Vehicle-mounted air conditioner

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of vehicle equipment, in particular to a vehicle-mounted air conditioner. The vehicle-mounted air conditioner comprises an evaporator, a heat exchanger, a first water storage tank, a first air pipe unit, a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve. The evaporator is provided with an inner cavity for containing water, the bottom of the inner cavity is communicated with a switch valve for controlling air introduction, the top of the inner cavity is communicated with a vacuum pump, a perforated plate is arranged on the side, close to the switch valve, of the wall of the inner cavity, and air introduced through the switch valve generates a plurality of bubbles in water after passing through the perforated plate. The vacuum pump pumps out gas in the inner cavity and enables the pressure in the inner cavity to reach a preset condition, and water in the inner cavity generates a bubble enhanced evaporation phenomenon; gas pumped out by the vacuum pump is condensed into liquid water through the heat exchanger. According to the vehicle-mounted air conditioner, the environment-friendly requirement of the refrigerant of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner is met, and miniaturization of the air conditioner with water as the refrigerant is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle equipment technology, and in particular to an in-vehicle air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry and the improvement of people's living standards, more and more people are using cars, and the comfort of cars is receiving increasing attention. In-car air quality greatly affects passenger comfort, making in-car air conditioning, as a device that enhances passenger comfort, increasingly important. In-car air conditioning includes both cooling and heating systems, which regulate the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0003] There are two types of refrigerants used in vehicle air conditioning systems: CFC12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), also known as R12, and HFC134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), also known as R134a. Because R12 has a high ozone depletion potential (ODP) and is environmentally unfriendly, its use in vehicle air conditioning systems has been largely discontinued worldwide. R134a, on the other hand, has a high global warming potential (GWP) and its use is being gradually restricted globally. Therefore, vehicle air conditioning systems must consider using natural refrigerants with low ODP and low GWP characteristics. Water's excellent physical and chemical properties, such as zero ODP, zero GWP, high heat of vaporization (44 kJ / mol at room temperature), high coefficient of performance (COP), non-toxicity, no safety concerns, readily available, low price, no water quality requirements, no regulatory restrictions, extremely high chemical stability, and non-flammability, make it an excellent natural refrigerant.

[0004] However, existing technologies using water as a refrigerant require the installation of turbo compressors with extremely high suction velocities and high pressure ratios. The evaporator, condenser, and turbo compressor must be sealed within a vacuum enclosure, and an external vacuum pump must be used to maintain an operating pressure of 25 millibars. These technologies are bulky and difficult to maintain, making them suitable only for large facilities such as data centers, and not for use in small spaces such as vehicle air conditioners. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an in-vehicle air conditioner that meets the environmental protection requirements for in-vehicle air conditioner refrigerants and promotes the miniaturization of air conditioners that use water as a refrigerant.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a vehicle air conditioner comprising an evaporator, a heat exchanger, a first water storage tank, a first air duct unit, a first four-way valve, and a second four-way valve. The evaporator has an inner cavity for containing water. A switch valve for controlling air intake is connected to the bottom of the inner cavity, and a vacuum pump is connected to the top of the inner cavity. A perforated plate is provided on the inner cavity wall near the switch valve. Air introduced through the switch valve passes through the perforated plate and generates multiple bubbles in the water. The vacuum pump extracts the gas from the inner cavity and brings the pressure in the inner cavity to a preset condition, causing the water in the inner cavity to undergo bubble-enhanced evaporation. The heat exchanger is connected to the vacuum pump, and the gas extracted by the vacuum pump condenses into liquid water via the heat exchanger.

[0007] The first water tank is equipped with a first pipe that can exchange heat with the heat exchanger. The water in the first water tank is heated by the heat exchanger and then flows back into the first water tank. The first air duct unit includes a first fan and a first coil. The first coil is connected to the evaporator or the first water tank. After the low temperature or high temperature fluid flows into the first coil, the first fan blows the cold or hot air emitted from the first coil into the vehicle interior environment.

[0008] Two ports of the first four-way valve are located on the path connecting cold water in the evaporator to the first coil, and the other two ports of the first four-way valve are located on the path connecting hot water in the first storage tank to the first coil; two ports of the second four-way valve are located on the path connecting water in the first coil to the evaporator, and the other two ports of the second four-way valve are located on the path connecting water in the first coil to the first storage tank.

