Hybrid APU Controller for Vehicle Air Conditioning Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems for vehicles with internal combustion engines require additional integration efforts or overnight engine idling to maintain a controlled temperature when the vehicle is stationary, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid APU system that includes an internal combustion engine, motor generators, an air conditioning compressor, and a battery, controlled by a sophisticated controller that selectively couples these components based on vehicle operating conditions and state of charge to optimize energy usage and reduce parasitic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems use auxiliary power units or overnight engine idling to maintain controlled temperature when the vehicle is stationary, then the cabin climate control is maintained, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air conditioning compressor with the hybrid powertrain system, allowing the compressor to be selectively coupled to either the internal combustion engine or the electric motor generator. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary power units while maintaining climate control functionality during stationary operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning compressor is designed to serve multiple functions by being able to operate in different modes: coupled to the engine during normal operation, coupled to the electric motor generator during stationary operation, or decoupled when not needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each operating condition.
2Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems use auxiliary power units or overnight engine idling to maintain controlled temperature when the vehicle is stationary, then the cabin climate control is maintained, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HVAC system with the existing hybrid powertrain architecture, utilizing the same coupling mechanisms and control systems. This approach avoids the need for separate auxiliary power units and reduces integration complexity by leveraging existing system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage the air conditioning compressor across multiple operating modes using the same hybrid powertrain infrastructure. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
3Reliability
If the air conditioning compressor is continuously coupled to the internal combustion engine, then the air conditioning system operates reliably, but parasitic losses increase during stationary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the air conditioning compressor can be selectively connected to the engine or electric motor generator based on operating conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while eliminating parasitic losses during stationary operation by switching to electric power or decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid powertrain system serves the air conditioning compressor directly, providing power when needed without requiring continuous engine operation. The electric motor generator can independently power the compressor during stationary periods, allowing the system to self-regulate power delivery without parasitic engine idling.
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 efficiently operates the air conditioning system by coupling and decoupling the internal combustion engine with the air conditioning compressor and motor generators based on specific threshold values, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for overnight idling, thereby enhancing vehicle cabin climate control while minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a battery, controlled by a sophisticated controller that selectively couples these components
Implementation Method 2
motor generators, an air conditioning compressor, and a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system for vehicles includes an internal combustion engine that may be coupled to selectively power a first motor generator, and an air conditioning compressor that may be selectively powered by one or both of the first motor generator and a second motor generator, or by the internal combustion engine. The system may include a rechargeable battery, and a vehicle controller having a vehicle state circuit structured to determine a vehicle operating condition value and a state-of-charge value of the rechargeable battery, and a coupling determination circuit structured to provide an internal combustion engine-first motor generator coupling command in response to the vehicle operating condition value and the state-of-charge value. In response to the internal combustion engine-first motor generator coupling command being provided as coupled, the internal combustion engine may power the first motor generator.