An ionic thrust device and a HVAC system including thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an ionic thrust device (10) for a HVAC system (100) of a vehicle (50). The HVAC system (100) includes an evaporator (11), a compressor (14), a condenser (15), a receiver (13), and an expansion valve (12). The HVAC system (100) is connectable to a vehicle cabin to exchange thermal energy with the vehicle cabin and provide conditioned air. The HVAC system (100) further includes an ionic thrust device (10). The ionic thrust device (10) is configured to generate an air flow towards the evaporator (11). The ionic thrust device (10) further includes a housing (4), a spacer (3) connectable to the housing (4), and an anode (1) and a cathode (6). The HVAC system (100) further includes a control unit (17) to regulate air flow generated by the ionic thrust device (10) based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

Description

[0001] AN IONIC THRUST DEVICE AND A HVAC SYSTEM INCLUDING THEREOF

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning (HVAC) systems. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an HVAC systems employed in automobiles. Further,

[0004] 5 embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an ionic thrust device configured to generate air flow in the HVAC systems of a vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] A vehicle HVAC system is configured to regulate temperature, humidity, air flow, and air quality inside a vehicle’s cabin. The HVAC systems generally include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, a heater, a blower motor and a control unit. The control unit may be operably interfaced with a control panel, for user to input instructions for operation of the HVAC system. The compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the HVAC system. The condenser cools and liquifies high temperature refrigerant. The evaporator and the heater cool

[0007] 15 or heat the vehicle cabin based on an occupant’ s requirement. The expansion valve controls flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. The blower motor positioned adjacent to the evaporator and the heater circulates air inside the vehicle cabin. The control panel allows to adjust settings. The HVAC system provides cooling in hot weather, heating during cold weather, and ventilation to ensure fresh air circulation,

[0008] 20 based on user requirements and preferences.

[0009] The blower motor of the HVAC system is generally positioned in proximity to the evaporator and the heater for conditioning and discharging air over the evaporator and the heater. The blower motor generally includes an electric motor, a blower fan, a speed control module, a housing, a bearing, and a filter. The blower fan is attached

[0010] 25 to the electric motor. The electric motor drives the blower fan to circulate air in the HVAC system. The bearings coupled to the blower fan ensures smooth rotation of the blower fan. Due to a presence of moving components in the blower motor, such configuration of the HVAC system has several drawbacks such as, but not limited to, energy losses, noise, leakages which are susceptible to vibration of such moving components. For instance, the blower motor is susceptible to wear and tear over time, while continuous operation of the blower fan may lead to blades of such fan becoming unbalanced, which leads to reduced air flow or reduced performance or complete failure. The blower motor includes one or more moving parts. The moving components of the blower motor may produce vibrations and noise. In addition, a malfunctioning blower motor causes damage to other parts of the HVAC system. Also, replacement of the blower motor is expensive, and the blower motor may require regular maintenance due to inclusion of such moving parts.

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

[0012] The drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages / limitations the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an ionic thrust device of a HVAC system as described and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the present disclosure.

[0015] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a HVAC system of a vehicle is disclosed. The HVAC system includes an evaporator fluidly connectable to a vehicle cabin. The evaporator is configured to exchange heat with the vehicle cabin. The HVAC system further includes a compressor fluidly connected to the evaporator. The compressor is configured to receive refrigerant from the evaporator. The HVAC system further includes an ionic thrust device positioned adjacent to the evaporator. The ionic thrust device is configured to generate an air flow towards the evaporator. The ionic thrust device further includes a housing, a spacer connectable to the housing, and an anode and a cathode. Each of the anode and the cathode is connectable to the spacer. The anode is positioned away from the cathode. The HVAC system further includes a control unit communicatively coupled with the evaporator, the compressor, and the ionic thrust device. The control unit is configured to regulate airflow generated by the ionic thrust device based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

[0016] In an embodiment, the housing is configured to accommodate a power module. The power module is configured to supply electrical energy to the ionic thrust device. The control unit is configured to regulate electrical energy supplied to the ionic thrust device, based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

[0017] In an embodiment, the ionic thrust device includes at least one positioner plate connectable to the spacer. The at least one of the anode or the cathode is configured to be mounted upon the at least one positioner plate to position at least one of the anodes or the cathodes in a predefined alignment relative to the spacer.

[0018] In an embodiment, the system includes a first positioner plate connectable to a first face of the spacer. The first positioner plate is defined with grooves for receiving at least a portion of the anode. The system further includes a second positioner plate connectable to a second face of the spacer. The second positioner plate is defined with grooves for receiving at least a portion of the cathode.

