Integrated condenser and compressor system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle HVAC systems are limited by having only one engine-driven compressor, which cannot provide a comfortable environment when the engine is off, and integrating an electrically driven system poses challenges due to space constraints in the engine compartment.
Innovation Solution
An integrated compressor system with a mounting assembly, a first electric compressor, and a valve configured to be directly mounted on an existing air conditioning system's condenser, allowing for both engine and electric power sources to operate independently, with the valve managing refrigerant flow between compressors and the condenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional electric compressor is integrated into the existing engine-driven HVAC system, then the system can operate when the engine is off, but there is limited space in the engine compartment for the additional compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric compressor with the existing condenser assembly, mounting the electric compressor on the condenser or condenser housing. This merging of components allows the electric compressor to share space with the condenser, effectively utilizing otherwise wasted space and enabling dual-compressor operation without requiring additional engine compartment space.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a heat exchanger and a mounting platform for the electric compressor. The mounting bracket integrated into the condenser assembly allows the electric compressor to be securely mounted while sharing the same spatial envelope, thus achieving multi-functionality and space efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If a mounting assembly is designed to hold both the electric compressor and valve on the condenser, then space is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is integrated directly into the condenser assembly structure, combining multiple mounting functions into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets for the electric compressor and valve, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the ability to securely mount both components on the condenser.
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
Enables HVAC system operation with the engine off, reduces energy consumption, and fits within the limited space of the engine compartment, providing a comfortable environment and efficient cooling capacity up to 5500 BTU/hr for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The first compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a valve outlet to be fluidly connected to a condenser inlet of the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an integrated compressor system configured to be integrated with existing air conditioning systems. The integrated compressor system generally includes a mounting assembly, a first compressor and a valve. The mounting assembly can be mounted directly on a condenser of an existing air conditioning system. The first compressor and the valve are mounted directly on the mounting assembly. The valve has a first valve inlet, a second valve inlet and a valve outlet. When assembly and integrated with an existing AC system, the first valve inlet is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet of the first compressor, the second valve inlet is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet of the compressor of existing AC system, and a valve outlet is fluidly connected to a condenser inlet of the condenser.