Vehicle Air Conditioner Damper Control for Heat Pump Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air mix damper control in vehicle air conditioner devices of heat pump systems leads to loss of heating capability and potential breakdown of the heat pump cycle, especially when the air volume ratio is decreased, and poses challenges in independently setting target outlet temperatures for driver and assistant driver seats.
Innovation Solution
The air mix damper is controlled to pass all air through the radiator in heating and dehumidifying modes, and the ratio is adjusted based on target outlet temperature, radiator temperature, and heat absorber temperature to maintain efficient heating and dehumidifying while preventing heat pump cycle breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air volume ratio through the radiator is decreased to control outlet temperature, then the target outlet temperature can be achieved, but loss of heating capability occurs and heat pump cycle may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from air volume ratio to radiator target temperature. Instead of controlling the amount of air passing through the radiator, the system directly controls the temperature the radiator should achieve, thereby maintaining heating capability while achieving the desired outlet temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual outlet temperature and adjusting the radiator target temperature accordingly. The controller compares the actual outlet temperature with the target outlet temperature and modifies the radiator target temperature to achieve precise temperature control while preventing heat pump cycle breakdown.
2Ease of operation
If the air volume ratio through the radiator is excessively decreased, then the outlet temperature control becomes easier, but the heat pump cycle breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from adjusting air volume ratio to setting radiator target temperature, which inherently prevents excessive reduction of air volume that would break the heat pump cycle. The radiator target temperature is calculated to ensure adequate air flow is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preemptively prevents heat pump cycle breakdown by establishing a minimum air volume ratio threshold. The control system is designed to maintain air volume ratio above this threshold, cushioning against conditions that would otherwise cause cycle breakdown.
3Temperature
If the air mix damper is controlled using conventional calculating equation, then outlet temperature can be adjusted, but loss of heating capability is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the control parameter from air volume ratio (SW) to radiator target temperature (TCO). This parameter change eliminates the trade-off between outlet temperature control and heating capability, as the new parameter directly controls the heating output without reducing air flow through the radiator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control method (adjusting air mix damper position based on calculated air volume ratio) with a thermal control method (controlling radiator target temperature based on heat exchange principles). This substitution eliminates the inherent losses of the mechanical approach.
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 enhances energy efficiency, maintains stable heating operations, and prevents compressor discharge pressure increase, ensuring durable and comfortable vehicle interior air conditioning across various temperature settings.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator which lets the refrigerant radiate heat to heat the air to be supplied from the air flow passage to the vehicle interior
Implementation Method 2
a heat absorber which lets the refrigerant absorb heat to cool the air to be supplied from the air flow passage to the vehicle interior
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle air conditioner device of a heat pump system, control of an air mix damper is appropriately performed in each operation mode, thereby achieving efficient vehicle interior air conditioning. The vehicle air conditioner device includes an air mix damper 28 to adjust a ratio at which air in an air flow passage 3 passed through a heat absorber 9 is to be passed through a radiator 4. In a cooling mode, a controller controls the air mix damper 28 to adjust the ratio at which the air is to be passed through the radiator 4 on the basis of one, any combination, or all of a target outlet temperature, a temperature of the radiator and a temperature of the heat absorber, and in a heating mode, the controller controls the air mix damper 28 to pass all the air in the air flow passage 3 through the radiator 4.