Air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system includes a first PCM container and a second PCM container, a heat recovery circuit, and a duct and valve system. The heat recovery circuit includes a third PCM container. The duct and valve system is operable to: i.) couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and a radiator; ii.) couple a second heat exchanger to a core body and the second PCM container; and iii.) couple the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to air conditioning systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Consumers utilize air conditioning systems to cool their environment in many situations. One such situation where consumers typically require the ability to cool their environment is when using a vehicle. In warm weather, especially when a vehicle has been sitting in the sun for an extended period, the vehicle can become hot and uncomfortable. Common air conditioning systems typically have a time lag between the time a consumer requests cold air and the time the vehicle can provide significantly colder air. Additionally, common air conditioning systems typically utilize belt-driven compressors, which can provide an additional load on the vehicle's engine, thereby having a negative impact on fuel efficiency. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved air conditioning system that avoids a negative impact on the vehicle's fuel efficiency while reducing the time lag between the time a consumer requests cold air and the time the vehicle can provide significantly colder air. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system includes a first phase change material (PCM) container and a second PCM container, a heat recovery loop, and a duct and valve system. The heat recovery loop includes a third PCM container. The duct and valve system is operable to: i.) couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and a radiator; ii.) couple a second heat exchanger to a core and the second PCM container; and iii.) couple the heat recovery loop to the first heat exchanger.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0005] · The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are housed within a vacuum enclosure;

[0006] · The first heat exchanger includes: an adsorption bed for adsorbing refrigerant vapor; and a first heat exchange conduit for circulating a first heat exchange fluid through the adsorption bed during a first operating mode;

[0007] · The adsorption bed includes a plurality of plates coated with a desiccant;

[0008] · The first heat exchange conduit includes: an inlet end having a first valve and an outlet end having a second valve;

[0009] · The second heat exchanger includes: a refrigerant evaporator / condenser and a second heat exchange conduit that circulates a second heat exchange fluid through the evaporator / condenser during a first operating mode;

[0010] · The second heat exchange conduit includes an inlet with a third valve and an outlet with a fourth valve;

[0011] · The conduit and valve system includes: a fifth valve upstream of the core and a sixth valve downstream of the second PCM container;

[0012] · The air conditioning system further includes: a first pump located between the radiator and the vacuum housing; and a second pump located between the fifth valve and the core;

[0013] · The air conditioning system further includes: a seventh valve downstream of the first PCM container and upstream of the radiator; and an eighth valve downstream of the first PCM container, downstream of the radiator, and upstream of the first pump;

[0014] · The first heat exchange fluid bypasses the radiator by being directed through the first PCM container by the seventh and eighth valves until the first PCM container is full, whereupon the first heat exchange fluid is directed through the radiator by the seventh and eighth valves;

[0015] · The air conditioning system is installed in a vehicle;

[0016] · The heat recovery circuit further includes a heat source, a third pump, and a third heat exchange fluid that is circulated through the heat source to capture heat; and

[0017] · During a second operating mode, the conduit and valve system circulates the third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchange conduit so that the refrigerant is heated and desorption occurs at the adsorption bed.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system includes a first PCM container and a second PCM container, a heat recovery circuit, and a conduit and valve system. The heat recovery circuit includes a third PCM container configured to store heat. The conduit and valve system is operable to: i.) couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and the radiator, where the first heat exchange fluid is cooled by at least one of the first PCM container and the radiator; ii.) couple a second heat exchanger to the core and the second PCM container, where the core and the second PCM container together are configured to cool a second heat exchange fluid so that the core provides cooling air; and iii.) couple the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air conditioning system includes the steps of: circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first heat exchanger and a first PCM container during a first operating mode; circulating a second heat exchange fluid through a second heat exchanger, a core, and a second PCM container during the first operating mode; circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the first PCM container during a second operating mode; and circulating a third heat exchange fluid through a heat recovery loop including a third PCM container during the second operating mode.

[0020] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0021] · The step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the first heat exchanger and the first PCM container during the first operating mode further includes the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through a radiator once the first PCM container has been filled;

[0022] · The step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the first PCM container during the second operating mode further includes the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through a radiator once the first PCM container has been filled;

[0023] · The method of operating the air conditioning system further includes the steps of: circulating air to be conditioned through the core during the first and second operating modes; and

[0024] · The method of operating the air conditioning system further includes the step of: circulating the third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery loop through the first heat exchanger during the second mode so as to regenerate the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure after studying the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an air conditioning system;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system showing an adsorption operation mode;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system showing a desorption operation mode; and

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system showing a heat supply operation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts of orientation as Figure 1 oriented in. However, it should be understood that these concepts may assume various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0032] The presently shown embodiments mainly lie in the combination of method steps and equipment components related to an air conditioning system. Accordingly, where appropriate, the equipment components and method steps have been represented by common symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the details that would be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art benefiting from the description herein. Additionally, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

[0033] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in listing two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be adopted alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be adopted. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, then the composition can contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0034] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprising... one" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0035] Now referring to Figure 1 , which schematically shows an air conditioning system 10 belonging to the subject matter of this document. The air conditioning system 10 includes a vacuum housing 12, a first heat exchanger 14, a second heat exchanger 16, and a refrigerant 18. The first heat exchanger 14, the second heat exchanger 16, and the refrigerant 18 are all accommodated in the vacuum housing 12.

[0036] More specifically, the first heat exchanger 14 includes an adsorption bed for adsorbing and storing refrigerant vapor. The first heat exchanger 14 may include, for example, a plurality of plates 22, which may be coated with a desiccant (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The type of desiccant may be zeolite or metal organic framework (MOF). Of course, other types of desiccants suitable for this purpose may also be used as required.

[0037] The second heat exchanger 16 includes a refrigerant evaporator / condenser, which serves as a liquid refrigerant storage device and condenses the vapor or evaporates the liquid according to the shell pressure and temperature. As will be apparent from the following description, the refrigerant 18 moves back and forth between the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 16 as vapor and liquid. In some instances, the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 16 in the vacuum shell 12 are not separated by any partition walls to minimize the resistance to vapor flow. However, in some alternative instances, a thermal partition such as a diaphragm is provided within the vacuum shell 12, which separates the first heat exchanger 14 from the second heat exchanger 16. In the instances where a thermal partition is provided, the diaphragm may allow the vapor flow between the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 16 while preventing the heat transfer from the first side of the diaphragm to the second side. In one possible embodiment, the refrigerant 18 is water having a high latent heat of vaporization. However, it should be understood that other refrigerants may also be used. For example, other refrigerants include, but are not limited to, ammonia, methanol-water mixtures, and / or common motor vehicle refrigerants (e.g., R1234yf).

[0038] As Figure 1As further shown, the air conditioning system 10 includes: a radiator 24 that effectively replaces the condenser in a common vehicle air conditioning system; and a core 26 that effectively replaces the evaporator in a common vehicle air conditioning system. The core 26 may be located within the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (e.g., within the ductwork of the HVAC system). A first phase change material (PCM) container 28 is disposed upstream of the radiator 24. The first PCM container 28 may be equipped with a plurality of phase change materials that provide a plurality of phase changes in a temperature range of about 25°C to about 45°C to correspond to various ambient-level heat that may be present when the air conditioning system 10 is in use. The first PCM container 28 may be insulated with a double-wall vacuum gap type insulation. Optionally or additionally, the first PCM container 28 may be wrapped with a vacuum insulated panel (VIP) material. As further shown, a second phase change material (PCM) container 29 is disposed downstream of the core 26. The second PCM container 29 may be equipped with one or more phase change materials that provide one or more phase changes in a temperature range of about 5°C to about 8°C to enable cold air to be provided when the air conditioning system 10 enters a regeneration mode. The air conditioning system 10 includes a heat recovery circuit 30 that will be described in more detail below. The heat recovery circuit 30 may recover heat from the vehicle's exhaust system, from the vehicle's traction motor, from the engine's cooling jacket (e.g., the fluid circulating through the engine cooling system), from a dedicated heater, from the cooling jacket of an electric motor or heater, from a combination thereof, and / or from any suitable heat source that generates sufficient heat and is present on or in the vehicle.

