Auxiliary Engine Power System for Vehicle AC and Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive air conditioning systems in vehicles require the engine to be kept running when stationary, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and increased pollutant emissions, and they do not provide continuous power to high-consumption devices like satellite security systems when the air conditioning is off.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power system with an internal combustion engine and a current generator connected to the vehicle's battery, which automatically starts when the battery voltage is low, allowing for autonomous charging and operation of high-consumption devices, and includes an independent auxiliary cooling circuit for air conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the main vehicle engine is kept running to operate the air conditioning compressor when the vehicle is stationary, then the air conditioning system can function, but fuel consumption increases and pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power system into two independent parts: the main vehicle engine and a separate auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine specifically powers the air conditioning compressor and electrical loads, while the main engine can be turned off. This segmentation allows the AC function to be maintained without running the main engine, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary engine serves multiple functions simultaneously: it drives the air conditioning compressor and also powers high-consumption electrical devices through the current generator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to run the main engine for either purpose, further reducing fuel consumption while maintaining both cooling and electrical power functions.
2Extent of automation
If the auxiliary engine is equipped with a starter and automatic control means, then the system can automatically charge the battery and operate high-consumption devices, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitors the battery voltage and automatically activates the starter when the voltage falls below a reference value. This feedback mechanism enables automatic battery charging without manual intervention, achieving high automation while using a relatively simple voltage-threshold-based control strategy that doesn't overly complicate the system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the auxiliary power system is added to provide continuous power for high-consumption devices, then devices can operate for extended periods without a driver, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine is equipped with automatic control means that autonomously monitor battery voltage and activate the starter when needed. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically charge the battery and maintain power for high-consumption devices without requiring driver intervention, extending operational duration while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
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
Enables the operation of high-consumption devices for extended periods without a driver and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by allowing the auxiliary engine to run efficiently when needed, while maintaining air conditioning functionality without altering existing vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary internal combustion engine having a starter
Implementation Method 2
a current generator driven by said auxiliary engine and connectable to a battery of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary cooling circuit for air conditioning the interior compartment of the vehicle, and the compressor of which is driven by the auxiliary engine
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power system for a vehicle, having an auxiliary internal combustion engine with a starter is described. An auxiliary alternator driven by the auxiliary engine and connected to a battery of the vehicle and a control unit, which is connected to the battery, and activates the starter of the auxiliary engine in the event the voltage of the battery is below a reference value, may be included.