Electric Compressor Air Conditioning for Engine-Off Cabin Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with HVAC systems, the need for continuous engine operation to maintain cooling leads to inefficiency and increased fuel consumption, especially when the vehicle is parked and the driver is sleeping, as the refrigerant compressor remains active, cooling the cabin beyond the desired temperature.
Innovation Solution
An electric refrigerant compressor driven by a battery pack, with a control module that adjusts compressor speed and fan operations based on temperature and power consumption to maximize efficiency and battery life, allowing the engine to be shut down while maintaining cabin cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is kept running to maintain cabin cooling, then the cooling function is ensured, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven mechanical compressor with an electric compressor that operates independently on electrical power. This substitution allows the cabin cooling system to function without requiring the engine to run, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cooling system into independent components: an electric compressor separate from the engine, allowing the compressor to operate autonomously. This segmentation enables the cooling function to be decoupled from engine operation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining temperature and reducing fuel consumption.
2Temperature
If the engine is kept running to maintain cabin cooling, then the cooling function is ensured, but inefficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable speed electric compressor with electronic control that can dynamically adjust its operation based on actual cooling demands. This dynamic control allows the system to operate efficiently by matching compressor output to required cooling levels, improving overall system productivity and efficiency compared to engine-driven systems that must run at fixed speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the cooling system by using an electric motor instead of engine mechanical drive, enabling independent control of compressor speed and power consumption. This parameter change allows optimization of system efficiency by adjusting electrical power input according to cooling requirements rather than being constrained by engine operation.
3Temperature
If the compressor continues cooling the cabin beyond the desired temperature, then cooling capacity is maintained, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing and electronic control systems that continuously monitor cabin temperature and provide feedback to the compressor controller. This feedback mechanism allows the electric compressor to modulate its operation and shut down when the desired temperature is reached, preventing energy waste from excessive cooling while maintaining the required temperature level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cycling of the electric compressor based on temperature requirements. The compressor operates intermittently rather than continuously, turning on when cooling is needed and turning off when the desired temperature is achieved. This periodic action eliminates energy waste from continuous operation while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
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 solution enables efficient cooling of the vehicle's cabin without continuous engine operation, reducing fuel consumption and extending battery life by optimizing compressor speed and fan usage.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser is configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser
Implementation Method 2
A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when the second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator
Implementation Method 4
A fan is configured to blow air across the condenser
Implementation Method 5
A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle via a first system of ducts
Implementation Method 6
A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle via a second system of ducts
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a condenser configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser. A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator. A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle. A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator. A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle.