Variable Speed Compressor and Fan Control for Hybrid Vehicle Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle climate control systems consume excessive energy, particularly due to the operation of air conditioning compressors and cooling fans, which reduces fuel efficiency and increases engine load, necessitating a balance between occupant comfort and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system utilizing an electric compressor and variable speed fan, controlled by a controller that adjusts compressor and fan speeds based on vehicle operating conditions and occupant preferences to minimize energy usage while maintaining cabin temperature and defogging effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air conditioning compressor and cooling fan are operated to maintain cabin temperature, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control for both the compressor and cooling fan, allowing their operating speeds to dynamically adjust based on real-time cooling demand. The controller modulates compressor speed and fan speed independently to match the actual thermal load, rather than operating at fixed speeds, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the speed of the compressor and cooling fan according to varying cooling requirements. The controller monitors cabin temperature and external conditions, then modifies the rotational speed parameters of the compressor and fan to achieve optimal balance between cooling performance and energy efficiency.
2Power
If the compressor speed is increased to provide adequate cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates at variable speeds controlled by a controller that adjusts the compressor speed based on the actual cooling demand. This dynamic speed adjustment allows the compressor to provide adequate cooling capacity when needed while operating at lower speeds during mild conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanically-driven compressor with an electrically-driven compressor that can be independently controlled. This substitution allows for precise electronic control of compressor operation, enabling the system to optimize the balance between cooling capacity and energy consumption without being constrained by engine speed.
3Temperature
If the cooling fan speed is increased to dissipate heat from the condenser, then heat dissipation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan operates at variable speeds controlled by a controller that adjusts fan speed based on actual heat dissipation requirements. The controller monitors condenser temperature and cooling demand, then dynamically modulates the fan speed to provide adequate heat dissipation while minimizing power consumption, avoiding the need for the fan to operate continuously at high speed.
4Temperature
If hot air mixing is used to achieve desired discharge temperature, then temperature control is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the approach to temperature control by adjusting the evaporator temperature setpoint based on ambient conditions and cooling demand, rather than relying on hot air mixing. The controller modifies the evaporator operating parameters to directly produce air at the desired discharge temperature, eliminating the energy-wasting process of mixing hot and cold air streams.
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 optimizes energy consumption by dynamically adjusting compressor and fan speeds, reducing overall power consumption and preserving battery charge, thereby enhancing fuel economy without compromising passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The air conditioning system uses an air conditioning compressor and a condenser to effectuate cooling of a passenger cabin of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The air conditioning system uses an air conditioning compressor and a condenser to effectuate cooling of a passenger cabin of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
A cooling fan is disposed adjacent the condenser to further effectuate cooling
Implementation Method 4
control movement of air through an evaporator core or a heater core
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort.