensor s1 arranged to sense the temperature of coo|ant of the high temperature coo|ant circuit 1 may also be referred to as a first temperature sensor and the temperature sensor s2 arranged to sense the temperature of coo|ant of the low temperature coo|ant circuit 2 may also be referred to as a second temperature sensor.

The step of estimating 111 the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining temperature data from the temperature sensor s2 representative of at least one of a preceding temperature and a current temperature of coo|ant of the low temperature coo|ant circuit 2, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 at least partially based on the temperature data from the temperature sensor s2.

As an alternative, or in addition, the step of estimating 111 the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining cooling capacity data indicative of at least one of a current ambient temperature, a current speed of a vehicle 20 comprising the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', and an operation rate of the fan assembly 11, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 at least partially based on the cooling capacity data.

As a further alternative, or in addition, the step of estimating 111 the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining data indicative of an opening state of the second flow control assembly v3, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 at least partially based on the date indicative of the opening state of the second flow control assembly v3.

The step of estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 based on the date indicative of the opening state of the second flow control assembly v3 may be 26 performed such that the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 is set to a higher available cooling capacity in case the second flow control assembly v3 is in the second state than when the second flow control assembly v3 is in the first state.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises the step of: - controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 to the open state if the estimated cooling demand cd1 exceeds a first threshold demand.

Moreover, according to some embodiments, the step of controlling 121 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2, may comprise the steps of: - controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 to the open state if the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 exceeds a first threshold demand and the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 is above a threshold capacity. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled by the high temperature radiator r1 and the low temperature radiator r2 in series according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, or in parallel according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, when the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1 exceeds the first threshold demand and the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 is above the threshold capacity. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is cooled in an efficient manner. Moreover, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled in an energy-efficient manner because the cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 via each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 reduces the need for operating the fan assembly 11 and the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 at high power levels, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, the method 100 comprises the steps of: - estimating 112 a cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1, and - controlling 123 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1.

The step of estimating 112 the cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining temperature data from the temperature sensor s1, and 27 - estimating the available cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1 at least partially based on the temperature data from the temperature sensor s1.

As an alternative, or in addition, the step of estimating 112 the cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining cooling capacity data indicative of at least one of a current ambient temperature, a current speed of a vehicle 20 comprising the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', and an operation rate of the fan assembly 11, and - estimating the available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2 at least partially based on the cooling capacity data.

According to some embodiments, the method 100 comprises the step of: - controlling 124 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 to the open state if the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 exceeds the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled by the high temperature radiator r1 and the low temperature radiator r2 in series according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, or in parallel according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, when the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 exceeds the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is cooled in an efficient manner. Moreover, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled in an energy- efficient manner because the cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 using each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 reduces the need for operating the fan assembly 11 and the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 at high power levels, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, the method 100 comprises the step of: - controlling 130 the second flow control assembly V3 between the first and second states based on the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8.

As an example, the step of controlling 130 the second flow control assembly V3 between the first and second states based on the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, may comprise the step of: 28 - controlling the second flow control assembly v3 to the second state if the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 exceeds a threshold demand.

Moreover, according to some embodiments, the method 100 comprises the step of: - controlling 132 the second flow control assembly v3 to the second state upon controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 to the open state. ln this manner, the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled by the high temperature radiator r1 and the low temperature radiator r2 in series according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, or in parallel according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, without simultaneously using the low temperature radiator r2 for cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9.

The high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be cooled in this manner during short time periods, such as for example time periods less than one minute, for example in case the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 exceeds the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator r1, without significantly affecting the cooling of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 comprises a propulsion battery 9', i.e., a component having a relatively high heat capacity. Thereby, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' can be operated without using the low temperature radiator r2 for cooling the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 during short time periods, such as for example time periods less than one minute, without overheating the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9.