[0019] In an embodiment, the system includes a third positioner plate disposed on the second positioner plate. The third positioner plate is defined with grooves to receive at least a portion of the cathode. The portion of the cathode is sandwiched between the second positioner plate and the third positioner plate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine voltage to be applied to each of the cathode and the anode. The control unit is configured to regulate at least one of ion velocity and thrust generated by the ionic thrust device, corresponding to the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin.

[0021] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to regulate air flow rate generated by the ionic thrush device, based on the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin.

[0022] In an embodiment, the HVAC system further includes a condenser. The condenser is positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the compressor. The condenser is configured to reject heat to an ambient. The HVAC system further includes a receiver positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the condenser. The receiver is configured to store excess liquid refrigerant from the condenser. The HVAC system further includes an expansion valve positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the receiver. The expansion valve configured to regulate pressure and flow of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle integrated with a HVAC system is disclosed. The vehicle includes a power unit. The vehicle further includes the HVAC system operably connected to the power unit. The HVAC system includes an evaporator fluidly connectable to a vehicle cabin. The evaporator is configured to exchange heat with the vehicle cabin. The HVAC system further includes a compressor fluidly connected to the evaporator. The compressor is configured to receive refrigerant from the evaporator. The HVAC system further includes an ionic thrust device positioned adjacent to the evaporator. The ionic thrust device is configured to generate an air flow towards the evaporator. The ionic thrust device includes a housing, a spacer connectable to the housing, and an anode and a cathode. Each of the anode and the cathode is connectable to the spacer. The anode is positioned away from the cathode. The vehicle further includes a control unit communicatively coupled with the evaporator, the compressor, and the ionic thrust device. The control unit is configured to regulate airflow generated by the ionic thrust device based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

[0024] In an embodiment, the HVAC system includes at least one positioner plate connectable to the spacer. The at least one of the anode or the cathode is configured to be mounted upon the at least one positioner plate to position at least one of the anode or the cathode in a predefined alignment relative to the spacer.

[0025] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0028] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a HVAC system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2a illustrates an exploded view of the HVAC system assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2b illustrate an isometric view of the HVAC system assembly including the ionic thrust device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3a illustrates a rear view of an ionic thrust device depicting one or more anodes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b illustrates a front view of the ionic thrust device depicting one or more cathodes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3c illustrates an isometric view of the ionic thrust device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the ionic thrust device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5a and 5b illustrate an assembly of the ionic thrust device inside a casing of the HVAC system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the method, system, device and apparatus illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0039] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in an ionic thrust device for a HVAC system of a vehicle. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the ionic thrust device of the HVAC system. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[0040] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

[0041] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0042] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0043] The present invention relates to a HVAC system for use in commercial, passenger vehicles, heavy motor vehicles, light motor vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, buses, vans, and other similar transportation vehicles. The vehicle is powered by a ‘power unit’, such as, but not limited to, at least one of an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric power, hybrid power, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, compressed natural gas, biofuels, solar power, and alike.

[0044] Figures 1, 2a and 2b illustrate a HVAC system (100) of a vehicle (50).The HVAC system (100) include a compressor (14), a condenser (15), a fan (16), a receiver (13), an expansion valve (12), an ionic thrust device (10), a heater (23), a control unit (17), a distribution duct (18), a foam packing (20), a recirculation duct (21), an evaporator (11), a casing (22), air filters and vents [not shown in Figures]. The functions of the mentioned components are described in the following paragraphs. The HVAC system (100) is designed to provide thermal comfort, enhanced and optimized energy efficiency based on the requirements of the occupants and an environment inside a vehicle cabin.

[0045] The HVAC process begins with an air drawn into the HVAC system (100). The air may be drawn from either outside the vehicle (fresh air) or from within the vehicle cabin (recirculated air). A fresh air inlet allows outside air to enter, which is required for ventilation and to maintain the air quality inside the vehicle cabin. The fresh air enters the HVAC system (100) through an air intake vents [not shown in Figures]. A recirculated air from the vehicle cabin is also utilized for conditioning the air. The requirement of the fresh air or the recirculated air depends on the vehicle cabin requirements and controlled by the control unit (17). The recirculated air help to maintain the temperature in the vehicle cabin more efficiently as the HVAC system (100) does not need to cool or heat air from outside the vehicle. The incoming air passes through an air filter to remove dust and microscopic contaminants. After filtration of the air, the ionic thrust device (10) circulates the air over the evaporator (11) or the heater (23).

