Battery-Powered Parking Cooler for Engine-Off Truck Cabin Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Over-the-road trucks face challenges in providing environmentally friendly and efficient air conditioning for drivers during rest periods without idling engines, as existing systems require engine operation to maintain comfortable conditions, leading to fuel wastage and emissions. Additionally, there is a need for a system that can accommodate varying cooling capacities for different vehicle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile air conditioning system powered by battery that uses a DC brushless variable speed compressor, expansion valve, evaporator, and condensers, with a controller on a printed circuit board to manage energy efficiently and adjust cooling capacity based on temperature set points and actual temperatures, allowing operation independent of engine status and accommodating various vehicle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the truck engine is operated to run the air conditioning system, then adequate environmental conditioning for drivers is provided, but fuel is wasted and emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven air conditioning system with an electric battery-powered system. The compressor is driven by an electric motor connected to the vehicle battery, eliminating the need for engine operation to provide cooling during driver rest periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is extracted from the engine-driven system and made independent by using a separate battery power source. This allows the AC system to operate without the engine running, separating the cooling function from the propulsion system.
2Temperature
If the truck engine is operated to run the air conditioning system, then suitable conditions for driver rest are provided, but engine pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven mechanical system with an electric battery-powered system, eliminating exhaust emissions and other harmful factors associated with engine operation during driver rest periods.
3Loss of energy
If battery power is used to operate the air conditioning system, then fuel wastage is reduced, but battery power efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed compressor that can adjust its operating speed based on cooling demands and battery charge state. This dynamic adjustment optimizes battery power usage, allowing the system to provide adequate cooling while conserving battery energy for extended operation during driver rest periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including compressor speed, fan speed, and refrigerant flow rate to optimize battery power efficiency. The controller monitors battery charge state and adjusts system parameters accordingly to maximize cooling efficiency while minimizing battery power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cooling capacity is increased to accommodate various vehicle sizes, then different cooling needs are met, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed compressor provides a continuous range of cooling capacities by adjusting its speed, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-capacity compressors or complex expansion valve systems. This dynamic adjustment allows a single system to accommodate different vehicle sizes and cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal air conditioning system with adjustable cooling capacity that can serve multiple vehicle types and sizes. The system incorporates sensors and controllers that adapt operating parameters to match the specific thermal load and cabin volume, providing versatile cooling without requiring multiple specialized systems.
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
The system effectively prolongs battery life by optimizing energy use, reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and provides adjustable cooling capacities to meet the needs of different vehicles, ensuring driver comfort without engine idling.
Implementation Method 1
a DC brushless variable speed compressor
Implementation Method 2
at least one condenser
Implementation Method 3
at least one condenser
Implementation Method 4
an expansion valve
Implementation Method 5
an evaporator
Implementation Method 6
an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A parking cooler which is capable of battery powered operation during engine off operation. The parking cooler or air conditioning system may vary in cooling capacities to maximize cooling or maximize battery life. The parking cooler includes one or more condensers and a housing to accommodate such variation of cooling capacity.