Variable-Speed DC HVAC for Engine-Off Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems in motorized vehicles cannot operate independently of the engine, leading to increased operating costs, wear, and safety risks due to extreme temperatures during rest periods, and existing DC-powered systems lack efficiency and operating capacity.
Innovation Solution
A variable-speed DC-powered HVAC system with a controller and dual DC-power sources, including a starting battery and a house battery, allowing operation without engine idling, featuring a variable-speed compressor, evaporator fan, and condenser fan with adjustable speed control circuits and a converter for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is idled to power the HVAC system during rest periods, then the HVAC system can maintain a comfortable environment, but operating costs increase, engine wear increases, and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent DC power sources: a starting battery for engine operation and a house battery for HVAC operation. This segmentation allows the HVAC system to be powered independently without requiring the engine to run, thereby reducing operating costs and emissions while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual battery system provides universal power supply capability, where either battery can power the HVAC system depending on engine status. The house battery specifically enables HVAC operation during rest periods without engine idling, making the system versatile for both driving and resting conditions.
2Temperature
If the engine is idled to power the HVAC system during rest periods, then the HVAC system can maintain a comfortable environment, but engine wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent DC power sources: a starting battery for engine operation and a house battery for HVAC operation. This segmentation allows the HVAC system to be powered independently without requiring the engine to run, thereby reducing operating costs and emissions while maintaining temperature control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is turned off during rest periods, then operating costs decrease, but the operator cannot achieve optimum rest due to extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent DC power sources: a starting battery for engine operation and a house battery for HVAC operation. This segmentation allows the HVAC system to be powered independently without requiring the engine to run, thereby reducing operating costs and emissions while maintaining temperature control.
4Productivity
If a DC-powered HVAC system is used without engine idling, then operating capacity can be improved, but system efficiency needs to be maximized through variable-speed components
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system incorporates variable-speed components including a variable-speed compressor, variable-speed condenser fan, and variable-speed evaporator fan. These dynamic components adjust their operating speeds based on system requirements, maximizing efficiency while maintaining full operating capacity on DC power without engine idling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by using variable-speed motors that can adjust their rotation speed continuously. This allows the HVAC system to optimize energy consumption at different operating conditions while maintaining full cooling and heating capacity, thereby maximizing both productivity and energy efficiency on DC power.
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
Enables efficient and independent operation of HVAC systems in motorized vehicles, reducing energy consumption, wear, and emissions while maintaining a comfortable environment, improving safety by allowing continuous temperature control without engine idling.
Implementation Method 1
a converter for efficient power management
Implementation Method 2
a variable-speed compressor
Implementation Method 3
a variable-speed evaporator fan
Implementation Method 4
a variable-speed condenser fan
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system for a motorized vehicle or vessel is provided that includes a variable-speed compressor, a variable-speed condenser fan and a variable-speed evaporator fan. The HVAC system further includes a DC-power system for supplying DC power to the variable-speed compressor, the variable-speed condenser fan and the variable-speed evaporator fan regardless if the mobile unit's engine is operating or not operating. A controller and an operator interface are also provided for controlling the operation of the HVAC system.