[0009] The vehicle air conditioner provided in this application, through the installation of an evaporator containing water, evacuates the evaporator and introduces air through a switching valve. The air, after passing through a perforated plate, generates numerous bubbles, increasing the contact area between the gas and liquid water and significantly enhancing the evaporation rate. This bubble-enhanced evaporation phenomenon occurs in the water within the evaporator. Utilizing the physical principle of evaporation heat absorption, the water at the lower end of the evaporator absorbs heat and becomes cold water. The evaporated gas transfers the absorbed heat to a first water storage tank via a heat exchanger, turning the water in the first storage tank into hot water. This hot or cold water is then pumped into the first duct unit through two four-way valves and a pump pipe, thus completing the cooling or heating process of the vehicle air conditioner. Because it eliminates the need for a turbo compressor with extremely high suction speed and high pressure ratio, as well as a vacuum enclosure, it significantly reduces the volume of existing water-based air conditioners, further meeting the environmental requirements for vehicle air conditioner refrigerants.

[0010] In some embodiments, a second water storage tank is also included, with one end connected to the evaporator and the other end connected to the heat exchanger. The second water storage tank is used to supply liquid water to the evaporator and to receive liquid water condensed from the heat exchanger.

[0011] In some embodiments, a water pump is provided on the path from the second water storage tank to the evaporator, and a second pipe is provided on the path from the evaporator to the second water storage tank.

[0012] In some implementations, the second water tank is connected to the cooling channel in the vehicle thermal management system and supplies coolant to the cooling channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, a second duct unit is also included, which includes a second fan and a second coil. The second coil is connected to the first water storage tank. After the hot water in the first water storage tank flows into the second coil, the heat of the hot water is blown to the outside environment by the second fan.

[0014] In some implementations, the evaporator, the first water tank, and the second water tank are all double-layered insulated structures.

[0015] In some implementations, the outer edge of the perforated plate is completely fitted to the inner wall of the evaporator.

[0016] In some implementations, the evaporator cavity wall located below the vacuum pump intake port is provided with multiple baffles.

[0017] In some implementations, two baffles are provided and installed in a staggered manner.

[0018] In some implementations, the switching valve is a needle valve.

[0019] In some implementations, an vent valve is provided on the path through which the liquid water condensed from the heat exchanger flows back to the second water storage tank.

[0020] In some implementations, the air pressure inside the cavity is between 150 mbar and 300 mbar. Attached Figure Description

[0021] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle air conditioner provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is the phase diagram of water.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 11-Evaporator; 111-Inner cavity; 112-Switch valve; 113-Vacuum pump; 114-Perforated plate; 115-Baffle; 12-Heat exchanger; 13-First water tank; 131-First pipe; 14-First duct unit; 141-First fan; 142-First coil; 15-First four-way valve; 16-Second four-way valve; 17-Second water tank; 18-Water pump; 19-Second pipe; 20-On-board thermal management system; 21-Second duct unit; 211-Second fan; 212-Second coil; 22-Exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of this application to enable readers to better understand this application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented. The division of the various embodiments below is for the convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Following the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), refrigerants with alarming ozone-depleting potential, were the first to be banned. The 2016 Kigali amendments reduced the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), refrigerants with high global warming potential, by 75%. The EU's stricter "F-gas" regulations in 2023 require a ban on HFCs and hydrofluorocarbons (HFOs) by 2035. This has severely limited the application of synthetic refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps, forcing us to search for environmentally friendly refrigerants.

[0030] Currently, there are two types of refrigerants used in vehicle air conditioning: CFC12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), also known as R12, and HFC134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), also known as R134a. Because R12 has a high ozone depletion potential and R134a has a high global warming potential, their use is strictly restricted globally. Therefore, vehicle air conditioning must consider using natural refrigerants with low ODP and low GWP characteristics. Water possesses excellent physical and chemical properties: zero ODP, zero GWP, high heat of vaporization, high theoretical coefficient of performance, non-toxic, no safety concerns, readily available, inexpensive, no water quality requirements, no regulatory restrictions, extremely high chemical stability, and non-flammability, making it an excellent natural refrigerant.

