Auxiliary Power Unit Integrating Vehicle Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of auxiliary power units that integrate with the existing air conditioner and heater systems of smaller vehicles, such as class 5 trucks and specialty vehicles, leading to engine wear due to prolonged idling.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power unit that utilizes a vehicle's existing cooling and electrical systems, incorporating an auxiliary engine, heater fittings, an auxiliary compressor, and control systems to divert radiator fluid and AC fluid flow, allowing the system to operate independently of the vehicle's main engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate auxiliary power unit with dedicated heating and air conditioning components is installed in smaller vehicles, then heating and cooling functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary power unit with the vehicle's existing air conditioning and heating systems by integrating the auxiliary engine's output shaft directly with the vehicle's compressor, allowing a single system to provide both auxiliary power and climate control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power unit is designed to perform multiple functions: generating electrical power through the alternator, providing mechanical power to the compressor for air conditioning, and utilizing the exhaust heat for heating through the heat exchanger, replacing the need for separate dedicated systems
2Reliability
If the vehicle engine is left running to maintain heating and cooling systems, then continuous climate control is achieved, but engine wear increases due to prolonged idling
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power unit enables the vehicle's climate control systems to serve themselves independently of the main engine by using the auxiliary engine to drive the compressor and generate electrical power for the heating and cooling systems, allowing the main engine to be turned off
3Reliability
If a second set of air conditioning components is purchased and installed for the auxiliary power unit, then independent cooling capability is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing air conditioning components are designed to be driven by either the vehicle engine or the auxiliary engine, allowing a single set of components to serve dual purposes and eliminating the need for a second dedicated cooling system
4Ease of manufacture
If the auxiliary power unit uses the vehicle's existing air conditioning components, then installation cost is reduced, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine is mechanically integrated with the vehicle's compressor through direct coupling of output shafts, and the exhaust system is integrated with the heating system through heat exchangers, creating a unified system that reduces overall complexity despite the multi-functional requirements
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 continuous heating and cooling of the vehicle even when the engine is off, extending the operational life of the vehicle by using existing components without the need for additional installations.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary compressor powered by the auxiliary engine, the auxiliary compressor having AC inlet for receiving the AC fluid, and an AC outlet
Implementation Method 2
first and second heater fittings adapted to be operably integrated into the heating system of the vehicle for diverting flow of the radiator fluid to the auxiliary engine
Implementation Method 3
An AC valve is adapted to be operably installed between the vehicle compressor and the condenser for enabling flow of the AC fluid from either the vehicle compressor or the AC outlet of the auxiliary compressor of the auxiliary power unit
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power unit has an auxiliary engine, an auxiliary compressor, and a generator, and includes fittings for integrating with a vehicle's heating and cooling systems. The fittings may include first and second heater fittings adapted to be operably integrated into the heating system of the vehicle for diverting flow of the radiator fluid to the auxiliary engine. The auxiliary power unit also includes an AC fitting adapted to be operably installed between the evaporator and the vehicle compressor for enabling flow of AC fluid from the evaporator to the auxiliary compressor, and an AC valve adapted to be operably installed between the vehicle compressor and the condenser for enabling flow of the AC fluid from either the vehicle compressor or the auxiliary compressor.