Boat A/C Power Unit Using Mechanical Compressor Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of air conditioning systems on small and medium-sized cabin cruiser boats and yachts is hindered by the high cost, weight, and increased dimensions of generator sets required for alternating current power, making it impractical due to the absence of a generator set capable of supplying necessary power for electric compressors.

Innovation Solution

A power unit that integrates an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion to drive a mechanically operated compressor and pump, eliminating the need for an electrical generator and using the same fuel as the boat's propulsion engine, with an alternator for charging batteries and providing electrical power when in port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an air conditioning system with an electrically operated compressor is installed on a boat, then the cooling function is provided, but the weight, cost, and dimensions increase due to the requirement of a generator set for alternating current power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionVSAvoidweight of generator set

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical compressor system with a mechanical compressor directly driven by the internal combustion engine through a belt drive mechanism. This eliminates the need for an electrical compressor, alternator, and generator set, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing cooling function and reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion power and simultaneously drives the mechanical compressor for air conditioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate generator sets, reducing overall system weight while maintaining both propulsion and cooling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a generator set is installed to provide alternating current power for the compressor, then the air conditioning system can operate, but the cost and dimensions of the system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of compressorVSAvoiddimensions of generator set

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical drive system with a direct mechanical drive system where the internal combustion engine connects to the compressor through a belt drive. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical infrastructure including generator sets, alternators, and electrical wiring, thereby reducing system dimensions and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If an electrical compressor is used in the air conditioning system, then the system can be controlled electrically, but the overall cost of the system increases due to the requirement of a generator set

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical control of compressorVSAvoidcost of generator set

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical compressor with a mechanical compressor driven directly by the engine. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive generator sets and alternators, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational control through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces weight and cost, improves efficiency by eliminating energy transformation steps, and allows for independent air conditioning operation during navigation and in port, with reduced noise and emissions when using shore power.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary power unit driven by an internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

using a mechanically operated compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

at least one compressor connected to a circuit of the on board conditioning unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS8881544B2Auxiliary power unit for on board conditioning systems of power boats

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 FB DESIGN

AI summary

A power unit for air conditioning systems installed on boats, including at least one compressor, of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry, connected to the circuit of the conditioning system, at least one mechanical pump for circulation of a heat exchange fluid along a circuit and one or more rotating electrical machines. Operation of the power unit is ensured during navigation by an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion, for example a four stroke engine of the type normally used for outboard marine propulsion, mass produced at low costs, while when the boat is in port it is ensured by an electric motor. The fan coils are also of the mass produced type used in the automobile industry.