Auxiliary Cab Cooling Compressor on a Shared Refrigeration Loop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle cab air conditioning systems require a separate refrigeration loop when the vehicle engine is not running, leading to duplication of components and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary compressor system driven by a service engine, connected to the vehicle's air conditioning refrigeration loop, which includes a controller to manage power allocation and activate the auxiliary compressor when the vehicle engine is off, eliminating the need for a separate refrigeration loop and allowing the service engine to drive various loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a separate refrigeration loop is used when the vehicle engine is not running, then cab cooling is maintained, but component duplication and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecab coolingVSAvoidrefrigeration loop complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auxiliary refrigeration system with the vehicle's existing refrigeration loop by connecting the auxiliary compressor to the shared refrigerant circuit. This allows the auxiliary compressor to inject refrigerant into the existing loop, providing cab cooling without requiring a completely separate refrigeration system, thereby reducing component duplication while maintaining cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If the auxiliary compressor is always running, then cab cooling is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecab coolingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls the auxiliary compressor operation based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors whether the vehicle engine is running and adjusts the auxiliary compressor operation accordingly - operating it when the engine is off to provide cooling, and coordinating with the engine-driven compressor when the engine is running. This dynamic operation reduces unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring cooling is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback about the vehicle engine state and refrigeration system conditions to intelligently control the auxiliary compressor. By monitoring engine operation status and coordinating with the engine-driven compressor, the system optimizes energy usage by avoiding redundant compression operation when the engine is already running the primary compressor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the service engine drives multiple auxiliary devices, then power versatility increases, but power allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower allocationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service engine is designed as a multi-functional power source capable of driving various auxiliary devices including the auxiliary compressor, generator, and other equipment. The controller manages power allocation across these different loads, enabling the single service engine to perform multiple functions and providing versatile power options without requiring separate dedicated engines for each auxiliary device.

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 solution provides efficient cab cooling without relying on the vehicle engine, reduces component duplication, and allows the service engine to power other loads, optimizing energy use and system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary compressor selectively driven by an auxiliary engine; one or more conduits connected to the auxiliary compressor, the auxiliary compressor to selectively pump fluid through a coolant loop of a cooling system integrated within a vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor compression refrigeration:

Data Source

PatentUS20240399874A1Auxiliary power unit air conditioning for truck cab cooling

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Systems are disclosed for providing a work vehicle with a second air conditioning compressor driven by a small engine mounted on the work vehicle. The second compressor shares a refrigeration loop with the primary air conditioning compressor of the work vehicle. The small engine may be configured to drive various loads, and accordingly may include control circuitry to manage the power provided to the various loads, including the second compressor.