[0046] The ionic thrust device (10) is positioned near the evaporator (11) or the heater (23). The ionic thrust device (10) is adapted to discharge the air over the evaporator (11) or the heater (23) depending on the requirement of the vehicle cabin. The evaporator (11) is placed within a vehicle’s dashboard. The function of the evaporator (11) is to cool and dehumidify air before it enters the vehicle cabin. When low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator (11), the evaporator (11) absorbs heat from the air present inside the vehicle cabin, causing the liquid refrigerator to vaporize. The cooled and dehumidified air is directed into the vehicle cabin through the distribution ducts (18). The ionic thrust device (10) facilitates air flow across the evaporator (11) or the heater (23), directing conditioned air into the vehicle cabin. The HVAC system (100) includes the compressor (14). The compressor (14) compresses low-pressure and low-temperature liquid refrigerant received from the evaporator (11) and upgrades the refrigerant to high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in vapor state. The compressor (14) is configured to receive power from a vehicle engine or electrically powered, in a hybrid / electric vehicle. The high- temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in vapor state flows through the condenser (15). The high-temperature refrigerant in vapor state releases heat to an ambient and the refrigerant condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The condenser (15) is coupled with the fan (16) as illustrated in Figure 1. The fan (16) ensures rapid cooling of the refrigerant.

[0047] The HVAC system (100) further includes the receiver (13). The receiver (13) is utilized for refrigerant storage. The receiver (13) includes a desiccant to absorb moisture from the refrigerant. The utilization of desiccant prevents ice formation and corrosion of a HVAC components. In addition, the receiver (13) is a storage reservoir for the refrigerant coming from the condenser (15). The receiver (13) separates vapor refrigerant from liquid refrigerant and the receiver (13) ensures only liquid refrigerant enters the expansion valve (12). The HVAC system (100) further includes the expansion valve (12). The expansion valve (12) regulates refrigerant flow to the evaporator (11). The expansion valve (12) reduces the high pressure of the refrigerant coming from the condenser (15) to low-pressure and low- temperature refrigerant. The ionic thrust device (10) operates in conjunction with the control unit (17). The ionic thrust device (10) distributes air to specific areas including dashboard vents, and floor vents. The HVAC system (100) further includes the air ducts and vents. The air ducts and vents act as a pathway for conditioned air to different areas of the vehicle cabin. The vents are configured to be adjustable to allow occupants to direct air flow to specific regions of the vehicle cabin.

[0048] The HVAC system further includes the recirculation duct (21). The conditioned air flows through the distribution ducts (18) and vents [not shown in Figures] to distribute the air to different regions of the vehicle cabin. The recirculation air is efficient for quickly cooling or heating, as the air inside is already partially conditioned. The HVAC system (100) includes exhaust vent to prevent the pressure build up inside the vehicle cabin. The HVAC system further includes a conduit (26). The conduit (26) is employed to transport refrigerants to different components. The HVAC system (100) further includes the control unit (17). The control unit (17) is configured to regulate the vehicle cabin temperature, air flow rate of the ionic thrust device, humidity based on the occupant’s requirement. The HVAC system (100) includes the foam packing (20). The foam packing (20) seal gaps and joints within the HVAC housing and ducts. This prevents air leakage. It also reduces noise and vibrations produced by the compressors (14) and acts a cushion between the mounting and components. It also provides thermal insulation around the evaporator (11) and the heater (23). The HVAC system (100) includes the casing (22). The casing (22) encloses the evaporator (11), the heater (23), the ionic thrust device (10), air filter, and the expansion valve (12). The compressor (14) is mounted on the engine block and may be driven by a belt drive connected to the vehicle engine. The compressor (14) can be driven by another alternative power sources including electric motors, batteries and alike. The condenser (15) is positioned at the front of the vehicle and integrated with the fan (16). The condenser (15) receives high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant from the compressor (14) and reject heat to the ambient by converting high-temperature refrigerant in vapor state to low- temperature refrigerant in liquid state.

[0049] Figure 3a, 3b, 3c and Figure 4 illustrate the ionic thrust device (10). The ionic thrust device (10) is a replacement for traditional blower motor used in the vehicles (50). Figure 4 is an exploded view of the ionic thrust device (10). The ionic thrust device (10) includes a housing (4), a spacer (3) connectable to the housing (4), and an anode (1) and a cathode (6). Each of the anode (1) and the cathode (6) is connectable to the spacer (3). The anode (1) is positioned away from the cathode (6). The anode (1) and the cathode (6) are fabricated from thin wires. The housing (4) is configured to accommodate a power module. The power module is configured to supply electrical energy to the ionic thrust device (10). The ionic thrust device (10) includes at least one positioner plate (2, 5, 7) connectable to the spacer (3). The at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) is configured to be mounted upon the at least one positioner plate (2, 5, 7) to position at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) in a predefined alignment relative to the spacer (3). A first positioner plate (2) is connectable to a first face of the spacer (3a). The first positioner plate (2) is defined with grooves for receiving at least a portion of the anode (1). A second positioner plate (5) is connectable to a second face of the spacer (3b). The second positioner plate (5) is defined with a grooves (5a) for receiving at least a portion of the cathode (6). A third positioner plate (7) is disposed on the second positioner plate (5). The third positioner plate (7) is defined with grooves to receive at least a portion of the cathode (6). The portion of the cathode (6) is sandwiched between the second positioner plate (5) and the third positioner plate (7).

[0050] The control unit (17) is configured to determine voltage to be applied to each of the cathode (6) and the anode (1). The control unit (17) is configured to regulate electrical energy supplied to the ionic thrust device (10), based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin. The control unit (17) is configured to regulate at least one of ion velocity and thrust generated by the ionic thrust device (10), corresponding to the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin. The control unit (17) is configured to regulate air flow rate generated by the ionic thrust device (10), based on the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin.

[0051] The ionic thrust device (10) operates on the principle of electrohydrodynamics (EDH). The process involves utilizing high voltage electric field to ionize air molecules, creating charged ions. The process begins with the ionization of air molecules. The ionization of air begins with a high voltage power supply provided by the power module enclosed inside the housing (4) and connected to the anode (1) and the cathode (6). The anode (1) is positively charged electrode, and the cathode (6) is negatively charged electrode. The anode (1) and the cathode (6) are fabricated from the thin metal wires. The anode (1) and the cathode (6) are positioned and mounted in the positioner plates (2, 5, 7) and are distanced from each other with the usage of the spacer (3).

[0052] The power module provides high voltage to the anode (1) and the cathode (6). The high voltage creates a strong electric field around the anode (1) and the cathode (6). The strong electric field causes the air molecule near to the anode (1) to get ionized by either losing or gaining electrons. The ionizations of air molecules near the anode (1) region creates cloud of positively charged ions of the air molecules. Due to the positively charged ions of the air molecules near the anode (1) region, the electric field between the anode (1) and the cathode (6) attracts the positively charged ions of the air molecules towards the negatively charged cathode (6) region. As the positively charged ions of the air molecules accelerate towards the cathode (6) region, the positively charged ions of the air molecules collide with the neutral air molecules.

[0053] During the collision of the positively charged ions of the air molecules and the neutral air molecules, the positively charged ions of the air molecules impart the momentum and the kinetic energy to the neutral molecules. The transfer of the momentum and the kinetic energy from the positively charged ions of the air molecules to the neutral air molecules causes the neutral air molecules to be pushed in the direction of air flow. The continuous collision and transfer of the momentum and the kinetic energy from the positively charged ions of the air molecules to the neutral air molecules create a steady stream of air flow. The strength of the electric field and the amount of the ionization of the air molecules can be controlled based on the thrust requirement by the variation in the voltage by the control unit (17) between the anode (1) and the cathode (6).

[0054] In an embodiment, the one or more anodes (1) or the one or more cathodes (6) is made from the circular pipe, having a diameter of 0.1 metre. The ionic thrust device (10) operates at a voltage of 3.7 volt, with current ranging from 2 Ampere to 5 Ampere. Based on the said parameters, the ionic thrust device (10) produces the air flow rate of 64.1502 m3 / hr. The ionic thrust device (10) consumes a power of 7.4 Watt at 3.7 volt and current of 2 Ampere, while the ionic thrust device (10) consumes a power of 18.5 Watt at 3.7 volt and current of 5 Ampere.

[0055] Figure 5a, and 5b illustrate an assembly of the ionic thrust device (10) in the HVAC system (100). The ionic thrust device (10) is positioned where the traditional blower was positioned, near the evaporator (11). The positioning of the ionic thrust device (10) is perfectly aligned to direct air flow efficiently over the evaporator (11) and the heater (23). The casing of the ionic thrust device (22a) is sealed to prevent air leakage. The ionic thrust device (10) generates air flow without moving components, resulting in silent operation and the silent operation of the ionic thrust device (10) enhances the vehicle cabin comfort for the occupants. The ionic thrust device (10) consumes less power compared to the traditional blower motors as the ionic thrust device (10) operates without moving components to generate air flow. The ionic thrust device (10) is smaller and lighter than traditional blower motors. The ionic thrust device (10) makes the HVAC system (100) compact and lightweight. The ionic thrust device (10) results in reduced wear and tear and requires less maintenance. Therefore, the ionic thrust device (10) increases the longevity of the HVAC system (100).

