HVAC module with anti-backflow control and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-zone HVAC modules for vehicles face challenges such as increased complexity, energy consumption, emissions, and cost due to the need for additional components and partitioned systems, which are not efficiently adaptable to varying vehicle sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
An open architecture HVAC module with an anti-backflow control system that uses a single blower assembly and partial partition walls to direct airflow to multiple zones, featuring a control valve to regulate air pressure and prevent backflow, allowing for efficient temperature control across zones without the need for extensive partitioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional partitioned dual HVAC modules are used to achieve multi-zone operation, then multiple temperature-controlled zones are provided, but system complexity, packaging space, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HVAC module functions into a single integrated module. The dual HVAC module is replaced by one module containing multiple evaporators (first evaporator for front zone, second evaporator for rear zone) and multiple condensers that share common refrigerant circuits and housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining multi-zone temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single HVAC module performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate modules. It provides conditioning for both front and rear zones simultaneously, shares refrigerant circulation systems, and integrates multiple heat exchangers and blowers into one universal unit that can serve multiple temperature zones with a single system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional partitioned dual HVAC modules are used to achieve multi-zone operation, then multiple temperature-controlled zones are provided, but packaging space and vehicle mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HVAC module functions into a single integrated module. The dual HVAC module is replaced by one module containing multiple evaporators (first evaporator for front zone, second evaporator for rear zone) and multiple condensers that share common refrigerant circuits and housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining multi-zone temperature control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional partitioned dual HVAC modules are used to achieve multi-zone operation, then multiple temperature-controlled zones are provided, but energy consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HVAC module functions into a single integrated module. The dual HVAC module is replaced by one module containing multiple evaporators (first evaporator for front zone, second evaporator for rear zone) and multiple condensers that share common refrigerant circuits and housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining multi-zone temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared refrigerant circulation system enables continuous heat transfer between zones. The single compressor and condenser system operates continuously to serve multiple zones, eliminating the need for separate compression systems and reducing overall energy consumption through optimized refrigerant flow management across all 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 solution reduces system complexity, energy consumption, and costs by enabling efficient airflow management and temperature control across multiple zones with a single blower assembly, while maintaining comfort and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the control valve throttles cold air from the cold air chamber thereby regulating the third pressure of the rear zone mixing chamber such that the third pressure remains quantitatively lower than the second pressure of the hot air chamber. This prevents cold air in the cold air stream path from flowing back into the hot air chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
HVAC module has an air inlet, an evaporator downstream of the blower and a heater downstream of the evaporator, and a rear mixing zone downstream of the evaporator and the heater, wherein a control valve prevents cold air from flowing back towards the hot air by regulating the pressure of the cold air. A method is devised to control anti-backflow control valve of such an HVAC module by the steps of reading pressure and temperatures at various points in the HVAC module; setting air flow and temperature discharge targets; calculating the resistance of the control valve and a bland valve; determining corresponding control valve and blend valve positions; and moving the control valve and blend valve to those corresponding positions.