Hybrid Vehicle Air-Conditioning System with Dynamic Heating Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in air-conditioning systems, particularly in series hybrid vehicles, where energy consumption is high due to the need for high-power electric heaters and mechanical compressors, leading to reduced endurance mileage and shortened battery life, as well as increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system that selectively uses an electric heating device and a water heating device, controlled by temperature sensors and a power controller, to optimize heat supply, reducing electricity consumption and extending battery life, while also employing a mechanical compressor driven by auxiliary power units in a forced working mode to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high-power electric heater is used to heat air quickly, then the heating effect is achieved rapidly, but the electricity consumption increases significantly and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electric heating and water heating modes based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts the heating source selection according to battery charge state, ambient temperature, and vehicle operating conditions, optimizing the balance between heating speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by switching between different heating sources (electric heater vs. water heater) based on temperature thresholds and battery state of charge. This parameter change allows the system to achieve rapid heating when needed while conserving battery energy during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the engine is forced to work constantly to drive the mechanical compressor, then the compressor operation is ensured, but the energy consumption increases and combustion economization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (multi-mode compressor control) between the engine and compressor. The controller acts as an intermediary that decides when the engine should run to drive the compressor based on actual cooling needs, battery state, and engine operating conditions, rather than forcing constant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor control system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The engine is commanded to run only when necessary for compressor operation, allowing the system to adapt between different operating states (engine on/off, compressor on/off) to optimize energy consumption while ensuring reliable cooling when needed.
3Temperature
If the engine runs for a long time to raise cooling water temperature, then the water heating device can provide sufficient heat, but the vehicle endurance mileage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by utilizing the cooling water heating function whenever the engine is running, regardless of whether additional heating is needed. The cooling water continuously circulates and heats the heater core, ensuring that heating capability is always available without requiring extended engine operation solely for heating purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine's cooling system serves dual purposes: cooling the engine and providing heat for the cabin through the water heating device. The cooling water, while performing its primary cooling function, automatically provides heating capability, eliminating the need for separate heating system operation and reducing overall energy consumption.
4Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical compressor driven by the engine is used, then the cost is reduced, but the compressor cannot operate when the engine is stopped in automatic stop mode
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical compressor is designed to serve multiple functions and operate in multiple modes. It can be driven by the engine during normal operation and also by the alternator when the engine is stopped, making it a universal solution that maintains cost-effectiveness while adapting to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor drive system dynamically switches between different power sources (engine direct drive and alternator drive) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the mechanical compressor to maintain its cost advantage while becoming operational in both engine-on and engine-off scenarios.
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
The system rapidly meets heating demands, reduces overall electricity consumption, prolongs battery life, and achieves energy conservation without increasing costs, making it suitable for series hybrid vehicles with multiple auxiliary power units.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating device with an electric heating element, used for receiving electric energy from the common current bus of the series hybrid vehicle, and converting the electric energy into heat energy by the electric heating element to heat air flow to be supplied to the cabin
Implementation Method 2
a water heating device with a heat exchange element, used for receiving circulating cooling water respectively from a corresponding plurality of cooling loops of a corresponding plurality of engines of the plurality of auxiliary power units, and transferring the heat of the circulating cooling water by the heat exchange element to the air flow to be supplied to the cabin
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensors each of which is arranged at a corresponding cooling loop, used for detecting the cooling water temperature of the circulating cooling water in the corresponding cooling loop
Implementation Method 4
a mechanical compressor for refrigerating, which is in mechanical transmission connection with the engines of the selected auxiliary power unit and driven by the engines to run
Implementation Method 5
each auxiliary power unit includes an engine for converting the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy and a generator for converting the mechanical energy of the engine into electric energy
Implementation Method 6
each auxiliary power unit includes an engine for converting the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle and an air-conditioning system thereof. A heating part of the air-conditioning system may be provided with an electric heating device (120, 220) and a water heating device (130, 230), the electric heating device (120, 220) is turned on and the water heating device (130, 230) is turned off when the temperature of engine cooling water is lower than a preset temperature threshold, and the electric heating device (120, 220) is turned off and the water heating device (130, 230) is turned on when the temperature is higher than the preset temperature threshold. A refrigerating part of the air-conditioning system may comprise a mechanical compressor and selected auxiliary power units (20) as a portion of a plurality of auxiliary power units, and when cold air flow needs to be supplied, an air-conditioning controller (110, 210) sends an enabling instruction to a power controller (61) to control the selected auxiliary power units (20) to enter a forced working mode. The air-conditioning system of the present invention can rapidly supply heat while reducing electricity consumption of a whole vehicle, and can also achieve good refrigerating effects in low cost and reduce energy consumption. The air-conditioning system according to the present invention is especially suitable for a series hybrid vehicle with a plurality of auxiliary power units.