[0056] The ionic thrust device (10) has no moving components, therefore the ionic thrust device (10) produces no noise and vibrations. In addition, with the absence of mechanical components, the ionic thrust device (10) reduces wear and tear. The reduction of the wear and tear results in lower maintenance costs and further increases the longevity of the ionic thrust device (10) compared to the traditional blower motor. The ionic thrust device (10) is compact and require less space for the assembly in the casing (22) of the HVAC system (100) as illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b.

[0057] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

[0058] EQUIVALENTS

[0059] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0060] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the. recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0061] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. Reference Numerals:

Claims

Claims:

1. A HVAC system (100) of a vehicle (50), the HVAC system (100) comprising: an evaporator (11) fluidly connectable to a vehicle cabin and configured to exchange heat with the vehicle cabin; a compressor (14) fluidly connected to the evaporator (11), the compressor (14) configured to receive refrigerant from the evaporator (11); an ionic thrust device (10) positioned adjacent to the evaporator (11) and configured to generate an air flow towards the evaporator (11), the ionic thrust device (10) comprising: a housing (4); a spacer (3) connectable to the housing (4); and an anode (1) and a cathode (6), each of the anode (1) and the cathode (6) being connectable to the spacer (3), wherein the anode (1) being positioned away from the cathode (6); and a control unit (17) communicatively coupled with the evaporator (11), the compressor (14), and the ionic thrust device (10), wherein the control unit (17) configured to regulate air flow generated by the ionic thrust device (10) based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (4) being configured to accommodate a power module configured to supply electrical energy to the ionic thrust device (10), and wherein the control unit (17) being configured to regulate electrical energy supplied to the ionic thrust device (10), based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one positioner plate connectable to the spacer (3), wherein at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) being configured to be mounted upon the at least onepositioner plate to position at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) in a predefined alignment relative to the spacer (3).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3 comprises: a first positioner plate (2) connectable to a first face of the spacer (3a), wherein the first positioner plate (2) being defined with grooves for receiving at least a portion of the anode (1); and a second positioner plate (5) connectable to a second face of the spacer (3b), wherein the second positioner plate (5) being defined with a grooves (5a) for receiving at least a portion of the cathode (6).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a third positioner plate (7) disposed on the second positioner plate (5), wherein the third positioner plate (7) being defined with grooves to receive at least a portion of the cathode (6), and wherein the portion of the cathode (6) is sandwiched between the second positioner plate (5) and the third positioner plate (7).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (17) being configured to determine voltage to be applied to each of the cathode (6) and the anode (1), to regulate at least one of ion velocity and thrust generated by the ionic thrust device (10), corresponding to the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (17) being configured to regulate air flow rate generated by the ionic thrust device (10), based on the HVAC requirement of the vehicle cabin.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a condenser (15) positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the compressor (14), the condenser (15) configured to reject heat to an ambient;a receiver (13) positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the condenser (15), the receiver (13) configured to store excess liquid refrigerant from the condenser (15); and an expansion valve (12) positioned downstream and fluidly connected to the receiver (13), the expansion valve (12) configured to regulate pressure and flow of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator (H).

9. A vehicle (50), comprising: a power unit (51); a HVAC system (100) operably connected to the power unit (51), the HVAC system (100) comprising: an evaporator (11) fluidly connectable to a vehicle cabin and configured to exchange heat with the vehicle cabin; a compressor (14) fluidly connected to the evaporator (11), the compressor (14) configured to receive refrigerant from the evaporator (11); an ionic thrust device (10) positioned adjacent to the evaporator (11) and configured to generate an air flow towards the evaporator (11), the ionic thrust device (10) comprising: a housing (4); a spacer (3) connectable to the housing (4); and an anode (1) and a cathode (6), each of the anode (1) and the cathode (6) being connectable to the spacer (3), wherein the anode (1) being positioned away from the cathode (6); and a control unit (17) communicatively coupled with the evaporator (11), the compressor (14), and the ionic thrust device (10), wherein the control unit (17) configured to regulate air flow generated by the ionic thrust device (10) based on HVAC requirements of the vehicle cabin.

10. The vehicle (50) as claimed in claim 9 comprises at least one positioner plate connectable to the spacer (3), wherein at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) being configured to be mounted upon the at least one positioner plate to position at least one of the anode (1) or the cathode (6) in a predefined alignment relative to the spacer (3).

Images