[0031] However, existing air conditioning technology using water as a refrigerant requires the installation of a turbo compressor with an extremely high suction velocity and high pressure ratio. The evaporator, condenser, and turbo compressor are sealed in a vacuum enclosure, and an external vacuum pump is used to maintain an operating pressure of 25 millibars. This results in a bulky and difficult-to-maintain system, suitable only for large facilities such as data centers, and not for use in small spaces such as vehicle air conditioning systems.

[0032] Therefore, in order to meet the environmental protection requirements for vehicle air conditioning refrigerants and promote the miniaturization of water-based air conditioning systems, the vehicle air conditioning system provided in this application, through the installation of an evaporator containing water, evacuates the evaporator and introduces air through a switching valve. The air, after passing through a perforated plate, generates a large number of bubbles, increasing the contact area between the gas and liquid water, greatly enhancing the evaporation rate of the water. The water in the evaporator undergoes bubble-enhanced evaporation. Utilizing the physical principle of evaporation heat absorption, the water at the lower end of the evaporator absorbs heat and becomes cold water. The evaporated gas transfers the absorbed heat to the first water storage tank via a heat exchanger, turning the water in the first water storage tank into hot water. Then, through two four-way valves and a pump pipe, the hot or cold water is pumped into the first air duct unit, thus completing the cooling or heating process of the vehicle air conditioning system. Since it eliminates the need for a turbo compressor with an extremely high exhaust velocity and high pressure ratio, as well as a vacuum enclosure, the volume of water-based air conditioning systems in the prior art is greatly reduced, further meeting the environmental protection requirements for vehicle air conditioning refrigerants.

[0033] The following is combined Figure 1 This application describes the vehicle air conditioner provided in some embodiments.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in some embodiments of this application, the vehicle air conditioner includes an evaporator 11, a heat exchanger 12, a first water storage tank 13, a first air duct unit 14, a first four-way valve 15, and a second four-way valve 16. The evaporator 11 is provided with an inner cavity 111 for containing water. The bottom of the inner cavity 111 is connected to a switch valve 112 for controlling the air supply, and the top of the inner cavity 111 is connected to a vacuum pump 113. A perforated plate 114 is provided on the side of the inner cavity 111 near the switch valve 112. The air supplied by the switch valve 112 generates multiple bubbles in the water after passing through the perforated plate 114. The vacuum pump 113 extracts the gas from the inner cavity 111 and brings the pressure in the inner cavity 111 to a preset condition, causing the water in the inner cavity 111 to undergo bubble-enhanced evaporation. The heat exchanger 12 is connected to the vacuum pump 113, and the gas extracted by the vacuum pump 113 is condensed into liquid water through the heat exchanger 12.

[0035] The first water tank 13 is provided with a first pipe 131 that can exchange heat with the heat exchanger 12. The water in the first water tank 13 is heated by the heat exchanger 12 and then flows back into the first water tank 13. The first air duct unit 14 includes a first fan 141 and a first coil 142. The first coil 142 is connected to the evaporator 11 or the first water tank 13. After the low temperature or high temperature fluid flows into the first coil 142, the first fan 141 blows the cold air or hot air emitted from the first coil 142 into the vehicle interior environment.

[0036] Two ports of the first four-way valve 15 are located on the path connecting cold water in the evaporator 11 to the first coil 142, and the other two ports of the first four-way valve 15 are located on the path connecting hot water in the first water storage tank 13 to the first coil 142; two ports of the second four-way valve 16 are located on the path connecting water in the first coil 142 to the evaporator 11, and the other two ports of the second four-way valve 16 are located on the path connecting water in the first coil 142 to the first water storage tank 13.

[0037] Furthermore, the shape and material of the evaporator 11, heat exchanger 12, first water storage tank 13, first duct unit 14, first four-way valve 15, and second four-way valve 16 are only required to meet actual needs and are not subject to any restrictions. The evaporator 11 is connected to the first duct unit 14, the evaporator 11 to the heat exchanger 12, the heat exchanger 12 to the first water storage tank 13, and the first duct unit 14 to the first water storage tank 13 via pump pipes. Figure 1The lines represent pipes, and the arrows indicate the direction of liquid flow, thus allowing the liquid to circulate and exchange heat at the heat exchanger 12 and the first duct unit 14. The vacuum pump 113 is an oil-free vacuum pump, which can be of various types such as piston, screw, foil turbine, or magnetic levitation turbine, as long as it can produce a vacuum level that meets the preset conditions. The evaporation of water in the inner cavity 111 absorbs heat, causing the water at the lower end of the inner cavity 111 to cool, and the cooled water is then cooled through the first duct unit 14.