However, the control arrangement 21 may also be configured to estimate a cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 and may be configured to, if the second flow control assembly v3 is in the second state and if the estimated cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 is above a threshold demand, operate the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 and the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4. ln this manner, the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 can be cooled in an efficient manner by the heat pump circuit 4 and the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is allowed to be cooled by the high temperature radiator r1 and the low temperature radiator r2 in series or parallel during longer time periods, such as during time periods exceeding one minute. 29 ln other words, according to some embodiments, the method 100 may comprise the steps of: - estimating 140 a cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, and if the second flow control assembly V3 is in the second state and the estimated cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 is above a threshold demand, - operating the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2, and - operating 142 the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4.

Moreover, according to some embodiments, the method 100 may comprise the steps of: - estimating 140 a cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, - estimating 111 an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2, and - operating 142 the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4 if the estimated cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 exceeds the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator r2. ln Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 is schematically indicated with the reference sign “cd2”. The cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 may be representative of a cooling need of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 and may be given in the unit Joules indicating an amount of thermal energy which is needed to be removed from the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 in order to maintain the temperature of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 within a desired temperature range. As an alternative, or in addition, the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement may be given in the unit Joules per seconds indicating an amount of thermal power which is needed to be removed from the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 in order to maintain the temperature of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 within a desired temperature range.

According to some embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to obtain temperature data from the temperature sensor s2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 and may be configured to estimate the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 based on the temperature data from the temperature sensor s2.

As an alternative, or in addition, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to obtain power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 and may be configured to estimate the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 based on the power output data. ln other words, according to some embodiments, the method 100 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining temperature data from the temperature sensor s2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2, and - estimating 140 the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 based on the temperature data from the temperature sensor s2.

Moreover, according to some embodiments, the method 100 may comprise the steps of: - obtaining power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, and - estimating 140 the cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 based on the power output data.

Optionally, the method may comprise the steps of: - obtaining temperature data representative of a current ambient temperature, - obtaining a set temperature of coolant in the low temperature coolant circuit 2, and if the current ambient temperature exceeds the set temperature, - controlling the second flow control assembly v3 to the second state, and - operating the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4 and the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2. ln this manner, the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9 can be cooled in an efficient manner also when the current ambient temperature exceeds the set temperature. The set temperature of coolant in the low temperature coolant circuit 2, as referred to herein, may correspond to a desired temperature of coolant in the low temperature coolant circuit 2.

According to some embodiments of the herein described, the method 100 comprises the steps of: - estimating 140 a cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, and - controlling 126 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9.

Thereby, a further improved situation-based control of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 can be provided on the basis of the estimated cooling demands of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9. 31 According to some embodiments, the method 100 comprises the steps of: - monitoring 101 a current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', - estimating 105 a change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2, and - controlling 125 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated change in the power consumption.

The step of monitoring 101 the current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' may comprise the step of: - monitoring 103 a current power consumption of the fan assembly 11, the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, and the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4. ln addition, the step of monitoring 101 the current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' may comprise the step of: - monitoring a current power consumption of the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2.

Moreover, the step of estimating 105 the change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' may comprise the step of: - estimating 107 a change in the power consumption of the fan assembly 11, the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, and the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4 resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2. ln addition, the step of estimating 105 the change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' may comprise the step of: - estimating a change in the power consumption of the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2 resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2.

Optionally, the step of controlling 125 the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated change in the power consumption comprises the steps of: 32 - switching opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 if the estimated change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' indicates a reduction in power consumption compared to the monitored current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10”.

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: - monitoring 101 a current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', - estimating 105 a change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2, - estimating 140 a cooling demand cd2 of the low temperature vehicle arrangement 9, - estimating a cooling capacity of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2, and - controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demands cd1, cd2 of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9, the estimated cooling capacities of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2, and on the estimated change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10”.

Moreover, the step of controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demands cd1, cd2 of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9, the estimated cooling capacities of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2, and on the estimated change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10', may comprise the step of: - switching opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 if the estimated change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' indicates a reduction in power consumption compared to the monitored current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' and if the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9 are determined to be sufficiently cooled after the switch given the estimated cooling demands cd1, cd2 of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9 and the estimated cooling capacities of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2.