[0039] The air conditioning system 10 may cycle between two operating modes. In Figure 2In the first or adsorption / evaporation (AE) mode of operation shown, a first heat exchange fluid is circulated by a first pump 23 from its cooled radiator 24 or first PCM container 28 through a first heat exchange conduit 32 in thermal communication with a first heat exchanger 14 to cool the first heat exchanger 14 to remove adsorbed heat (note action arrow A). The first PCM container 28 can bypass the radiator 24, as shown by action arrow K, from the first PCM container 28 to the first pump 23. The first PCM container 28 cools the first heat exchange fluid circulated by the first pump 23. In some embodiments, when the first PCM container 28 is "filled" by reaching its capacity to absorb heat from the first heat exchange fluid, then the first PCM container 28 is bypassed or flowed through such that the radiator 24 cools the first heat exchange fluid. When the first heat exchange fluid moves to the radiator 24, the first heat exchange fluid can remain in thermal communication with the filled (i.e., melted) first PCM container 28 without risk of damaging the first PCM container 28. In some instances, the temperature difference (ΔT) between the filled first PCM container 28 and the circulated first heat exchange fluid can be less than about 50 °C, less than about 30 °C, less than about 10 °C, and / or combinations and ranges thereof. The filled first PCM container 28 can remain free of risk of a ΔT where the heated first heat exchange fluid becomes overheated to about 100 °C. When the vehicle is parked, e.g., at the end of the day, the second PCM begins to cool and can eventually refreeze and be ready to be utilized again. In some embodiments, the first PCM container 28 can be sufficiently insulated to store the phase change material in a molten state for the vehicle's "next start-up", and the stored heat can be utilized as a means of heating the vehicle. Cooling of the first heat exchanger 14 reduces the absolute pressure within the vacuum housing 12 to a range of about 0.5 kPa to 1.0 kPa. The reduction of the absolute pressure within the vacuum housing 12 enables the desiccant-coated plate 22 of the first heat exchanger 14 to inhale and store refrigerant vapor.

[0040] In embodiments where the refrigerant 18 is a liquid, the pressure within the vacuum housing 12 is reduced to the saturation pressure level of the refrigerant 18, and the vapor inhaled by the first heat exchanger 14 creates intense evaporation (boiling) of a film of the refrigerant 18 on the surface of the plate 27 of the second heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant vapor generated within the vacuum housing 12 is conveyed to and stored on the plate 22.

