Auxiliary Battery A/C for Police Vehicle Idle Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Police patrol cars in warmer climates face inefficiencies due to prolonged idling of internal combustion engines to power electrical and air conditioning loads, leading to fuel waste and reduced engine life, as they are not designed to handle the moderate loads efficiently when stationary.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a bank of auxiliary batteries and an electrically-powered auxiliary air conditioning compressor, connected to the existing air conditioning system, allows for cooling and powering of electrical loads without the engine, with a split charging system to ensure the main battery remains charged for starting, and an integrated control system to manage battery charging and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the internal combustion engine is kept running at idle to power electrical loads and air conditioning, then the vehicle can operate electrical systems and maintain cabin temperature, but fuel is wasted and engine life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin temperatureVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system (internal combustion engine) with an electrical system (auxiliary batteries and electric compressor) to drive the air conditioning compressor and power electrical loads during stationary periods, eliminating fuel consumption while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power source into two distinct systems: the internal combustion engine for vehicle propulsion and auxiliary batteries for stationary electrical loads and air conditioning, allowing each system to operate independently and efficiently in its optimal domain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the internal combustion engine is kept running at idle to power electrical loads and air conditioning, then the vehicle can operate electrical systems and maintain cabin temperature, but exhaust emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical system operationVSAvoidexhaust emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system (internal combustion engine) with an electrical system (auxiliary batteries and electric compressor) to drive the air conditioning compressor and power electrical loads during stationary periods, eliminating fuel consumption while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If the internal combustion engine is kept running at idle to power electrical loads and air conditioning, then the vehicle can operate electrical systems and maintain cabin temperature, but engine life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin temperatureVSAvoidengine life

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power source into two distinct systems: the internal combustion engine for vehicle propulsion and auxiliary batteries for stationary electrical loads and air conditioning, allowing each system to operate independently and efficiently in its optimal domain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system (internal combustion engine) with an electrical system (auxiliary batteries and electric compressor) to drive the air conditioning compressor and power electrical loads during stationary periods, eliminating fuel consumption while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If a bank of auxiliary batteries is used to power electrical loads and air conditioning without the engine, then fuel consumption is reduced and emissions are lowered, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary battery system serves multiple functions: powering electrical loads during stationary periods, driving the electric air conditioning compressor, and providing backup power for vehicle operations, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functional utility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system significantly reduces idle time, saving fuel and reducing emissions by allowing police vehicles to operate for extended periods without the engine, maintaining efficient battery charging and ensuring the vehicle can be restarted, while maintaining cabin temperature.

Implementation Method 1

A bank of auxiliary batteries is provided. When the vehicle's internal combustion engine is switched off, the auxiliary batteries are selectively used to power the auxiliary air-conditioning compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

An electrically-powered auxiliary air conditioning compressor is also provided. The auxiliary air compressor is connected to the discharge and suction lines of an existing air conditioning system so that it can propel refrigerant through an existing refrigerant circulation loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9010140B2Vehicle idle time reduction system and method

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 CITY OF TALLAHASSEE

AI summary

A system for reducing idle time in service vehicles such as police patrol cars. A bank of auxiliary batteries is provided. An electrically-powered auxiliary air conditioning compressor is also provided. The auxiliary air compressor is connected to the discharge and suction lines of an existing an conditioning system so that it can propel refrigerant through an existing refrigerant circulation loop. When the vehicle's internal combustion engine is switched off, the auxiliary batteries are selectively used to power the auxiliary air-conditioning compressor in order to provide cooling for the vehicle's cabin. The auxiliary batteries are also used to provide electricity to the vehicle's other electrical loads—such as emergency lights.