Condenser-Mounted Electric Compressor for Engine-Off Vehicle Cooling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle HVAC systems are limited by having only one engine-driven compressor, which cannot operate when the engine is off, and integrating an additional electric compressor is challenging due to space constraints in the engine compartment.

Innovation Solution

An integrated compressor system with a mounting assembly, a first electric compressor, and a valve that can be directly mounted on an existing air conditioning system's condenser, allowing for both engine-driven and electrically driven refrigerant flow, enabling operation with the engine on or off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional electric compressor is integrated into the existing engine-driven HVAC system, then the system can operate when the engine is off and provide comfortable environment for occupants, but there is limited space within the engine compartment for the additional compressor

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the electric compressor from the traditional engine compartment to the condenser area, utilizing vertical space and alternative mounting locations. The compressor can be mounted on the condenser housing or integrated into the condenser assembly, effectively using three-dimensional space in a different dimension rather than competing for horizontal engine bay space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric compressor is integrated with the condenser assembly, merging two separate components into a combined unit. This consolidation allows the compressor to share space with the condenser, reducing the total volume required and eliminating the need for separate mounting space in the engine compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electric compressor is added to the HVAC system, then the system can provide cooling when the engine is off, but the device complexity increases with multiple compressors and integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The condenser assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a heat exchanger and a mounting platform for the electric compressor. The mounting bracket system is integrated into the condenser structure, allowing the same assembly to provide both thermal management and mechanical support functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser assembly is designed to self-accommodate the electric compressor through integrated mounting brackets and structural features. The system uses its own existing structure to support the additional component, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting systems and reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the electric compressor is mounted directly on the condenser, then space is optimized and integration is simplified, but the mounting structure must support the compressor weight and ensure proper refrigerant flow connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: mounting brackets for structural support, refrigerant line connections for fluid transfer, and electrical connection points. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the brackets provide mechanical strength while the connections handle refrigerant flow, making the overall system more manageable and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system provides a comfortable environment for vehicle occupants by allowing the electric compressor to operate independently, reducing energy consumption and operation costs, and fits within the limited space of most HVAC systems, with the ability to operate for several hours and provide sufficient cooling capacity.

Implementation Method 1

The first compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a condenser component for condensing the refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3217134B1Integrated condenser and compressor system
Publication Date: 2022.07.20
  • EP3217134B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3217134B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3217134B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is an integrated compressor system configured to be integrated with existing vehicle air conditioning systems. The integrated compressor system generally includes a mounting assembly (106), a first compressor having electric drive means (108) and a valve (110). The mounting assembly can be mounted directly on a condenser of an existing air conditioning system. The first compressor and the valve are mounted directly on the mounting assembly. The valve has a first valve inlet (166), a second valve inlet (168) and a valve outlet (170). When assembly and integrated with an existing AC system, the first valve inlet (166)is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet (172) of the first compressor, the second valve inlet (168) is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet of a second compressor of the of existing AC system, and a valve outlet (170) is fluidly connected to a condenser inlet of the condenser.