[0041] During the AE operation mode, a second heat exchange fluid is circulated by a third pump 42. The second heat exchange fluid is circulated through a second heat exchange conduit 34 of the second heat exchanger 16, the core 26, and the second PCM container 29 (note the action arrow B). Accordingly, the core 26 is cooled to a temperature range of about 5°C to 7°C for heat exchange with the air circulated through the passenger compartment C of the motor vehicle by the blower 35 (note the action arrow D). The blower 35 can be a fan, such as an HVAC fan. Accordingly, the air is cooled and dehumidified. Then, the second heat exchange fluid is circulated to the second PCM container 29 where it is used to freeze the phase change material in the second PCM container 29. The second PCM container 29 can be made of, for example, a shell and tube structure where the phase change material fills the tubes and the refrigerant flows on the shell side. The thermal insulation can be of the double-wall vacuum gap type. Optionally or additionally, the second PCM container 29 can be wrapped with vacuum insulation panel (VIP) material. The second PCM container 29 will typically contain 2 kg to 4 kg of phase change material having a latent heat in the range of 150 kJ / kg to 350 kJ / kg and a melting point in a temperature range of about 4°C to about 10°C, about 6°C to about 8°C, and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the second PCM container 29 is located downstream of the core 26. It should be understood that, depending on the specific thermal management requirements, the second PCM container 29 can alternatively be located upstream of the core 26. In some embodiments, the core 26 and the second PCM container 29 can be piped such that the second PCM container 29 can be selectively upstream or downstream of the core 26, for example, by providing a reference humidity sensor to determine whether to utilize the second PCM container 29 in an upstream or downstream configuration relative to the core 26. Selecting to have the second PCM container 29 upstream or downstream of the core 26 can be beneficial because vehicles are typically sold and driven in a variety of climates. It may be beneficial to have the second PCM container 29 upstream of the core 26 in a dry climate, while it may be beneficial to have the second PCM container 29 downstream of the core 26 in a humid climate. When placed upstream, less or no reheating of the air may be required because the heat exchange fluid entering the core 26 will warm up when receiving some heat from the phase change material. Additionally, the phase change material can store thermal energy faster when the second PCM container 29 is placed upstream of the core 26 because the phase change material will freeze faster. However, in a humid climate, delaying the freezing of the phase change material may be preferred.

[0043] In winter or at other appropriate times, the air from the core 26 can be directed to a separate heater core (not shown) before the air enters the passenger compartment to raise the air temperature to a comfortable level desired by the occupants.

[0044] The core 26 can be configured to be similar to a motor vehicle heater core commonly used for vehicle heating. The blower 35 forces air through the core 26 that is in thermal communication with the circulated second heat exchange fluid and then into the vehicle cabin C to provide cooling for vehicle occupants.

[0045] During the AE operation mode, the second pump 36 circulates a third heat exchange fluid in a heat recovery circuit 30, which may be a closed loop, between a heat source such as the exhaust gas heat exchanger 38 and the third phase change material (PCM) container 40 to store heat in the phase change material contained in the third PCM container 40 (note the action arrow E). Although the exhaust gas heat exchanger 38 is described as using the vehicle's exhaust system as a heat source, it is contemplated that alternative heat sources may be used. The third PCM container 40 may be equipped with a phase change material that melts in a temperature range of about 60°C to about 100°C. For example, the melting point of the phase change material in the third PCM container 40 may be in the range of about 60°C to about 80°C, such as 70°C. The thermal insulation utilized in the third PCM container may be of the double-wall vacuum gap type. Optionally or additionally, the third PCM container 40 may be wrapped with vacuum insulation panel (VIP) material. The third PCM container 40 may be used as a heat source for the second or desorption / condensation (DC) mode.

[0046] In Figure 3 In the second or desorption / condensation (DC) operation mode shown, the heated third heat exchange fluid circulates between the first heat exchange conduit 32 of the first heat exchanger 14 and the heat recovery circuit 30 (see the action arrow F). The heat from the third exchange fluid causes the absolute pressure in the vacuum housing 12 to rise to a range of about 10 kPa to about 14 kPa. The increase in the absolute pressure in the vacuum housing 12 causes the first heat exchanger 14 to expel the refrigerant vapor condensed on the surface of the plates 27 of the second heat exchanger 16. At the same time, the condensed heat is removed from the second heat exchanger 16 by the circulation of the first heat exchange fluid between the second heat exchange conduit 34 of the second heat exchanger 16 and the radiator 24 (note the action arrow G), where the heat is discharged to the environment via the radiator 24 by ambient air (note the action arrow H).

