Exchangeable air-conditioning unit

Abstract

An exchangeable air-conditioning unit (1) is described for attachment to mobile equipment. The air-conditioning unit includes a compressor (5) operable to compress a refrigerant and a hydraulic motor (17) operable to drive the compressor. Hydraulic fittings (11) are provided in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor for transporting hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fittings (11) are adapted to be releasably connected to a hydraulic system of the mobile equipment. Refrigerant fittings (7) are provided in fluid communication with the compressor for transporting refrigerant. The refrigerant fittings (7) are adapted to be releasably connected to a refrigeration circuit of the mobile equipment. An enclosure (3) houses the compressor and hydraulic motor and has at least one releasable connector (21) for releasably connecting the enclosure to the mobile equipment. The exchangeable unit may be pre-charged with gas in and stored in readiness for attachment to the mobile equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to air-conditioning systems and, in particular, to air-conditioning systems for use in mobile plant.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Mobile plant such as haul trucks, loaders, dozers, shovels and draglines frequently operate in dirty or hazardous environments. Consequently, air-conditioning is generally required for the comfort and safety of personnel operating the mobile plant. The capital cost of the equipment may be large and there is a need to utilise the mobile plant productively, since the mobile plant may have a direct impact on the production capability of sites where the mobile plant is used.[0003]Experience at a site using a fleet of twelve large trucks has shown that one of the trucks was effectively out of use at any one time due to air-conditioning issues. Maintenance of air-conditioning systems may require input from skilled technicians, who may not be immediately available when the mobile plant is ope...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an air-conditioning unit that can be attached to mobile equipment and used with a refrigeration circuit. The unit includes a compressor, hydraulic motor, hydraulic fittings, and a first enclosure for housing these components. The unit also has a refrigerant fitting for connecting to the refrigeration circuit, as well as a second enclosure for housing the condenser and evaporator. The air-conditioning unit can be easily detached from the mobile equipment and connected to the refrigeration circuit using the refrigerant fittings. The invention also includes a method for separating and connecting different sections of the refrigeration circuit using the refrigerant fitting. The technical effects of this invention include improved cooling for mobile equipment and flexibility in refrigeration circuit design."

Problems solved by technology

Mobile plant such as haul trucks, loaders, dozers, shovels and draglines frequently operate in dirty or hazardous environments.

The capital cost of the equipment may be large and there is a need to utilise the mobile plant productively, since the mobile plant may have a direct impact on the production capability of sites where the mobile plant is used.

Experience at a site using a fleet of twelve large trucks has shown that one of the trucks was effectively out of use at any one time due to air-conditioning issues.

Maintenance of air-conditioning systems may require input from skilled technicians, who may not be immediately available when the mobile plant is operated in remote locations.

There is accordingly an on-going need to reduce the down-time of mobile plant due to maintenance issues.

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