Air conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioning system 10 for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-powered one, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit 100, a climate control device 110 and an overhead line detection device 120, wherein the overhead line detection device 120 is configured to detect whether the rail vehicle is powered by an overhead line, and the overhead line detection device 120 is configured to send at least one signal S1, S2 to the climate control device 110, and wherein the climate control device 110 is configured to operate the air conditioning system 10 in different operating modes depending on the at least one signal S1, S2.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioning system.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product which is to be used in a computer of an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery-operated rail vehicle comprising an air conditioning system.

[0006] In battery-powered rail vehicles, the energy consumption of all technical components plays a crucial role. To increase the range of the vehicles, all technical components must operate as efficiently as possible. The air conditioning system, as one of the main electrical consumers, plays a key role in this. However, especially during partial load operation, when full cooling capacity is not required, the efficiency of the air conditioning units is very inefficient. For cost reasons, a frequency converter to reduce energy consumption is often omitted.

[0007] Currently, bypass control is used during partial load operation, meaning excess energy remains unused.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the invention is to create an air conditioning system that temporarily allows more efficient operation.

[0009] This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is solved by the method of claim 8, the computer program product according to claim 15, the computer-readable recording medium according to claim 16 and the rail vehicle according to claim 17.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0011] According to the invention, an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, is provided. The air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit, a climate control device, and an overhead line detection device. The overhead line detection device is configured to detect whether the rail vehicle is powered by an overhead line. The overhead line detection device is further configured to send at least one signal to the climate control device. The climate control device is further configured to operate the air conditioning system in different operating modes depending on the at least one signal.

[0012] The invention further provides a method for operating an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one. The air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit, a climate control device, and an overhead line detection device. The method comprises the following steps: detecting whether the rail vehicle is powered by an overhead line by the overhead line detection device; sending a signal to the climate control device by the overhead line detection device; and operating the air conditioning system in different operating modes by the climate control device depending on the at least one signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer program product for use in a computer of an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one. The air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit, a climate control device, and an overhead line detection device. When executed, the computer program product causes the computer of the air conditioning system to perform a method for operating an air conditioning system according to the invention or as described below.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded. When implemented in an air conditioning system for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, the computer program product is suitable for causing the computer of the air conditioning system to execute a method for controlling an air conditioning system according to the invention or as described below.

[0015] According to the invention, a battery-operated rail vehicle is further provided, comprising an air conditioning system according to the invention or further developed as described below. The rail vehicle comprises at least one traction battery.

[0016] The invention proposes to optimize the control of the air conditioning system in such a way that the most efficient operation possible is ensured.

[0017] For this purpose, the overhead line detection device generates corresponding signals, which are then transmitted to the climate control devices, allowing the air conditioning system to operate in different modes. Thus, depending on the overhead line detected, the air conditioning system can operate in different modes.

[0018] The climate control device is designed to control and / or regulate the components of the climate system.

[0019] In a further development of the air conditioning system, it can be provided that the air conditioning system has an overhead line operating mode and a battery operating mode and can be operated optionally in the overhead line operating mode or the battery operating mode.

[0020] In an embodiment of the method, the following step can be provided: Optionally operating the air conditioning system in an overhead line operating mode or in a battery operating mode.

[0021] The battery operating mode is designed to ensure the most efficient operation possible with the lowest possible energy consumption. In other words, the battery operating mode is an eco-mode designed to consume less energy than the overhead line operating mode.

[0022] The overhead line operating mode is designed to ensure the maximum possible comfort conditions with high control quality and very low interior temperature fluctuations.

[0023] In an embodiment of the air conditioning system, it can further be provided that the overhead line detection device is configured to send a first signal to the climate control device upon detection of energization of the rail vehicle by an overhead line and a second signal upon no detection of energization by an overhead line.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method may comprise the following step: sending a first signal to the climate control device upon detection of energization of the rail vehicle by an overhead line by the overhead line detection device and / or sending a second signal to the climate control device upon no detection of energization by an overhead line by the overhead line detection device.

[0025] The overhead line detection device is therefore designed to detect whether the rail vehicle is powered by an overhead line or not. If power is supplied by an overhead line, the overhead line detection device outputs a first signal. If power is not detected by an overhead line, the overhead line detection device outputs a second signal. The first signal and / or the second signal is sent to the climate control device, so that the climate control device can operate the air conditioning system depending on the detection of power being supplied to the vehicle by an overhead line.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the air conditioning system can provide that the climate control device is configured to operate the air conditioning system in the overhead line operating mode upon receipt of the first signal and to operate it in the battery operating mode upon receipt of the second signal.