[0047] As Figure 3Further shown in [description], in this DC operation mode, the second heat exchange fluid is circulated by the third pump 42 to the core 26 and the second PCM container 29 (note the action arrow J). More specifically, the frozen phase change material in the second PCM container 29 cools the second heat exchange fluid, and then the second heat exchange fluid is delivered to the core 26. At the core 26, the blower 35 pushes air (note the action arrow D) through the core 26 in thermal communication with the second heat exchange fluid, thereby cooling the air, and then the air is delivered to the passenger compartment C of the vehicle. As will be appreciated, this allows cold air to be continuously delivered to the passenger compartment while the first heat exchanger 14 is being regenerated to prepare for the next AE operation mode cycle. In one embodiment, the air conditioning system 10 cycles between operation modes every 3 minutes to 20 minutes, where the time range is adjusted based on various demand curves for cooling the passenger compartment, and the fraction of the frozen phase change material is maximized. By maximizing the fraction of the frozen phase change material, the vehicle parking time can be maximized using the "quick freeze" availability at the next vehicle start. Of course, it should also be understood that the "quick freeze" available time can be extended by increasing the amount of the phase change material contained in the second PCM container 29, using a type of phase change material with a higher latent heat, and / or improving the container insulation.

[0048] The duct and valve system includes eight valves, which may be referred to respectively as a first valve 50, a second valve 52, a third valve 54, a fourth valve 56, a fifth valve 58, a sixth valve 60, a seventh valve 62, and an eighth valve 64. The duct and valve system is configured to control the flow of three heat exchange fluids as the air conditioning system 10 cycles through an AE operating mode and a DC operating mode. The first valve 50 is disposed at an inlet end of a first heat exchange duct 32, while the second valve 52 is disposed at an outlet end of the first heat exchange duct 32. The third valve 54 is disposed at an inlet end of a second heat exchange duct 34, while the fourth valve 56 is disposed at an outlet end of the second heat exchange duct 34. The fifth valve 58 is disposed upstream of the core 26, while the sixth valve 60 is disposed downstream of the second PCM container 29. Finally, the seventh valve 62 is disposed upstream of the radiator 24, while the eighth valve 64 is disposed downstream of the radiator 24. The seventh valve 62 and the eighth valve 64 are configured to control the flow of the first heat exchange fluid to or through the first PCM container 28 and / or the radiator 24. As described above, the first PCM container 28 may be used before the radiator 24 so that the first heat exchange fluid follows the path indicated by the action arrow K. Once the first PCM container 28 has been "filled", the seventh valve 62 and the eighth valve 64 may direct the first heat exchange fluid to the radiator 24 for cooling. Thus, if a given trip of the vehicle is short enough such that the first PCM container 28 is not filled, the radiator 24 may not be utilized. Accordingly, energy associated with operating the radiator 24 and / or an associated radiator fan may be saved. It is contemplated that in some instances, only one of the seventh valve 62 and the eighth valve 64 may be utilized. For example, the seventh valve 62 may be utilized while omitting the eighth valve 64. Alternatively, the eighth valve 64 may be utilized while omitting the seventh valve.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 4 , in addition to cooling the vehicle's passenger compartment C, the core 26 may also be used to raise the temperature of the passenger compartment C during a heating operation mode. During the heating mode, the heat generated during the adsorption period may be used to raise the temperature of the core 26. In this case, the air moved by the blower 35 may be directed through the heated core 26 before entering the passenger compartment C in order to raise the air temperature to a comfortable level desired by the occupants. In some cases, a single core 26 may be used for both heating and cooling the passenger compartment C. In other instances, the core 26 may include two separate components that are operatively coupled to the first heat exchanger 14 and / or the second heat exchanger 16 to separately cool and heat the passenger compartment C according to the needs of the occupants.

