AC Compressor Water Collection via Braking Kinetic Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for refilling water storage tanks in water injection systems of internal combustion engines, such as collecting condensate from air conditioning systems, may be insufficient to meet demand and can decrease fuel economy benefits.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the AC compressor load and friction brake effort during braking events to collect and store water from the air conditioning system, ensuring the water storage tank is replenished automatically without manual filling and without additional fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is collected from the AC system during normal operation, then the water storage reservoir is replenished, but the fuel economy benefit of water injection is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects water from the AC system in advance during braking events when kinetic energy is available, before water injection is needed. This preliminary water collection ensures water availability without compromising fuel economy during actual water injection operations, as the AC compressor is only operated during braking when regenerative energy is being utilized
2Quantity of substance
If the AC compressor is run independently to collect water, then the water storage reservoir is replenished, but the fuel economy is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the otherwise wasted kinetic energy during braking events into useful water collection by operating the AC compressor. During braking, regenerative braking cannot capture all kinetic energy, and this patent utilizes the available energy to drive the AC compressor and collect water, transforming a energy loss opportunity into a beneficial water supply mechanism without additional fuel consumption
3Productivity
If the AC compressor load is increased to collect more water, then the water collection rate increases, but the braking performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial AC compressor loading during braking events, increasing the compressor load above normal operating levels but only to the extent needed to collect sufficient water. The control system carefully modulates the compressor load to achieve adequate water collection while maintaining enough braking capability, applying excessive action only when and where needed without compromising overall system reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures a consistent water supply for the water injection system, improving fuel economy by using kinetic energy during braking events to power the AC compressor and maintaining desired braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
collecting water (or condensate) from other vehicle systems on-board the vehicle, such as collecting water from an air conditioning (AC) system
Implementation Method 2
When water is injected into the engine intake air, heat is transferred from the intake air and/or engine components to the water. This heat transfer leads to evaporation, which results in cooling.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an amount of friction brake effort and an air conditioning compressor load to collect water for water injection into an engine. In one example, a method may include adjusting the AC compressor load of a mechanical air conditioning system and an amount of friction brake effort based on a water level in a water storage tank of the water injection system. Further, the method may include adjusting a ratio of the AC compressor load to friction brake effort to deliver a driver demanded brake effort.