Vehicle HVAC Bypass Air Recirculation for Faster Cabin Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems in vehicles face limitations in fast heat-up ability and heating efficiency, particularly when operating in inside air circulation mode, due to restricted air intake and inefficient air distribution.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC system incorporates a bypass flow path connected to the main flow path, allowing air redirection through valves controlled by a sensor and controller to re-suction high-temperature air from unoccupied seats back into the blower motor, enhancing air circulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the HVAC system operates in inside air circulation mode with restricted air intake to prevent moisture on windows, then moisture formation is prevented, but the fast heat-up ability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into multiple independent loops: a first circulation loop for occupied seats and a second circulation loop for unoccupied seats. This allows differential air handling where air from unoccupied seats is redirected to the air inlet while air from occupied seats continues to the discharge outlet, resolving the contradiction between preventing moisture and maintaining heat-up speed
Solution Approach 2:
Different air circulation strategies are applied to different spatial zones based on seat occupancy status. The system identifies unoccupied seats and applies a specific air redirection strategy to those zones while maintaining normal operation for occupied zones, allowing localized optimization that improves overall heating efficiency without compromising moisture control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the HVAC system draws air solely from inside the vehicle cabin during heating, then moisture formation is prevented, but heating efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted by redirecting air from unoccupied seats back to the air inlet through the bypass flow path. This recovery mechanism reduces the overall heating load and improves heating efficiency while maintaining moisture control through the selective circulation strategy
3Use of energy by moving object
If the bypass flow path is opened to redirect air from unoccupied seats, then heating efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect seat occupancy status and autonomously controls the bypass valve without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the complex bypass mechanism to operate automatically based on real-time occupancy detection, improving heating efficiency while minimizing the need for additional control complexity
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 improves fast heat-up ability and heating efficiency by minimizing heat loss and air volume waste in unoccupied areas, optimizing air distribution based on seat occupancy, and maintaining efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
The HVAC system may include an evaporator and a heater. The evaporator may lower the temperature or control the humidity of the drawn air. The heater may heat the drawn air to raise its temperature and provide warm air into the interior of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
The blower motor may be disposed between the filter and the evaporator. The blower motor may draw the air into the HVAC system or circulate the air within the vehicle cabin.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system for a vehicle is configured to draw air from an air inlet, to condition the drawn air, and to discharge the conditioned air to at least one discharge portion in the vehicle through a main flow path. The HVAC system includes a bypass flow path configured to connect a first side of the main flow path disposed at a side of the at least one discharge portion to a second side of the main flow path disposed at a side of the air inlet. The bypass flow path is configured to allow or block a flow of air through the bypass flow path.