[0027] Furthermore, the method can be characterized in an embodiment by the following step: operating the air conditioning system upon receipt of the first signal in the overhead line operating mode and / or operating the air conditioning system upon receipt of the second signal in the battery operating mode.

[0028] This ensures that when the first signal is received, the air conditioning system is operated in the overhead line operating mode, thus ensuring the greatest possible comfort with regard to the air conditioning of the vehicle interior.

[0029] Furthermore, the air conditioning system can provide that the refrigeration circuit has at least one compressor with a bypass with a bypass valve, wherein the bypass valve can be controlled by the climate control device, so that the performance of the air conditioning system can be controlled by the at least one bypass.

[0030] Furthermore, the method can provide in one embodiment that the refrigeration circuit has at least one bypass with a bypass valve, wherein the bypass valve is controlled by the climate control device, so that the performance of the air conditioning system is controlled by the at least one bypass.

[0031] This provides a design that allows the performance of the compressor to be controlled.

[0032] In a further development of the air conditioning system, it can be provided that the climate control device is designed to regulate the bypass valve in the overhead line mode.

[0033] The method may further provide that the climate control device controls the bypass valve in the overhead line mode.

[0034] In such bypass operation in overhead line mode when the vehicle is operated with an external power supply (on an overhead line), the air conditioning system can continue to operate with the less efficient bypass control in order to ensure the maximum possible comfort conditions with a high control quality and very low interior temperature fluctuations.

[0035] The performance of the air conditioning system can be regulated by opening the bypass valve.

[0036] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the air conditioning system, it can be provided that the climate control device is configured to block the bypass valve in the battery operating mode and the compressor can only be operated at a full-load operating point in the battery operating mode.

[0037] The method can be configured to provide that the climate control device blocks the bypass valve in battery mode, and that the compressor is only operated at full load in battery mode. Battery mode is an "eco mode" in which the bypass is blocked during periods without external power supply (i.e., in battery mode), preventing air flow. This allows the compressor to only be switched on and off without partial load steps, ensuring that the air conditioning system always operates at its most efficient operating point. Even if this slightly impairs control quality and slightly increases interior temperature fluctuations, the required level of comfort can still be maintained.

[0038] In the case of a hot gas bypass, a defined portion of the hot gas is recirculated into the suction line behind the compressor. This reduces the available cooling capacity, but the compressor power consumption remains the same.

[0039] If two compressors are provided, a first compressor and a second compressor can be switched on alternately with short breaks in battery mode. To reduce the average cooling capacity, both compressors can be switched off for a short time.

[0040] The invention will be explained below using an embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0041] It shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic representation of the air conditioning system according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows an air conditioning system 10 for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-powered one. The air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit 100, a climate control device 110, and an overhead line detection device 120.

[0043] The overhead line detection device 120 is configured to detect whether the rail vehicle is supplied with current from an overhead line.

[0044] Furthermore, the overhead line detection device 120 is configured to send at least one signal S 1 , S 2 to the climate control device 110, and wherein the climate control device 110 is configured to operate the air conditioning system 10 in different operating modes depending on the at least one signal S 1 , S 2.

[0045] The air conditioning system 10 has an overhead line operating mode and a battery operating mode and can be operated either in the overhead line operating mode or the battery operating mode. The climate control device 110 controls and regulates the air conditioning system 10 and operates it in the overhead line operating mode or the battery operating mode.

[0046] The air conditioning system 10 comprises at least one refrigeration circuit 10. The refrigeration circuit 10 can comprise one or more piping systems. According to Fig. 1, the refrigeration circuit comprises two piping systems.

[0047] The refrigeration circuit 100 comprises a compressor 106, an evaporator 108, and a condenser 109, which are connected to one another by one of the piping systems. A compressor 106, an evaporator 108, and a condenser 109 are connected to each piping system.

[0048] The at least one compressor 106 has a bypass 102 with a bypass valve 104. The bypass valve 102 is controllable by the climate control device 110, so that the performance of the air conditioning system 10 can be controlled via the climate control device 110 through the at least one bypass 102.

[0049] The climate control device 110 is configured to control the bypass valve 102 in the overhead line mode.

