Method for a vehicle climate control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor-driven air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles consume excessive energy, reducing fuel economy and driver comfort, and fail to provide immediate cooling before engine start.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system utilizing a vacuum enclosure with a single adsorption bed, featuring a radiator, core, and phase change material, which operates in two modes to circulate different heat exchange fluids through various sections, including an adsorption bed and evaporator/condenser, with a heat recovery circuit to capture and store heat, allowing for efficient cooling and heating of the cabin before engine start.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional compressor-driven AC system is used, then cooling function is provided, but energy consumption increases and fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor system with a vacuum-based adsorption system. The vacuum enclosure creates a pressure differential that drives refrigerant vapor from the evaporator/condenser to the adsorption bed without requiring mechanical compression, thereby eliminating the compressor motor and its associated energy consumption while maintaining the cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the refrigerant (evaporation, condensation, adsorption, and desorption) to provide cooling. The refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator/condenser to absorb heat, condenses on the cold plates, and the cycle is driven by pressure differentials created by the vacuum system, replacing the mechanical compression phase transition with vacuum-driven phase changes.
2Loss of time
If a conventional AC system is used, then cooling is provided, but immediate cooling before engine start is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary cooling action by allowing the vacuum enclosure and adsorption system to be activated before the engine starts. The vacuum pump can create the necessary pressure differential in advance, and the adsorption bed can begin absorbing refrigerant vapor and providing cooling to the cabin before the vehicle is driven, eliminating the delay present in conventional systems.
3Device complexity
If a single adsorption bed is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational versatility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic operation modes for the single adsorption bed system. The system can operate in different modes including: (1) vacuum-driven adsorption mode for cooling, (2) heat pump mode using the adsorption bed for heating, and (3) transitional modes between different operational states. This dynamic versatility is achieved through control systems that manage the vacuum pump, valves, and heat exchange processes, allowing one component to perform multiple functions.
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
This system reduces AC accessory loads, enhances fuel economy, and provides immediate cooling and heating by eliminating the need for compressor-driven systems, offering improved comfort and efficiency while minimizing weight and space with a single adsorber section and vacuum enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorption bed includes a plurality of desiccant coated plates
Implementation Method 2
a second vessel containing a second phase change material for storing heat
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchange fluid is circulated through the radiator and the first section and a second heat exchange fluid is circulated through the second section
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating the second heat exchange fluid through the evaporator/condenser
Implementation Method 5
a vacuum enclosure including a refrigerant, a first section and a second section
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning system is provided for a motor vehicle. That system includes a vacuum enclosure having a refrigerant, a first section and a second section. The system further includes a radiator, a core and a phase change material vessel downstream from the core. A conduit and valve system operate the air-conditioning system in two modes of operation.