[0038] Simultaneously, the high-temperature gas and air mixture after evaporation is drawn away and compressed by the vacuum pump 113, then enters the heat exchanger 12. The high-temperature gas condenses and releases heat, thereby heating the water pumped from the first water storage tank 13, raising the water temperature in the first water storage tank 13 to become hot water. The hot water is then heated through the first air duct unit 14. The cooling or heating mode is controlled by switching between the first four-way valve 15 and the second four-way valve 16, realizing the cooling or heating of the vehicle air conditioner.

[0039] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, region A represents liquid water, region B represents gaseous water, and region C represents solid water. Point X is the triple point, point Y is the boiling point, and point Z is the critical point. The XYZ line is the evaporation line. From the phase diagram of water, we know that at the triple point, water has a temperature of 0.01 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 6.11 millibars; while at the boiling point, water has a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 1013 millibars. This means that at the evaporation line (… Figure 2 The arc between gaseous and liquid water (i.e., the XYZ line) allows water to evaporate within a range of 0.01 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius by controlling the pressure of the liquid water.

[0040] In practice, liquid evaporation is a dynamic process. According to the kinetic theory of liquid evaporation, the formula for the liquid evaporation rate dN / dt is:

[0041]

[0042] In the above formula, ΔP is the pressure difference between the equilibrium pressure of the liquid and the actual partial pressure of the gas at temperature T, and N A Here, A is the Avogadro number, M is the molecular weight, R is the gas constant, and A is the interfacial area between the liquid and gas phases, exp(-E) act / RT) is the probability that liquid molecules at the interface have enough energy to escape to the gas phase, E act It is the activation energy of the evaporation process.

[0043] As shown in the above formula, to enhance the evaporation rate, the controllable parameters A and ΔP can be increased. By installing a switching valve 112 and a vacuum pump 113 in the evaporator 11 to control the vacuum level in the evaporator 11, the actual partial pressure of water vapor within the bubbles in the evaporator 11 can be controlled, further controlling ΔP. A certain amount of air is introduced through the switching valve 112, and after passing through the perforated plate 114, a large number of bubbles are formed in the water in the evaporator 11, thereby increasing the liquid-gas phase interface area A. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioner provided in this application controls the vacuum level in the evaporator 11 by installing a switching valve 112 and a vacuum pump 113, and generates a large number of bubbles through the perforated plate 114, increasing parameters A and ΔP, thereby enhancing the water evaporation rate, activating the bubble-enhanced evaporation mechanism, and achieving water evaporation at a preset temperature.

[0044] Some embodiments of this application provide a vehicle air conditioner that, by setting up an evaporator 11 to contain water, evacuates the evaporator 11 and introduces air through a switching valve 112. The air, after passing through a perforated plate 114, generates a large number of bubbles, increasing the contact area between the gas and liquid water and greatly enhancing the evaporation rate of the water. The water in the evaporator 11 undergoes bubble-enhanced evaporation. Utilizing the physical principle of evaporation heat absorption, the water at the lower end of the evaporator 11 absorbs heat and becomes cold water. The evaporated gas transfers the absorbed heat to the first water storage tank 13 via a heat exchanger 12, turning the water in the first water storage tank 13 into hot water. Then, through two four-way valves and a pump pipe, the hot or cold water is pumped into the first air duct unit 14, thereby completing the cooling or heating process of the vehicle air conditioner. Since it eliminates the need for a turbo compressor with an extremely high suction velocity and high pressure ratio, as well as a vacuum casing, the volume of water-based air conditioners in the prior art is greatly reduced, further meeting the environmental protection requirements for vehicle air conditioner refrigerants.