[0050] Further referring to Figure 4, the heat recovery circuit 30 can additionally and selectively (e.g., using valves) be piped to the second heat exchanger 16 and / or the core 26 (see action arrows L and M) such that the heat recovery circuit 30 can supply the second heat exchange fluid and / or the third heat exchange fluid to the second heat exchanger 16 and / or the core 26. Thus, the core 26 then becomes a heater core instead of an air conditioning core. When the core 26 operates as a heater core, the second PCM container 29 can be bypassed. Bypassing the second PCM container 29 can be achieved, for example, by providing an additional valve between the core 26 and the second PCM container 29 or by optionally positioning the sixth valve 60 between the second PCM container 29 and the core 26 rather than downstream of both the core 26 and the second PCM container 29. When the core 26 is used as a heater core, the second heat exchanger 16 and / or the core 26 can be upstream of the first PCM container 28 and / or the radiator 24 such that a "quick heat" feature is available to the vehicle occupants. The third PCM container 40 can be provided with sufficient insulation to retain the heat stored therein for the vehicle's "next start" (typically about 24 hours) to provide the quick heat feature. If the core 26 exceeds a predetermined temperature, then the second heat exchange fluid and / or the third heat exchange fluid can be directed to the first PCM container 28 and / or the radiator 24 to provide a degree of cooling to the second heat exchange fluid and / or the third heat exchange fluid before returning to the heat recovery circuit 30 (see action arrows N and K). Directing the second heat exchange fluid and / or the third heat exchange fluid to the first PCM container 28 and / or the radiator 24 can be controlled, for example, by a thermostat. It is contemplated that in some environments, it may be difficult to provide sufficient insulation to retain the heat stored in the third PCM container 40 for the vehicle's next start. In such instances, it may be beneficial to provide a supplementary heat source (e.g., an electric heater) or some other heat source that can be immediately utilized when the vehicle starts to heat the second heat exchange fluid and / or the third heat exchange fluid until the heat recovery circuit 30 has stored a minimum operating amount of heat (e.g., after about 30 seconds). At this time, the supplementary heat source can be disconnected, bypassed, and / or flowed through such that the heat supply mode operates as described above.

[0051] Generally speaking, the air conditioning system 10 provides many benefits. As will be appreciated, the radiator 24 effectively replaces the air conditioning condenser used in a common compressor-driven vehicle air conditioning system, and the core 26 effectively replaces the common evaporator. This eliminates the AC accessory load generated by the common compressor-driven AC system, thereby improving engine power and fuel economy. Additionally, by storing heat in the phase change material of the third PCM container 40 and storing cold in the phase change material of the second PCM container 29, the air conditioning system 10 provides instantaneous heating or cooling as needed to remotely pre-condition the air in the passenger compartment C before engine start. Additionally, by providing the first PCM container 28, additional energy savings can be provided in cases where the first PCM container 28 can be utilized to displace the utilization of the radiator 24.

[0052] The air conditioning system 10 operates to provide a simple and effective method for vehicle climate control, which can be broadly described as including the steps of: circulating a first heat exchange fluid through the radiator 24 and the first heat exchanger 14 of the vacuum housing 12, and circulating a second heat exchange fluid through the second heat exchanger 16 (in the same vacuum housing 12), the core 26, and the second PCM container 29 during the AE operating mode. Conversely, in the DC operating mode, the method includes circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the radiator 24 and the second heat exchanger 16, and circulating the second heat exchange fluid through the core 26 and the second PCM container 29.

[0053] The method further includes circulating a third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery loop 30 through the first heat exchanger 14 of the vacuum housing 12 in the DC operating mode to heat up and desorb the refrigerant 18 adsorbed to the first heat exchanger 14 during the AE mode. As described above, the third heat exchange fluid is continuously circulated through the exhaust gas heat exchanger 38 and the third PCM container 40 by means of the second pump 36 to store heat in the phase change material within the third PCM container 40.

[0054] Also as described previously, the method includes circulating air to be conditioned through a core 26 in thermal communication with a second heat exchange fluid. Advantageously, the air conditioning system 10 has only a single pair of heat exchangers such as the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 16, which provide significant weight and space savings compared to alternative adsorber-based air conditioning systems that include multiple adsorber sections (e.g., typically two pairs of heat exchangers). Also as disclosed, the air conditioning system 10 includes only a single vacuum housing 12, where the first heat exchanger 14 opens into the second heat exchanger 16 for efficient operation at all times. Thus, the air conditioning system 10 can more efficiently and effectively cool the vehicle's passenger compartment C for the vehicle's occupants while allowing the vehicle to operate with higher fuel economy.

