High efficiency integrated air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems for electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing refrigerant flow distribution, particularly in winter seasons when dehumidifying membranes must handle internal air flow and lack the capability for subsequent heating, and require complex valve control for refrigerant distribution during summer and intermediate seasons.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a 3F-CMC three-fluid membrane contactor hybrid system with electronically controlled expansion valves and a 4-way switching valve, allowing independent refrigerant flow distribution between parallel circuits and enabling dehumidification and heating actions in intermediate seasons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a 3F-CMC three-fluid membrane contactor hybrid system is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple parallel circuits and valve control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the refrigerant circulation into multiple independent parallel circuits (first circuit with first evaporator and first condenser, second circuit with second evaporator and second condenser), allowing selective operation of different components based on seasonal requirements. This segmentation enables the system to simplify operation during winter by isolating the heating circuit from the dehumidification circuit, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable valve arrangements (three-way valves and four-way switching valve) that can adjust refrigerant flow distribution in real-time based on operational mode requirements. During winter heating mode, the valves dynamically redirect refrigerant flow to prioritize the heating circuit, automatically adapting the system configuration to reduce complexity when dehumidification is not needed, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If dehumidifying membranes are used to handle internal air flow, then air dehumidification is improved, but the system loses heating capability in winter seasons
Solution Approach 1:
The system designs the refrigerant circulation system to serve multiple functions through parallel circuits: the first circuit handles cooling and dehumidification during summer and intermediate seasons, while the second circuit provides heating during winter. The membrane contactor unit is integrated into this multi-functional architecture, allowing it to perform dehumidification when activated while the heating circuit remains available through the parallel second circuit, thus maintaining both dehumidification effectiveness and heating capability across different seasons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable valve arrangements to switch between different operational modes. During winter heating mode, the four-way switching valve and three-way valves redirect refrigerant flow to activate the heating circuit while deactivating the dehumidification circuit, allowing the system to adapt its functionality based on seasonal requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to provide heating capability when needed while maintaining the dehumidification function available when required.
3Ease of operation
If complex valve control is used for refrigerant distribution, then refrigerant flow management is improved, but system operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic control means that autonomously manage refrigerant flow distribution based on pre-programmed seasonal modes and environmental conditions. The controller automatically actuates the three-way valves and four-way switching valve to configure the refrigerant circulation paths appropriate for current operational requirements, eliminating the need for manual valve control and reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective refrigerant flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and seasonal condition detection to automatically adjust valve positions and refrigerant flow distribution. The controller continuously monitors system parameters and environmental conditions, using this feedback to dynamically reconfigure the valve arrangements and optimize refrigerant circulation between the parallel circuits, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining precise flow management.
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 simplifies refrigerant flow management, eliminates the need for complex valve control, and allows for both dehumidification and heating in intermediate seasons, enhancing energy efficiency and vehicle autonomy while maintaining passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic membrane separating the air and the desiccant
Implementation Method 2
3F-CMC three-fluid membrane contactors
Implementation Method 3
the evaporation/condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the batteries B1 and B2
Implementation Method 4
conventional exchange thermal batteries B1 and B2
Implementation Method 5
The CMC2 and B2 components are crossed in parallel by external air
Implementation Method 6
hygroscopic solutions (liquid desiccants) such as, for example, aqueous solutions of LiCI, CaCl 2
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a energy high efficiency integrated air conditioning system which uses 3F-CMC membrane and with three fluid contactors. The system according to the invention is as a hybrid system, which combines a steam compression cycle with a cycle operating with liquid desiccants. The system is equipped with a refrigerant flow switching valve for actuating with greater energy efficiency also the winter heating as well as the air conditioning in the intermediate and summer seasons.