[0045] Furthermore, the heating system in gasoline-powered vehicles utilizes the high heat generated by engine combustion. However, new energy vehicles lack a high-temperature heat source and must use thermistors to convert battery electrical energy into heat, significantly reducing their driving range in winter. The vehicle air conditioner provided in this application, through the control of the evaporator 11, heat exchanger 12, and a four-way valve, completes the winter heating process with high efficiency, saving battery energy and improving the driving range of new energy vehicles in winter.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, a second water storage tank 17 is also included. One end of the second water storage tank 17 is connected to the evaporator 11, and the other end is connected to the heat exchanger 12. The second water storage tank 17 is used to provide liquid water to the evaporator 11 and to receive liquid water condensed by the heat exchanger 12.

[0047] Furthermore, one end of the second water storage tank 17 is connected to the upper end of the evaporator 11 via a pipe and a pump to supply water to the evaporator 11, and the other end is connected to the heat exchanger 12 to collect the water produced after condensation in the heat exchanger 12. Under the action of the pipe and pump, water flows from the second water storage tank 17 to the evaporator 11, then to the heat exchanger 12, and then back to the second water storage tank 17, completing the entire cycle and saving water. On the other hand, the condensed water in the second water storage tank 17 is at a higher temperature than the water in the evaporator 11, allowing for the reuse of the relatively hot condensed water, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, a water pump 18 is provided on the path from the second water storage tank 17 to the evaporator 11, and a second pipe 19 is provided on the path from the evaporator 11 to the second water storage tank 17.

[0049] It should be noted that the water pump 18 installed on the path from the second water tank 17 to the evaporator 11 serves two purposes. First, when the vehicle's air conditioning is cooling or heating, it works in conjunction with other pumps to achieve a large circulation of water from the second water tank to the evaporator 11 and then back to the condenser. Second, at low temperatures, the water pump 18 is started independently to achieve a small circulation of hot water from the second water tank to the evaporator 11, thereby heating the evaporator 11 and ensuring its normal operation in winter.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the second water tank 17 is connected to the cooling channel in the vehicle thermal management system 20 and provides coolant to the cooling channel.

[0051] It should be noted that some existing new energy vehicles use heat pumps for heating and collect waste heat from various components. A thermal management system utilizes the waste heat generated by the battery pack, electronic components, electric motor, and vehicle main unit to maintain the operating temperature of the evaporator 11. The second water storage tank 17 is connected to the cooling channel in the existing new energy vehicle on-board thermal management system 20, and provides cooling water to the cooling channel before it flows back. During summer cooling, cold water from the evaporator 11 can be transported to the second water storage tank 17 via the second pipe 19, and then the thermal management system delivers the cold water to heat-generating components such as the battery, ensuring the safety of the new energy vehicle. During winter heating, waste heat from various components can be collected by the thermal management system, and then the heat can be transferred to the evaporator 11 via the second water storage tank 17, ensuring that the water in the on-board air conditioner maintains a certain temperature and providing heat for the evaporation process, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the new energy vehicle.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, a second duct unit 21 is also included. The second duct unit 21 includes a second fan 211 and a second coil 212. The second coil 212 is connected to the first water storage tank 13. After the hot water in the first water storage tank 13 flows into the second coil 212, the heat of the hot water is blown to the outside environment by the second fan 211.

[0053] It should be noted that during winter heating, the control switch of the second air duct unit 21 is turned off, and the hot water in the first water tank 13 is pumped into the first air duct unit 14 to heat the vehicle interior. During summer cooling, the control switch of the second air duct unit 21 is turned on, and the hot water in the first water tank 13 is pumped into the second air duct unit 21 to release heat to the outside environment, completing the cooling cycle. If heat is not released to the outside environment in time during summer cooling, heat accumulation will occur, resulting in poor cooling performance.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the evaporator 11, the first water storage tank 13, and the second water storage tank 17 are all double-layer insulation structures.

