CNT HVAC Duct Heating Body for Low-Loss Air Temperature Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face high energy consumption and significant thermal energy loss in HVAC systems due to the use of PTC heaters, and existing HVAC duct discharge ports can be obstructed, requiring a solution for efficient heating and adaptable discharge.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) heating body within the HVAC duct, positioned between electrodes, to generate heat and maintain thermal energy efficiency, with rib portions of varying lengths to maximize heat transfer, and strategically placing this heating body inside the duct near discharge ports to ensure consistent temperature delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a PTC heater is used for heating in electric vehicles, then heating function is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from resistive heating (PTC) to radiant heating through a transparent heating film that emits infrared radiation. This parameter change in heating method reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective heating capability, as the infrared radiation directly heats objects and occupants rather than heating air through resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical PTC heating system with an optical-based transparent heating film system that converts electrical energy to infrared radiation. This substitution allows for more efficient energy transfer and reduced overall energy consumption while achieving the same heating effect
2Ease of operation
If heated air is blown through a long duct, then air reaches distant discharge ports, but thermal energy is greatly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating function across multiple locations by installing transparent heating films at various positions within the duct system, including at discharge ports. This segmentation ensures that air is heated locally near each discharge point, compensating for thermal energy loss during transport through long ducts and maintaining effective heating at distant locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by positioning heating films within the duct system to pre-heat air during its passage. This preliminary heating compensates for thermal energy that will be lost during transport, ensuring that air arrives at discharge ports with sufficient temperature despite long duct lengths
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driver's seat is rotated to face the rear seat, then autonomous driving functionality is improved, but the front dashboard discharge port is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by installing transparent heating films at multiple discharge port locations throughout the vehicle interior, including front dashboard, rear dashboard, and side panels. This universal heating coverage ensures that air discharge functionality is maintained at all locations regardless of driver seat position, supporting both traditional and autonomous driving configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands the heating system from a single front dashboard location to multiple dimensions by placing heating films at various vertical and horizontal positions throughout the vehicle. This dimensional expansion includes front and rear dashboards, side discharge ports, and ensures comprehensive air distribution regardless of driver seat orientation
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 enhances thermal energy efficiency, provides more comfortable temperature conditions, and allows for stable temperature control by maintaining air temperature through the duct, even with longer duct lengths, and enables flexible discharge port placement to avoid obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating body positioned inside an HVAC duct of the vehicle, formed between a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion having polarities opposite to each other, and configured to generate heat when the heating body is electrified to increase a temperature of an air being transported through the HVAC duct
Implementation Method 2
The CNT heating body includes a plurality of rib portions formed spaced from one another at specific intervals between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle may include a heating body positioned inside an HVAC duct of the vehicle, formed between a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion having polarities opposite to each other. The heating body is configured to generate heat when the heating body is electrified to increase a temperature of an air being transported through the HVAC duct.