Battery power management systems and methods for engine off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle air conditioning systems require the engine to be running to provide cooling, leading to inefficient use of the engine and excessive refrigerant compressor operation, especially when the vehicle is parked and the driver is sleeping.
Innovation Solution
An electric compressor powered by a battery pack, controlled by a module that adjusts speed based on cabin temperature and blower speed, allowing the engine to be shut down while maintaining cabin cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is kept running to provide cooling while the vehicle is parked, then the cabin cooling function is maintained, but the engine operates inefficiently and consumes excessive energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven compressor system with an electric compressor powered by the battery pack. This substitution allows the cabin cooling system to operate independently of the engine, enabling the engine to be shut off during parked conditions while maintaining cooling functionality through the electric compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the electric compressor based on cabin temperature conditions. The control module activates the electric compressor when the vehicle is parked and the cabin temperature exceeds a threshold, and deactivates it when the temperature is within the acceptable range, optimizing energy consumption dynamically.
2Temperature
If the engine-driven compressor operates continuously, then cooling is provided, but the battery is drained excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The control module dynamically manages the electric compressor operation based on real-time monitoring of cabin temperature and battery state of charge. When the battery charge level falls below a threshold, the system deactivates the electric compressor to preserve battery energy, preventing excessive battery drainage while maintaining cooling when battery levels are sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control by continuously monitoring battery charge levels and adjusting electric compressor operation accordingly. The control module receives battery state information and uses this feedback to determine whether to activate or deactivate the electric compressor, optimizing the balance between cooling provision and battery energy conservation.
3Productivity
If the electric compressor speed is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling performance is enhanced, but the battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control of the electric compressor based on the magnitude of temperature difference between the cabin and the threshold. When the temperature difference is large, the electric compressor operates at higher speed to provide rapid cooling. When the temperature difference is small, the compressor operates at lower speed to conserve battery power, achieving adaptive optimization of the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption.
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 enables efficient cabin cooling without the engine running, reducing energy consumption and prolonging battery life, while maintaining comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser is configured to receive refrigerant output by the electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser
Implementation Method 2
A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a condenser configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser. A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator. A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle. A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator. A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle.