Boat Air Conditioning Power Unit Without a Generator Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems on small and medium-sized boats are limited by the high cost, weight, and size of generator sets required for power, which affects performance and installation feasibility.
Innovation Solution
A power unit that uses an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion to drive mechanical components, eliminating the need for an electrical generator and incorporating a mechanical compressor and alternator to provide power during navigation and port operations, with components like a mechanical pump and rotating electrical machines, allowing for efficient operation and reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generator set is installed to supply power for the electric compressor, then the air conditioning system can operate, but the cost and weight of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically operated compressor with a mechanically operated compressor that is directly driven by the marine propulsion engine through a belt transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for a separate generator set, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining air conditioning operation capability during navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The marine propulsion engine serves dual functions: it propels the boat and simultaneously drives the air conditioning compressor through the belt transmission system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power generation equipment, reducing overall system weight and cost.
2Reliability
If a generator set is installed to supply power for the electric compressor, then the air conditioning system can operate, but the overall dimensions and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically operated compressor with a mechanically operated compressor that is directly driven by the marine propulsion engine through a belt transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for a separate generator set, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining air conditioning operation capability during navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission function into the existing marine propulsion system by using the engine's belt-driven accessories system. The compressor is integrated into this existing mechanical power distribution network, eliminating the need for separate power generation equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Power
If the generator set operates during port stays, then power is supplied, but noise and emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compressor operation from the electrical power system and connects it directly to the mechanical power system. During port stays, the engine can be shut down while the mechanically coupled compressor continues to operate silently without producing emissions, as it is driven by the propeller through the water column.
Solution Approach 2:
The water column acts as an intermediary medium that transmits rotational energy from the propeller to the compressor during port operations. This allows the compressor to operate without the engine running, eliminating noise and emissions while maintaining cooling function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an electric motor drives the compressor, then the system can be powered by shore power, but the boat requires a generator set for autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The marine propulsion engine serves dual functions: it propels the boat and simultaneously drives the air conditioning compressor through the belt transmission system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power generation equipment, reducing overall system weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different operating conditions: during navigation, the engine directly drives the compressor; during port stays, the propeller-water-column-compressor mechanism maintains operation; and shore power can supplement when available. This dynamic operation eliminates the need for a generator set while maintaining versatility.
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 significantly, improves system efficiency by eliminating energy transformation steps, and allows for quieter, emission-free operation while in port, using existing marine propulsion engines and components.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine for marine propulsion
Implementation Method 2
an alternator for battery charging
Implementation Method 3
existing heat exchange systems
Data Source
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 refrigeration device, 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, in particular a four stroke gasoline engine, with vertical motor axis, 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.