Due to these features, a method 100 is provided capable of cooling the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9 in a more energy efficient manner while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9. This is because the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 can be controlled between the open and 33 closed states so as to minimize the power consumption of the fan assembly 11, the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8, and the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4 while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high and low temperature vehicle arrangements 7, 8, 9.

Optionally, the method 100 comprises the step of: - controlling 144 the operation rate of the fan assembly 11 based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2.

According to some embodiments, the step of controlling 144 the operation rate of the fan assembly 11 based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 comprises the step of: - reducing the operation rate of the fan assembly 11 upon controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 to the open state.

Since the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is cooled via each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 when the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 is in the open state, the fan assembly 11 can be operated at a reduced rate while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8.

Optionally, the method 100 comprises the step of: - controlling 146 the operation rate of the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2.

According to some embodiments, the step of controlling 146 the operation rate of the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 comprises the step of: - reducing the operation rate of the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 upon controlling the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 to the open state.

Since the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 is cooled via each of the high and low temperature radiators r1, r2 when the first flow control assembly v1, v1', V2 is in the open state, the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 can be operated at a reduced rate while ensuring sufficient cooling of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8. 34 As mentioned, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the method 100 are all combinable with the control arrangement 21 as described herein. That is, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to perform any one of the method steps 101, 103, 105,107,110,111,112,113,114,116,118,120,121,123,124,125,126,130,132,140, 142, 144, and 146 of the method 100.

The open state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2, as referred to herein, may correspond to a fully open state. ln embodiments in which the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 comprises valves, as is the case according to the illustrated embodiments, the open state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 may correspond to a state in which each of the valves of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 is controlled to a fully open state. Similarly, the closed state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 as referred to herein may correspond to a state in which each of the valves of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 is controlled to a fully closed state.

However, according to some embodiments, the open state of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2, as referred to herein, may correspond to a partially open state. According to such embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to control an opening degree of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 for example based on the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8. As understood from the above, the control of the opening degree of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 may correspond to a control between different partially open states of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2. The control may be performed such that the opening degree of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 is increased upon an increase in the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8 and such that opening degree of the first flow control assembly v1, v1', v2 is reduced upon a reduction in the estimated cooling demand cd1 of the high temperature vehicle arrangement 7, 8.

Fig. 5 illustrates a computer-readable medium 200 comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, the computer- readable medium 200 comprises a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method 100 according to some embodiments.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 100 of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system 10, 10' of a vehicle 20 may be implemented by programmed instructions. These programmed instructions are typically constituted by a computer program, which, when it is executed in the control arrangement 21, ensures that the control arrangement 21 carries out the desired control, such as the method steps 101, 103, 105, 107, 110, 111, 112, 113,114,116,118,120,121,123,124,125,126,130,132,140,142,144,and146 described herein. The computer program is usually part of a computer program product 200 which comprises a suitable digital storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

The control arrangement 21 may comprise a calculation unit which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, e.g., a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The herein utilised expression “calculation unit” may represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above.

The control arrangement 21 may further comprise a memory unit, wherein the calculation unit may be connected to the memory unit, which may provide the calculation unit with, for example, stored program code and/or stored data which the calculation unit may need to enable it to do calculations. The calculation unit may also be adapted to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit may comprise a physical device utilised to store data or programs, i.e., sequences of instructions, on a temporary or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory unit may comprise integrated circuits comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory unit may comprise e.g., a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disc, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data such as e.g., ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

The control arrangement 21 is connected to components of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' and/or the vehicle 20 for receiving and/or sending input and output signals. For example, the control arrangement 21 may be operably connected to one or more of the first flow control assembly v1, v2, the second flow control assembly v3, the bypass valve t1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, the coolant pump p1 of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, the coolant pump p2 of the low temperature coolant circuit 2, the temperature sensor s1 36 arranged to sense a coolant temperature of the high temperature coolant circuit 1, the temperature sensor s2 arranged to sense a coolant temperature of the low temperature coolant circuit 2, the fan assembly 11, and the compressor 24 of the heat pump circuit 4.