[0050] Furthermore, the climate control device 110 is configured to block the bypass valve 102 in the battery operating mode and the compressor 106 can only be operated at a full-load operating point in the battery operating mode.

[0051] The overhead line detection device 120 is configured to send a first signal S 1 to the climate control device 110 upon detection of energization of the rail vehicle by an overhead line and a second signal S 2 upon no detection of energization by an overhead line.

[0052] For signal transmission, the overhead line detection device 120 is operatively connected to the climate control device 110.

[0053] The climate control device 110 is configured to operate the air conditioning system 10 in the overhead line operating mode upon receipt of the first signal S 1 and to operate it in the battery operating mode upon receipt of the second signal S 2.

Claims

1. Air conditioning system (10) for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit (100), a climate control device (110) and an overhead line detection device (120), wherein the overhead line detection device (120) is configured to detect whether the rail vehicle is supplied with current from an overhead line, and the overhead line detection device (120) is configured to send at least one signal (S1, S2) to the climate control device (110), and wherein the climate control device (110) is configured to operate the air conditioning system (10) in different operating modes depending on the at least one signal (S1, S2).

2. Air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe air conditioning system (10) has an overhead line operating mode and a battery operating mode and can be operated selectively in the overhead line operating mode or the battery operating mode.

3. Air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overhead line detection device (120) is configured to send a first signal (S1) to the climate control device (110) upon detection of energization of the rail vehicle by an overhead line and a second signal (S2) upon no detection of energization by an overhead line.

4. Air conditioning system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the climate control device (110) is configured to operate the air conditioning system (10) in the overhead line operating mode upon receipt of the first signal (S1) and to operate it in the battery operating mode upon receipt of the second signal (S2).

5. Air conditioning system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigeration circuit (100) has at least one compressor (106) with a bypass (102) with a bypass valve (104), wherein the bypass valve (102) can be controlled by the climate control device (110) so that the performance of the air conditioning system (10) can be controlled by the at least one bypass (102).

6. Air conditioning system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the climate control device (110) is adapted to control the bypass valve (102) in the overhead line mode.

7. Air conditioning system (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the climate control device (110) is configured to block the bypass valve (102) in the battery operating mode and the compressor (106) can only be operated at a full-load operating point in the battery operating mode.

8. Method for operating an air conditioning system (10) for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit (100), a climate control device (110) and an overhead line detection device (120), the method comprising the following steps: - detecting whether the rail vehicle is supplied with current from an overhead line by the overhead line detection device (120), - sending a signal (S1, S2) to the climate control device (110) by the overhead line detection device (120), - operating the air conditioning system (10) in different operating modes by the climate control device (110) depending on the at least one signal (S1, S2).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by following step: - Optionally operating the air conditioning system (10) in an overhead line operating mode or in a battery operating mode.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by following step: - sending a first signal (S1) to the climate control device (110) upon detection of energization of the rail vehicle by an overhead line by the overhead line detection device (120) and / or sending a second signal (S2) to the climate control device (110) upon no detection of energization by an overhead line.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized by following step: - operating the air conditioning system (10) upon receipt of the first signal (S1) in the overhead line operating mode and / or operating the air conditioning system (10) upon receipt of the second signal (S2) in the battery operating mode.

12. Method according to claim 9, characterized in thatthe refrigeration circuit (100) has at least one bypass (102) with a bypass valve (104), wherein the bypass valve (102) is controlled by the climate control device (110) so that the performance of the air conditioning system (10) is controlled by the at least one bypass (102).

13. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the climate control device (110) controls the bypass valve (102) in the overhead line mode.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the climate control device (110) blocks the bypass valve (102) in the battery operating mode and the compressor (106) is operated only at a full load operating point in the battery operating mode.

15. A computer program product to be used in a computer of an air conditioning system (10) for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit (100), a climate control device (110) and an overhead line detection device (120), wherein the computer program product, when executed, causes the computer of the air conditioning system (10) to carry out a method for operating an air conditioning system (10) according to one of claims 8 to 14.

16. Computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded, characterized in thatthe computer program product, when executed in an air conditioning system (10) for a rail vehicle, in particular a battery-operated one, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration circuit (100), the climate control device (110) and an overhead line detection device (120), is suitable for causing the computer of the air conditioning system (10) to carry out a method for controlling an air conditioning system (10) according to one of claims 8 to 14.

17. Battery-operated rail vehicle comprising an air conditioning system according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the rail vehicle comprises at least one traction battery.