Climate Control Box With Auxiliary Engine For Electric Vehicle Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
The range of motor vehicles with electric drive devices is limited by the need to access the on-board electric power network for climate control, which can drain the vehicle's battery and reduce its electric range.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an internal combustion engine within the climate control box, which generates heat and mechanical work, allowing the climate control system to operate independently without consuming the vehicle's drive power, using a generator, air conditioning compressor, radiator, and fuel tank to manage heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the climate control system uses the vehicle's electric power network, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but the vehicle's battery is drained and electric range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the climate control system from the vehicle's main electric power network by introducing a separate auxiliary power unit (APU) with its own fuel tank and generator. This segmentation allows the climate control functions to operate independently without draining the vehicle's primary battery, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining electric range and providing climate control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the auxiliary power unit with generator - that mediates between the need for climate control operation and the preservation of electric range. The generator acts as an intermediate power source, converting fuel chemical energy to electrical energy specifically for climate control purposes, thus protecting the main battery while enabling climate functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a separate power source is added for climate control, then electric range is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the auxiliary power unit: the generator provides electrical power for climate control, while also serving as a mounting structure for the battery and fuel tank. The heat exchanger is integrated into the APU assembly, and the control unit coordinates all components. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate systems for power generation, energy storage, and climate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power unit is designed as a multi-functional module that can perform climate control power generation, and potentially other functions such as providing auxiliary power for other vehicle systems. The generator can operate at different power levels to meet varying climate control demands, and the system can switch between different operating modes (heating, cooling, idle), making it a universal solution for multiple energy needs.
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 self-sufficient climate control system allows for extended electric vehicle range without impacting the vehicle's battery, enabling compact design and efficient heating and cooling without relying on the vehicle's electric power network.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine (4) is arranged in the climate control box (1). The internal combustion engine is a heat engine, in which heat is generated and is converted into mechanical work directly in the machine system, for example by combustion of a fuel/air mixture
Implementation Method 2
a generator (10) is arranged in the climate control box (1) and is drive-connected to the internal combustion engine (4)
Implementation Method 3
a radiator (15) is arranged in the climate control box (1) and is connected in heat-exchanging terms to the internal combustion engine (4). The radiator preferably comprises at least one fan and serves to dissipate heat to the surroundings of the climatically controlled box
Implementation Method 4
an air conditioning compressor (12) is arranged in the climate control box (1) and is coupled via the generator (10) to the internal combustion engine (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control box for a motor vehicle has a heating device (18) and a cooling device. To increase the range of motor vehicles that have at least one electric drive device, an internal combustion engine (4) is arranged in the climate control box (1).