Multi-compressor refrigerant system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle refrigerant systems face challenges in efficiently managing thermal loads from both climate and electronic devices, leading to suboptimal performance and efficiency, especially in electric vehicles with increasing cooling demands.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compressor refrigerant system is introduced, featuring a main compressor and an auxiliary compressor that are independently controlled and operated based on thermal loads, with a chiller for heat exchange with electronic devices, and a water-cooled condenser for supplemental heating, enabling efficient cooling capacity adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single compressor is used in the refrigerant system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling capacity and efficiency are insufficient to meet varying thermal loads from both HVAC and electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant system is segmented into two independent compression circuits: a high-side circuit with a first compressor for cooling electronic devices, and a low-side circuit with a second compressor for HVAC cooling. This segmentation allows each compressor to operate independently at optimized pressure levels, providing adaptable cooling capacity for different thermal loads while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: the first compressor handles thermal loads from electronic devices (chiller function), while the second compressor manages passenger compartment cooling (HVAC function). Both compressors can operate simultaneously or independently, making the system universal in handling various cooling demands without requiring separate systems
2Productivity
If the compressor operates at high speed to meet peak cooling demands, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases during partial load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic operation where the first and second compressors can independently adjust their operating speeds based on real-time thermal load requirements. The control system monitors cooling demands from electronic devices and HVAC separately, allowing each compressor to operate at optimal speeds rather than running at full capacity continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption during partial load conditions while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by enabling selective operation of compressors based on load requirements. The first compressor can operate independently for electronic device cooling, the second compressor can operate independently for HVAC cooling, or both can operate at reduced capacities when full cooling demand is not required, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single refrigerant loop is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently manage thermal loads from HVAC and electronic devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant system is divided into two separate loops: a high-side loop containing the first compressor for electronic device cooling, and a low-side loop containing the second compressor for HVAC cooling. This segmentation enables independent thermal load management for each function, as each loop can be controlled separately without interfering with the other, while the overall system complexity remains manageable through this clear modular division
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the refrigerant system are assigned different quality characteristics: the high-side circuit operates at higher pressures and temperatures optimized for electronic device cooling, while the low-side circuit operates at lower pressures and temperatures optimized for HVAC cooling. This local quality differentiation allows each part of the system to be optimized for its specific function, improving thermal load management capability
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 configuration enhances cooling capacity, efficiency, and redundancy, effectively managing varying thermal loads and ensuring reliable performance for both HVAC and electronic cooling demands in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a chiller for exchanging heat with one or more heat-producing electronic devices
Implementation Method 2
a main compressor, an auxiliary compressor fluidly coupled with the main compressor
Implementation Method 3
a water-cooled condenser fluidly coupled to the chiller and configured to exchange heat between the multi-compressor refrigerant system and a coolant loop
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-compressor refrigerant system for a vehicle including a main compressor, an auxiliary compressor fluidly coupled with the main compressor, and a chiller fluidly coupled to the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor for exchanging heat with an electronic device. At least one of the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor is operated based on a thermal load of the chiller.