DC Air Conditioning Compressor Drive Unit Eliminating Pulley Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC air conditioning compressor drive units rely on pulley drives, limiting their energy efficiency and availability for domestic and commercial applications, as they require a motor to operate, which is not feasible in all environments and consumes more power than other components.
Innovation Solution
A DC air conditioning compressor drive unit with a brushless DC electric motor, a piston-type compressor, and a programmable controller that eliminates the need for a pulley drive, allowing for efficient operation using DC voltage and reducing power consumption by optimizing compressor displacement and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a pulley drive system is used in DC air conditioning compressors, then the compressor can be operated by a motor, but the power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor and pulley drive system from the compressor assembly, extracting the unnecessary power-consuming components while retaining the essential compression function through a mechanically-driven design that operates directly from the vehicle's DC electrical system without requiring a dedicated motor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical motor-driven mechanical system with a direct mechanical drive system that eliminates the motor component, substituting the electrical-mechanical conversion path with a more efficient direct mechanical actuation mechanism suitable for DC vehicle applications
2Ease of operation
If a motor is used to drive the compressor, then the compressor can operate, but the system complexity increases and availability is limited to environments with motor power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor component from the compressor drive system, removing the source of complexity and the dependency on motor power supply, thereby simplifying the overall system structure and expanding operational availability to environments where only DC electrical power is available
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal compressor mechanism that can operate in multiple environments (vehicles, remote locations, areas without traditional power grids) by eliminating the motor dependency and adapting directly to DC electrical systems, making the system more versatile and widely applicable
3Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional DC compressor design is used, then the compressor can be powered by DC battery, but energy efficiency is insufficient compared to AC compressor technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compressor's mechanical parameters (displacement, speed, compression ratio) to achieve energy efficiency levels comparable to AC technology while maintaining DC power compatibility, adjusting the operational characteristics to minimize energy loss in the DC-driven mechanical system
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 solution provides energy savings by enabling DC air conditioning in various settings without the need for a motor, offering efficient cooling performance while minimizing power input, thus enhancing the viability of DC power in air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
A DC air conditioning compressor drive unit with a brushless DC electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a piston-type compressor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a Direct Current (DC) air conditioning compressor drive unit for use in both buildings and in vehicle installations. Energy savings can be demonstrated in the automotive industry when compared to the current status of known DC air conditioning drive units and in particular those relying on direct or pulley drive. More particularly, when coupled to DC battery and inverter technology for air conditioning purposes within domestic housing, commercial and industrial buildings, it can provide extreme energy savings. Preferably, the purpose of this innovation is to enhance the viability and energy savings opportunities of using DC power in air conditioning if used in conjunction with smart compressor technology.