[0055] It should be noted that the vehicle air conditioner of this application uses water as a refrigerant, which is prone to freezing in winter without insulation, thus limiting its use in extremely cold regions. The evaporator 11, the first water tank 13, and the second water tank 17 all employ a double-layer insulation structure, ensuring that the water in the vehicle air conditioner maintains a certain temperature for a certain period, allowing the vehicle air conditioner of this application to be used in cold regions and expanding its geographical application range. Undoubtedly, the connecting pipes, pumps, and four-way valves of the various components of the vehicle air conditioner, as well as the overall outer casing, all require insulation materials or external insulation structures. The double-layer insulation structure can be composed of a double-layer metal (such as 304 stainless steel) outer shell, with a vacuum interlayer ensuring good insulation in extremely cold weather and preventing frost formation on the outer shell. Due to the use of the insulation structure, the vehicle air conditioner can be used in environments as low as -30°C, and the evaporator 11 can be maintained at approximately 15°C for 24 hours, meeting the needs of daily travel.

[0056] On the other hand, the evaporator 11 employs an insulation structure, which hinders the evaporator 11 itself from absorbing heat from the environment, making heat absorption difficult during the evaporation process. The second water storage tank 17 is connected to the new energy vehicle's thermal management system, providing a certain heat source for the vehicle's air conditioning after the vehicle is started in winter or summer, ensuring that the evaporator 11 can absorb heat through evaporation under the insulation structure. In addition, in summer, the insulation of the evaporator 11 keeps the water inside the evaporator 11 at a low temperature, allowing the vehicle's air conditioning to deliver cool air as soon as it is turned on, enhancing passenger comfort.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the outer edge of the perforated plate 114 is completely fitted with the inner wall of the evaporator 11.

[0058] The above analysis shows that increasing the contact area between the liquid and gas phases can improve the liquid evaporation rate. By placing the perforated plate 114 above the switching valve 112, the gas entering the inner cavity 111 through the switching valve 112 first passes through the perforated plate 114, forming bubbles that then contact the water in the inner cavity 111, further increasing the contact area between the liquid and gas phases and enhancing the evaporation efficiency. The outer edge of the perforated plate 114 is fitted against the inner wall of the evaporator 11, ensuring that all air entering from the switching valve 112 passes through the perforated plate 114. This increases the number of bubbles, further increasing the contact area between the liquid and gas phases and enhancing the evaporation efficiency. The perforated plate 114 is made of metal or plastic, with a thickness of several millimeters and a diameter of more than 10 centimeters. It has multiple channels with a pore size of several micrometers, which generate more bubbles, increasing the contact area between the liquid and gas phases.

[0059] Furthermore, the numerous microbubbles created by the porous plate 114 disperse water vapor from the air into each microbubble. The bubble volume increases several times during the pressure-reducing rise, causing a decrease in the partial pressure of water vapor in each microbubble, resulting in a positive ΔP value in the above equation, thereby increasing the liquid evaporation rate. The hydrogen bond network and high ET of liquid water... act (The activation energy of the evaporation process in the above formula is about half the heat of vaporization of water) will cause the evaporation rate to be slow. The generation of a large number of bubbles caused by the porous plate 114 not only destroys the hydrogen bond network, but also allows high-energy water molecules to move to the gas-liquid interface and evaporate due to their turbulent motion, which has a positive effect on the bubble-enhanced evaporation mechanism.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, the cavity wall of the evaporator 11 located below the suction port of the vacuum pump 113 is provided with multiple baffles 115.

[0061] It should be noted that the baffle 115 is not completely fitted to the inner wall of the evaporator 11, or the baffle 115 has holes for gas flow. The baffle 115 is designed to prevent liquid splashing when the vacuum pump 113 is pumping gas. It should be noted that the connection between the second water tank 17 and the evaporator 11 should be located below the baffle 115 to prevent the vacuum pump 113 from sucking away the injected liquid.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, two baffles 115 are provided and installed in a staggered manner.

[0063] It should be noted that having two staggered baffles 115 is a preferred number and installation method. The actual number of baffles 115 can be three, four, or more, depending on the specific needs, and they should be installed in layers with staggered spacing. The evaporated gas is drawn away by the vacuum pump 113 through the gaps between the baffles 115. This better avoids the vacuum pump 113 drawing in liquid and splashing.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the switching valve 112 is a needle valve.

[0065] It should be noted that the needle valve is a fine-tuning valve with a needle-shaped valve plug. Fine-tuning valves require the valve opening to gradually increase, allowing for continuous and minute adjustment from closed to maximum opening. A vacuum is created by the vacuum pump 113, and the needle valve controls the amount of air entering, further controlling the optimal efficiency coefficient of the vehicle's air conditioning system. On one hand, controlling the amount of air entering through the needle valve controls the number of bubbles generated, increasing the contact area between the liquid and gas, thereby controlling the water evaporation rate. On the other hand, the vacuum level is controlled by balancing the air intake of the vacuum pump 113 with the air intake of the needle valve, thus achieving water evaporation under certain temperature and pressure conditions.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, an exhaust valve 22 is provided on the path of the liquid water condensed by the heat exchanger 12 flowing back to the second water storage tank 17.

[0067] It should be noted that after passing through vacuum pump 113, the air and gaseous water are compressed together. At heat exchanger 12, the gaseous water condenses into liquid water, while the high-pressure air remains. An exhaust valve 22 is installed to, on the one hand, release the air to the external environment, restoring the pressure in the pipeline to atmospheric pressure; on the other hand, if too much air is forced from the second water storage tank 17 into the evaporator 11, it will affect the number of bubbles generated in the water of the evaporator 11, reducing the contact area between the gas and liquid phases and affecting the evaporation rate.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the air pressure in the inner cavity 111 is between 150 mbar and 300 mbar.

[0069] It should be noted that the air pressure in the inner cavity 111 is adjusted by the vacuum pump 113 and the switching valve 112 as needed. The lower the air pressure, the greater the vacuum degree, and the easier it is for liquid water to evaporate. The air pressure between 150 mbar and 300 mbar is the preferred pressure range, but this does not mean that the vehicle air conditioner will not work under other air pressures.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this application, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioner, characterized in that, include: An evaporator is provided with an inner cavity for containing water. The bottom of the inner cavity is connected to a switch valve for controlling the air supply, and the top of the inner cavity is connected to a vacuum pump. A perforated plate is provided on the inner cavity wall near the switch valve. After the air introduced by the switch valve passes through the perforated plate, it generates multiple bubbles in the water. The vacuum pump extracts the gas from the inner cavity and brings the pressure in the inner cavity to a preset condition, causing the water in the inner cavity to undergo bubble-enhanced evaporation. A heat exchanger is connected to the vacuum pump, and the gas extracted by the vacuum pump is condensed into liquid water through the heat exchanger; The first water storage tank is provided with a first pipe that can exchange heat with the heat exchanger. The water in the first water storage tank is heated by the heat exchanger and then flows back into the first water storage tank. The first air duct unit includes a first fan and a first coil. The first coil is connected to the evaporator or the first water tank. After the low temperature or high temperature fluid flows into the first coil, the first fan blows the cold air or hot air emitted from the first coil into the vehicle interior environment. The first four-way valve has two ports located on the connection path of cold water flowing from the evaporator to the first coil, and the other two ports located on the connection path of hot water flowing from the first water storage tank to the first coil. The second four-way valve has two ports located on the water flow path from the first coil to the evaporator, and the other two ports located on the water flow path from the first coil to the first water storage tank.

2. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second water storage tank, one end of which is connected to the evaporator and the other end of which is connected to the heat exchanger. The second water storage tank is used to supply liquid water to the evaporator and to receive liquid water condensed from the heat exchanger.

3. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, A water pump is installed on the path from the second water storage tank to the evaporator, and a second pipe is installed on the path from the evaporator to the second water storage tank.

4. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second water storage tank is connected to the cooling channel in the vehicle thermal management system and provides coolant to the cooling channel.

5. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second duct unit, which includes a second fan and a second coil. The second coil is connected to the first water storage tank. After the hot water in the first water storage tank flows into the second coil, the heat of the hot water is blown to the outside environment by the second fan.

6. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The evaporator, the first water storage tank, and the second water storage tank are all double-layered insulated structures.

7. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the perforated plate is completely fitted to the inner wall of the evaporator.

8. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporator is located below the vacuum pump's suction port, and its cavity wall is equipped with multiple baffles.

9. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The baffle is provided in two pieces and installed in a staggered manner.

10. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching valve is a needle valve.

11. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust valve is installed on the path through which the liquid water condensed from the heat exchanger flows back to the second water storage tank.

12. A vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air pressure inside the cavity is between 150 mbar and 300 mbar.

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