[0055] The disclosed air conditioning system 10 can be used in a variety of vehicles. The vehicles can include, but are not limited to, motor vehicles, wheeled motor vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, etc. In the aspects disclosed above, the first heat exchange fluid, the second heat exchange fluid, and the third heat exchange fluid can each be a different fluid. Alternatively, the first heat exchange fluid, the second heat exchange fluid, and the third heat exchange fluid can be the same such that a single type of heat exchange fluid (e.g., ethylene glycol) is utilized in the air conditioning system 10. In some embodiments, two of the first heat exchange fluid, the second heat exchange fluid, and the third heat exchange fluid can be the same while the remaining one heat exchange fluid is different.

[0056] Modifications to the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the figures and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

[0057] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the described concepts and the construction of other components are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein can be formed from a variety of materials.

[0058] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are joined to each other either directly or indirectly. Such a joining can be fixed in nature or can be movable in nature. Such a joining can be achieved using the two components (electrical or mechanical) and can be achieved using any additional intermediate member that can be formed integrally with each other or with the two components as a single unitary body. Such a joining can be permanent in nature or can be removable or releasable, unless otherwise specified.

[0059] It should also be noted that, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily understand that many modifications can be made (e.g., changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape, and the proportions of various elements, parameter values, installation arrangements, material uses, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or the components or connectors or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment positions provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be composed of any one of a variety of materials, which provide sufficient strength or durability in any one of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other alternatives, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] It should be understood that any described process or steps within the described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0061] It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the structures and methods mentioned above without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it should also be understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless the claims state otherwise in their language.

[0062] According to the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning system having: a first PCM container and a second PCM container; a heat recovery circuit including a third PCM container; and a duct and valve system that is operable to: couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and a radiator, couple a second heat exchanger to a core and the second PCM container, and couple the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are housed within a vacuum housing.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is further characterized by: an adsorption bed for adsorbing refrigerant vapor; and a first heat exchange conduit that circulates a first heat exchange fluid through the adsorption bed during a first operating mode.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the adsorption bed is further characterized by a plurality of plates coated with a desiccant.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchange conduit is further characterized by: an inlet end having a first valve; and an outlet end having a second valve.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchanger is further characterized by: a refrigerant evaporator / condenser; and a second heat exchange conduit that circulates a second heat exchange fluid through the evaporator / condenser during a first operating mode.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the second heat exchange conduit is further characterized by: an inlet having a third valve; and an outlet having a fourth valve.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the conduit and valve system is further characterized by: a fifth valve upstream of the core; and a sixth valve downstream of the second PCM container.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first pump located between the radiator and the vacuum housing; and a second pump located between the fifth valve and the core.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a seventh valve downstream of the first PCM container and upstream of the radiator; and an eighth valve downstream of the first PCM container, downstream of the radiator, and upstream of the first pump.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchange fluid bypasses the radiator by being directed through the first PCM container by the seventh and eighth valves until the first PCM container is full, and wherein when the first PCM container is full, the first heat exchange fluid is directed through the radiator by the seventh and eighth valves.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the air conditioning system is installed in a vehicle.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the heat recovery circuit is further characterized by: a heat source; a third pump; and a third heat exchange fluid that is circulated through the heat source to capture heat.

[0075] According to one embodiment, during a second operating mode, the conduit and valve system circulates a third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchange conduit such that the refrigerant is heated and desorption at the adsorption bed is induced.

[0076] According to the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning system having a first PCM container and a second PCM container; a heat recovery circuit including a third PCM container configured to store heat; and a conduit and valve system operable to: couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and a radiator, wherein a first heat exchange fluid is cooled by at least one of the first PCM container and the radiator; couple a second heat exchanger to a core and the second PCM container, the core and the second PCM container being configured together to cool a second heat exchange fluid such that the core provides cooled air; and couple the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger.

[0077] According to the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an air conditioning system, the method having the steps of: circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first heat exchanger and a first PCM container during a first operating mode; circulating a second heat exchange fluid through a second heat exchanger, a core, and a second PCM container during the first operating mode; circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the first PCM container during a second operating mode; and circulating a third heat exchange fluid through a heat recovery circuit including a third PCM container during the second operating mode.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the step of circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first heat exchanger and a first PCM container during a first operating mode is further characterized by the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through a radiator once the first PCM container has been filled.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the step of circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first PCM container during a second operating mode is further characterized by the step of circulating the first heat exchange fluid through a radiator once the first PCM container has been filled.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by the step of circulating air to be conditioned through the core during the first and second operating modes.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by the step of circulating a third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchanger during the second mode such that the first and second heat exchangers are regenerated.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, which comprises: a first PCM container and a second PCM container; a heat recovery circuit, the heat recovery circuit comprising a third PCM container; and a duct and valve system, the duct and valve system being operable to: i. couple a first heat exchanger to the first PCM container and a radiator, a first heat exchange fluid circulating through the first heat exchanger during a first operating mode, ii. couple a second heat exchanger to a core and the second PCM container, and iii. couple the heat recovery circuit to the first heat exchanger, wherein the duct and valve system comprises a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, a sixth valve, a seventh valve, an eighth valve, wherein the seventh valve is downstream of the first PCM container and upstream of the radiator; and the eighth valve is downstream of the first PCM container, downstream of the radiator and upstream of a first pump, and the first heat exchange fluid can be guided by the seventh valve and the eighth valve through the first PCM container to bypass the radiator.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are housed in a vacuum housing.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the first heat exchanger comprises: an adsorption bed for adsorbing refrigerant vapor; and a first heat exchange duct for circulating a first heat exchange fluid through the adsorption bed during a first operating mode.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the adsorption bed comprises: a plurality of plates coated with a desiccant.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the first heat exchange duct comprises: an inlet end having a first valve; and an outlet end having a second valve.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the second heat exchanger comprises: a refrigerant evaporator / condenser; and a second heat exchange duct for circulating a second heat exchange fluid through the evaporator / condenser during a first operating mode.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein the second heat exchange duct comprises: an inlet having a third valve; and an outlet having a fourth valve.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein the fifth valve is upstream of the core; and the sixth valve is downstream of the second PCM container.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 8, which further comprises: a first pump located between the radiator and the vacuum housing; and a second pump located between the fifth valve and the core.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchange fluid bypasses the radiator through the first PCM container until the first PCM container is full, and wherein when the first PCM container is full, the first heat exchange fluid is guided by the seventh valve and the eighth valve through the radiator.

11. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system is installed in a vehicle.

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein the heat recovery circuit further comprises: a heat source; a third pump; and a third heat exchange fluid that is circulated through the heat source to capture heat.

13. The air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein during the second operating mode, the duct and valve system circulates the third heat exchange fluid from the heat recovery circuit through the first heat exchange duct so that the refrigerant is heated and desorption occurs at the adsorption bed.

14. A method of operating an air conditioning system, which comprises the steps of: circulating a first heat exchange fluid through a first heat exchanger, a first PCM container, and valves during a first operating mode, the valves including a seventh valve downstream of the first PCM container and upstream of a radiator and an eighth valve downstream of the first PCM container, downstream of the radiator, and upstream of a first pump, wherein the first heat exchange fluid can be directed by the seventh valve and the eighth valve through the first PCM container and around the radiator; circulating a second heat exchange fluid through a second heat exchanger, a core, and a second PCM container during the first operating mode; circulating the first heat exchange fluid through the first PCM container during a second operating mode; and circulating a third heat exchange fluid through a heat recovery circuit including a third PCM container during the second operating mode.

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