Procedure for retrofitting a bus airconditioning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus air conditioning systems face issues with compressor design due to exposure to vibrations and heat, leading to potential leaks and the need for oversized compressors to maintain cooling performance, especially at low engine speeds.

Innovation Solution

The method involves replacing the diesel engine-mounted compressor with an electric generator, which powers an external electric compressor, allowing for a more compact design and improved control over cooling capacity, using a semi-hermetic compressor driven by an electric motor and regulated by an inverter for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the compressor is designed to be extremely powerful to deliver noticeable cooling capacity at idle speed, then cooling capacity at low engine speed is improved, but compressor size and capacity control become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidcompressor capacity control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor capacity adjustable through an inverter that controls the electric motor's speed. The compressor capacity can be dynamically adapted to match actual cooling demands, allowing a smaller compressor to provide sufficient cooling at idle speed while preventing excessive cooling at high engine speeds. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous capacity adjustment rather than relying on a fixed oversized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the compressor is arranged in the diesel engine installation space, then space utilization is improved, but exposure to vibrations and heat causes leaks and reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space utilizationVSAvoidcompressor leak resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the compressor from the problematic diesel engine installation space and relocates it to a separate mounting location. By removing the compressor from the engine compartment, it is no longer exposed to the harmful vibrations and high temperatures that cause leaks and reliability issues. The generator remains in the engine installation space, maintaining space utilization, while the compressor operates in a more favorable environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a belt drive connects the compressor to the diesel engine, then mechanical power transmission is simplified, but disruptive influences from the engine affect the compressor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission systemVSAvoidvibrations and heat exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical belt drive connection with an electrical power transmission system. The generator converts mechanical energy from the diesel engine into electrical energy, which then drives the electric motor connected to the compressor. This substitution eliminates the direct mechanical coupling that transmits vibrations and heat to the compressor, while still providing reliable power transmission through the electrical system.

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 enables a more compact and efficient air conditioning system with reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance needs, and the ability to use environmentally friendly refrigerants like CO2, providing superior cooling performance even at low engine speeds with minimal design intervention.

Implementation Method 1

arranging or attaching an electric generator in a accommodation space arranged in a diesel engine of a bus... wherein the compressor is driven by the electrical power generated by the generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

arranging or attaching a compressor, which has an electric motor and a compression device driven by the electric motor for compressing refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a compression device driven by the electric motor for compressing refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3142874B1Procedure for retrofitting a bus airconditioning system
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 BOCK GMBH
  • EP3142874B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A bus air-conditioning arrangement with a compressor for compressing refrigerant, wherein the compressor has an electric motor and a compression device, which is driven by the electric motor, for compressing refrigerant, wherein the bus air-conditioning system furthermore has an electric generator which has dimensions such that said generator can be fitted in a receiving space, which is provided for a compressor and which is arranged in a driving motor of a bus or in an installation space for the driving motor of the bus, wherein the generator is driveable by the driving motor, in particular by means of a belt drive, and wherein the electric motor of the compressor is driveable by electrical power which the generator generates, and a method for producing same.