Dual-Zone Vehicle HVAC Partition Opening to Prevent Heater Derating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems in hybrid vehicles face overheating and derating issues when one zone is closed while the other requires heat, due to the inability to electrically control the electrical heater area by area.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a ventilation, heating, and air conditioning device with a partition wall that separates the device into left and right zones, featuring an opening downstream the third heat exchanger to allow airflow communication between zones, thereby preventing overheating and derating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a partition wall separates the device into left and right zones to control airflow to different zones, then the ability to provide different temperatures to different zones is improved, but overheating and derating issues occur when one zone is closed while the other requires heat
Solution Approach 1:
A communication opening is introduced as an intermediary element between the left and right zones downstream of the third heat exchanger. This opening allows airflows from closed zones to communicate with open zones, preventing overheating in closed zones while maintaining the partition wall's ability to provide different temperatures to different zones when both are open.
2Power
If the electrical heater is used to heat airflow in both zones, then heating capability is improved, but derating issues occur when only one zone requires heat due to inability to control heater area by area
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall divides the heating space into left and right zones, allowing the electrical heater to effectively serve both zones independently through the communication opening. When one zone is closed, the airflow from that zone can still access heated air through the opening, enabling better utilization of the heater's capacity and reducing derating issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a partition wall completely separates the device into left and right zones, then temperature control for different zones is improved, but airflow circulation efficiency deteriorates when one zone is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication opening acts as a mediator that maintains airflow circulation efficiency by allowing air to move between zones downstream of the heat exchanger. This prevents dead air pockets in closed zones while maintaining the partition wall's temperature control capability for open zones.
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 configuration limits overheating and derating issues by allowing airflow to rejoin the open zone from the closed zone through the opening downstream the third heat exchanger, ensuring efficient air circulation and temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises at least a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
at least one opening located downstream the third heat exchanger so that at least part of the flow of air present in one of the zones fluidly communicates with the other zone
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning device for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the device having at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet, the device having at least a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger, at least a part of the device being separated in a left zone and a right zone by a partition wall. The device includes at least one opening located downstream the third heat exchanger so that at least part of the flow of air present in one of the zones fluidly communicates with the other zone.