Compressor discharge pressure based control systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with HVAC systems, the need to keep the engine running for cooling purposes when parked is inefficient and wasteful, as it consumes unnecessary fuel and causes over-cooling of the cabin.
Innovation Solution
An electric refrigerant compressor powered by an inverter drive from a battery pack, controlled by a module that adjusts compressor and fan speeds based on discharge pressure and power consumption to optimize efficiency and cabin temperature, allowing the engine to be shut down while maintaining cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the internal combustion engine is kept running to provide cooling, then the cabin temperature is maintained, but fuel consumption increases and the system becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven compressor system with an electric compressor system powered by a battery pack. This substitution allows the engine to be turned off while maintaining cooling functionality through the electric compressor, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining temperature and reducing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable speed control for both the electric compressor and condenser fan based on real-time discharge pressure feedback. The control module dynamically adjusts compressor speed and fan speed according to cooling demands, enabling efficient operation across different conditions and further reducing energy consumption while maintaining cabin temperature.
2Temperature
If the engine is kept running to provide cooling, then the air conditioning system operates continuously, but this causes over-cooling of the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a discharge pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback to the control module. Based on this feedback, the control module dynamically adjusts the compressor speed and fan speed to match actual cooling demands, preventing over-cooling while maintaining efficient operation. The system responds to changing conditions by modulating component speeds rather than running at fixed high speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electric compressor with variable speed control is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module autonomously manages the air conditioning system by continuously monitoring discharge pressure and automatically adjusting compressor and fan speeds without user intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain optimal efficiency, handling all control decisions internally based on sensor feedback, which simplifies the user interface while maintaining advanced control capabilities.
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 efficient cooling of the vehicle cabin without the engine running, reducing fuel consumption and improving battery life by dynamically controlling the air conditioning system's components.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser is configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser
Implementation Method 2
A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a condenser configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser. A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator. A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle. A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator. A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle.