Battery-Powered Parking Cooler with Variable Compressor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Over-the-road trucks face challenges in providing environmentally friendly and efficient air conditioning for driver comfort during rest periods without idling engines, which leads to increased fuel consumption and emissions, and requires systems that can operate on battery power to maintain cooling capacity for varying vehicle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile air conditioning system utilizing a DC brushless variable speed compressor, expansion valve, evaporator, and condensers, with a controller on a printed circuit board that manages fan speeds and compressor operation based on temperature differentials to optimize battery life and cooling capacity, allowing for operation independent of the engine and accommodating different cooling needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the truck engine is idled to operate the air conditioning system, then cooling capacity is maintained, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
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 powered by truck batteries, eliminating the need to idle the engine for cooling, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining cooling capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power source parameter from mechanical (engine) to electrical (battery). This fundamental parameter change allows the air conditioning system to operate independently of engine status, enabling cooling during engine-off periods and significantly reducing fuel waste
2Loss of energy
If the truck engine is turned off to reduce emissions, then fuel consumption decreases, but air conditioning operation becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the engine-mechanically-driven AC system with an electrically-driven system. This allows the AC to operate reliably during engine-off periods, ensuring driver comfort and rest while maintaining reduced emissions and fuel consumption benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The battery-powered system provides self-service capability, allowing the AC to operate autonomously without requiring engine running. The system serves itself by drawing power from the truck's battery, ensuring continuous availability for driver comfort regardless of engine status
3Loss of energy
If a battery-powered air conditioning system is implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced, but battery power efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed compressor controlled by a microprocessor that dynamically adjusts compressor speed based on temperature differentials between the cabin and desired setpoint. This dynamic control optimizes battery power consumption by matching cooling output to actual cooling needs, extending battery life during engine-off periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and microprocessor control that continuously monitor cabin temperature and adjust compressor operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal battery power efficiency by preventing unnecessary cooling and extending the duration of AC operation on battery power
4Power
If the housing is designed to accommodate multiple condensers, then cooling capacity can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into multiple sections, each capable of accommodating a condenser unit. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where one or more condensers can be installed depending on cooling capacity requirements, enabling scalable power output without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design is made universal to accommodate different numbers and configurations of condensers. The same basic housing structure can support various cooling capacities by simply adding or removing condenser units, providing multi-functionality without requiring entirely different housing designs for different power levels
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 efficiently provides conditioned air for extended periods using battery power, reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and adapts to varying cooling demands without the need for engine idling, while maintaining driver comfort and extending battery life.
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 additional cooling mechanicals within either of two housings to accommodate variation of cooling capacity.