Vehicle Condenser Cooling via Temperature-Triggered Water Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle air conditioning systems are energy-intensive due to inefficient heat exchange, and existing methods for reducing energy consumption, such as spraying water on the condenser, need optimization to meet stringent pollutant emission standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cooling a vehicle air conditioning condenser that involves a water supply circuit with a pump and control means to activate water spraying based on outside temperature, with water level thresholds and optimized spraying cycles defined by temperature and humidity, using a storage tank and filter to ensure efficient water use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If water is sprayed on the condenser to improve heat exchange, then cooling efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to water pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the water pump for specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds on, 10 seconds off) based on condenser temperature thresholds, achieving effective cooling while minimizing energy consumption from the water pump motor
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor condenser temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts water pump operation based on this feedback, activating the pump only when condenser temperature exceeds a threshold and deactivating it when the threshold is met, optimizing the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption
2Loss of energy
If water spraying is activated continuously to maximize cooling, then heat exchange is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the water pump for specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds on, 10 seconds off) based on condenser temperature thresholds, achieving effective cooling while minimizing water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies water spraying partially rather than continuously. By activating the water pump only when condenser temperature exceeds a threshold and using fractional spraying cycles, the system provides sufficient cooling effect without excessive water usage
3Temperature
If water pump pressure is increased to improve spray coverage, then cooling uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump operates in periodic cycles with controlled duration and intervals. By limiting the pump operation to specific time windows rather than continuous operation, the system achieves adequate spray coverage and cooling uniformity while constraining energy consumption from the water pump motor
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes water pump working pressure within a specific range (2-4 bar) to achieve effective spray coverage and cooling uniformity. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient cooling performance while minimizing the energy required by the water pump
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 approach reduces the overall energy consumption of the air conditioning system by optimizing water usage and improving heat exchange, aligning with emission standards while maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
spraying water on the condenser so that the sprayed water, after evaporation, helps to locally lower the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the condenser
Implementation Method 2
the water used for spraying water onto the condenser comes from the condensation of air through an evaporator of the air conditioning system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method for cooling a condenser in a motor vehicle air conditioning system, the cooling method comprising a step of spraying water onto the condenser (2) via a cooling device (1) of the air conditioning system, comprising a water supply circuit (3) to which a water pump (4) is connected for supplying water to injection means (5) for spraying water onto the condenser (2). Furthermore, the water pump (4) is activated by control means (14) of the cooling device (1), and the activation of the water pump (4) is performed according to the outside temperature.