Indirect reversible air-conditioning circuit for a motor vehicle and corresponding operating method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor vehicle air conditioning circuits struggle to achieve a rapid rise in interior air temperature independently of external conditions, particularly in complex indirect air conditioning systems with two circulation loops and two-fluid heat exchangers.

Innovation Solution

An indirect reversible air conditioning circuit with a refrigerant fluid loop and a heat transfer fluid loop, featuring a two-fluid heat exchanger, bypass pipes, expansion devices, and an internal heat exchanger, along with a method that allows for different operating modes such as cooling, dehumidification, and heating by redirecting refrigerant and heat transfer fluids through various paths and heat exchangers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an indirect air conditioning circuit with two circulation loops and two-fluid heat exchanger is used, then the system can operate in multiple modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification), but the system fails to provide satisfactory performance for rapid temperature rise in interior air independently of external conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating modesVSAvoidtemperature rise speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the refrigerant circuit into multiple independent loops: a first refrigerant loop for interior air conditioning and a second refrigerant loop for exterior air conditioning. This segmentation allows each loop to operate independently, enabling rapid temperature adjustment in the interior without being constrained by external conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-functional system where heat exchangers serve multiple purposes: the first heat exchanger acts as evaporator for cooling and condenser for heating, while the second heat exchanger provides additional heating capability. This multi-functionality enables the system to achieve rapid temperature rise in various operating modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a complex indirect air conditioning circuit with two-fluid heat exchanger is used, then heat exchange between loops is enabled, but the system lacks an efficient path for rapid temperature adjustment in interior air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange capabilityVSAvoidtemperature adjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third heat exchanger that serves as an intermediary between the refrigerant loops and the interior air flow. This intermediary component enables efficient heat transfer from the refrigerant to the interior air, facilitating rapid temperature adjustment while maintaining the reliability of the two-fluid heat exchange system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-cools or pre-heats the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger before it reaches the third heat exchanger, preparing the refrigerant in advance to maximize its heat exchange efficiency with the interior air, thereby enabling rapid temperature adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables efficient temperature control and dehumidification of interior air, improving the coefficient of performance (COP) and allowing for various operating modes like full power, defrosting, and hot gas modes, enhancing the air conditioning system's flexibility and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a two-fluid heat exchanger arranged jointly on the first refrigerant fluid loop and on the second heat transfer fluid loop, so as to allow heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid loop and the second heat transfer fluid loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a first heat exchanger being intended to be crossed by a flow of air inside the motor vehicle, a second heat exchanger being intended to be crossed by a flow of air outside the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3507114B1Indirect reversible air-conditioning circuit for a motor vehicle and corresponding operating method
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP3507114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3507114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3507114B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an indirect air-conditioning circuit (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first refrigerant loop (A) comprising a compressor (3), a first depressurising device (7), a first heat exchanger (9), a second depressurising device (11), a second heat exchanger (13), and a pipe for bypassing (30) the second heat exchanger (13); a second heat-transfer fluid loop (B); and a dual-fluid heat exchanger (5) arranged both on the first refrigerant loop (A) downstream from the compressor (3), between said compressor (3) and the first depressurising device (7), and on the second heat-transfer fluid loop (B), the first refrigerant loop (A) comprising a line for the bypassing (40) of the refrigerant, which connects the refrigerant outlet of the dual-fluid heat exchanger (5) to a point located upstream from the compressor (3), between the refrigerant outlet of the bypass pipe (30) and said compressor (3).