Electric Compressor Control for Low-Cabling Vehicle Air Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration control systems for motor vehicle air conditioning systems with electrically driven compressors require extensive cabling for sensor connections and valve adjustments, which increases complexity and cost, especially in vehicles with separate engine and interior compartments.
Innovation Solution
Integrating power drivers and a microcontroller within the electrically operated compressor to control the evaporator temperature, allowing for bus communication and eliminating the need for a valve, thereby reducing cabling requirements by moving the evaporator temperature controller closer to the compressor and using existing bus lines for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bus communication is used for setpoint specification and diagnosis between the climate control unit and compressor, then the amount of cabling is minimized, but the requirement for integrated electronics in the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cabling connections with electrical bus communication for signal transmission between the climate control unit and compressor. By substituting physical wire connections with integrated electronic communication, the system reduces cabling quantity while requiring the compressor to incorporate electronic interfaces and processing capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator temperature controller is relocated from the climate control unit to the compressor, then assembly effort for cabling is reduced, but the compressor becomes more complex with integrated control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the climate control system into distinct functional modules: the climate control unit handles user interface and high-level control, while the compressor integrates execution functions with embedded control electronics. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing overall assembly effort despite increasing compressor complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises a compressor (60) for compressing a coolant, where an evaporator (22) is provided for evaporating the compressed coolant. An electric motor (62) is provided for driving the compressor, where a temperature sensor (70) measures the temperature of the cooling air leaving the compressor. An electric circuit (76) has a compressor temperature regulator (74) for regulating the temperature of the cooling air by a compressor temperature set point determination unit (72). The electric circuit is separated from the compressor temperature set point determination unit. An independent claim is included for a motor vehicle with an engine compartment and an interior space.