The control arrangement 21 may thus be connected to one or more of such components of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' for receiving and/or sending input and output signals. These input and output signals may comprise waveforms, pulses, or other attributes which the input signal receiving devices can detect as information and which can be converted to signals processable by the control arrangement 21. These signals may then be supplied to the calculation unit. One or more output signal sending devices may be arranged to convert calculation results from the calculation unit to output signals for conveying to other parts of the vehicle's control system and/or the component or components for which the signals are intended. Each of the connections to the respective components of the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' and/or the vehicle 20 for receiving and sending input and output signals may take the form of one or more from among a cable, a data bus, e.g., a CAN (controller area network) bus, a MOST (media orientated systems transport) bus or some other bus configuration, or a wireless connection. ln the embodiments illustrated, the vehicle cooling system 10, 10' comprises a control arrangement 21 but might alternatively be implemented wholly or partly in two or more control arrangements or two or more control units.

Control systems in modern vehicles generally comprise a communication bus system consisting of one or more communication buses for connecting a number of electronic control units (ECUs), or controllers, to various components on board the vehicle. Such a control system may comprise a large number of control units and taking care of a specific function may be shared between two or more of them. Vehicles of the type here concerned are therefore often provided with significantly more control arrangements than depicted in Fig. 2 and 3, as one skilled in the art will surely appreciate.

The computer program product 200 may be provided for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the method steps 101, 103, 105,107,110,111,112,113,114,116,118,120,121,123,124,125,126,130,132,140, 142, 144, and 146 according to some embodiments when being loaded into one or more calculation units of the control arrangement 21. The data carrier may be, e.g. a CD ROM disc, as is illustrated in Fig. 5, or a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programable read- only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash memory, an EEPROM (electrically 37 erasable PROM), a hard disc, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any other appropriate medium such as a disk or tape that may hold machine readable data in a non-transitory manner. The computer program product may furthermore be provided as computer program code on a server and may be downloaded to the control arrangement 21 remotely, e.g., over an lnternet or an intranet connection, or via other wired or wireless communication systems.

The wording upstream and downstream, as used herein, relates to the relative positions of objects in relation to an intended flow direction of fluid in the system, component, or circuit referred to. As an example, the feature that a first object is arranged upstream of a second object in a circuit means that the first object is arranged before the second object seen relative to the intended flow direction of fluid through the circuit. As another example, the feature that a first object is arranged downstream of a second object in a circuit means that the first object is arranged after the second object seen relative to the intended flow direction of fluid through the circuit. lt is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method (100) of controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system (10, 10') of a vehicle (20), the vehicle (20) comprising the vehicle cooling system (10, 10'), a high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) and a low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises: - a high temperature coolant circuit (1) comprising a high temperature radiator (r1), wherein the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), - a low temperature coolant circuit (2) comprising a low temperature radiator (r2), wherein the low temperature coolant circuit (2) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), - a connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and - a first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2), wherein the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3') and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is directed through the low temperature radiator (r2) via the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - estimating (110) a cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), and - controlling (120) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand (cd1).
2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - estimating (111) an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator (r2), and - controlling (121) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states also based on the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator (r2).
3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - estimating (112) a cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator (r1), and - controlling (123) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator (r1).The method (100) according to claim 3, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - controlling (124) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) to the open state if the estimated cooling demand (cd1) exceeds the estimated cooling capacity of the high temperature radiator (r1). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - monitoring (101) a current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system (10, 10'), - estimating (105) a change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') resulting from a potential change in the opening state of the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2), and - controlling (125) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states also based on the estimated change in the power consumption. The method (100) according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a fan assembly (11) configured to generate an airflow through the high temperature radiator (r1), wherein the high temperature coolant circuit (1) comprises a coolant pump (p1) configured to pump coolant through the high temperature coolant circuit (1 ), and wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a heat pump circuit (4) comprising an evaporator (5) arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature coolant circuit (2) and a compressor (24) configured to compress a refrigerant through the heat pump circuit (4), and wherein the step of monitoring (101) the current power consumption of the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises the step of: - monitoring (103) a current power consumption of the fan assembly (11), the coolant pump (p1), and the compressor (24), and wherein the step of estimating (105) the change in the power consumption of the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises the step of: - estimating (107) a change in the power consumption of the fan assembly (11), the coolant pump (p1), and the compressor (24). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - estimating (140) a cooling demand (cd2) of the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), and - controlling (126) the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states also based on the estimated cooling demand (cd2) of the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a heat pump circuit (4) comprising an evaporator (5) arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature coolant circuit (2), wherein the low temperature coolant circuit (2) comprises a bypass line (2') bypassing the low temperature radiator (r2) and a second flow control assembly (v3) controllable between a first state in which coolant is directed through the low temperature radiator (r2) and a second state in which coolant is directed through the bypass line (2'), and wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - controlling (130) the second flow control assembly (v3) between the first and second states based on the estimated cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8). The method (100) according to claim 8, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - controlling (132) the second flow control assembly (v3) to the second state upon controlling the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) to the open state. The method (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the heat pump circuit (4) comprises a compressor (24) configured to compress a refrigerant through the heat pump circuit (4), and wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: - estimating (140) a cooling demand (cd2) of the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), - estimating (111) an available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator (r2), and - operating (142) the compressor (24) if the estimated cooling demand (cd2) of the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9) exceeds the estimated available cooling capacity of the low temperature radiator (r2). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a fan assembly (11) configured to generate an airflow through the high temperature radiator (r1), and wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - controlling (144) the operation rate of the fan assembly (11) based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2).The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the high temperature coolant circuit (1) comprises a coolant pump (p1) configured to pump coolant through the high temperature coolant circuit (1), and wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: - controlling (146) the operation rate of the coolant pump (p1) based on the opening state of the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', V2). The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of estimating (110) the cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) comprises the steps of: - obtaining (113) temperature data representative of at least one of a preceding temperature, a current temperature, and an impending temperature of coolant of the high temperature coolant circuit (1), and - estimating (114) the cooling demand (cd1) based on the temperature data. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of estimating (110) the cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) comprises the steps of: - obtaining (116) power output data representative of at least one of a preceding power output, a current power output, and an impending power output of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), and - estimating (118) the cooling demand (cd1) based on the power output data. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to any one of the c|aims 1 - A computer-readable medium (200) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to any one of the c|aims 1 - A control arrangement (21) for controlling operation of a vehicle cooling system (10, 10') of a vehicle (20), the vehicle (20) comprising the vehicle cooling system (10, 10'), a high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) and a low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprising:- a high temperature coolant circuit (1) comprising a high temperature radiator (r1), wherein the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), - a low temperature coolant circuit (2) comprising a low temperature radiator (r2), wherein the low temperature coolant circuit (2) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), - a connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and - a first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2), wherein the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3') and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is directed through the low temperature radiator (r2) via the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and wherein the control arrangement (21) is configured to: - estimate a cooling demand (cd1) of the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), and - control the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) between the open and closed states based on the estimated cooling demand (cd1). 18. A vehicle cooling system (10, 10') configured to cool a high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) and a low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprising: - a high temperature coolant circuit (1) comprising a high temperature radiator (r1), wherein the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), - a low temperature coolant circuit (2) comprising a low temperature radiator (r2), wherein the low temperature coolant circuit (2) is arranged in heat exchanging contact with the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), - a connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and - a first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2), wherein the first flow control assembly (v1, v1', v2) is controllable between a closed state in which coolant is blocked from flowing through the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3') and an open state in which coolant from the high temperature coolant circuit (1) is directed through the low temperature radiator (r2) via the connecting conduit assembly (3, 3'), and wherein the vehicle cooling system (10, 10') comprises a control arrangement (21) according to claim19. A vehicle (20) comprising a high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8), a low temperature vehicle arrangement (9), and a vehicle cooling system (10, 10') according to c|aim 20. The vehicle (20) according to c|aim 19, wherein the high temperature vehicle arrangement (7, 8) comprises at least one of power electronics (7) and a propulsion machine (8), and wherein the low temperature vehicle arrangement (9) comprises a propulsion battery (9').