PCM Manifold Heat Exchanger for Engine-Off Cabin Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle HVAC systems fail to maintain comfortable temperatures when the fuel-powered engine is not in operation, as the compressor-driven refrigeration system ceases to function, leading to increased passenger compartment temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy exchanger with a phase change material is integrated into the HVAC system, allowing it to condition air by absorbing and releasing thermal energy when the engine is on or off, using a configuration of main and secondary tubes within a housing to enhance thermal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel-powered engine is not in operation, then fuel economy is improved, but the compressor stops working and the passenger compartment temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the phase change material in the thermal energy exchanger when the engine is running and compressor is operating. This stored cold energy is then utilized when the engine shuts off, allowing the passenger compartment to be cooled without active compressor operation, thus maintaining comfort while improving fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as an intermediary thermal energy storage medium between the compressor and the passenger compartment. It absorbs and stores thermal energy when the compressor is active, then releases this energy to cool air when the compressor is inactive, decoupling the cooling function from continuous engine operation.
2Reliability
If a thermal energy exchanger with phase change material is added to the HVAC system, then air conditioning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy exchanger with phase change material is integrated into the existing HVAC system architecture, merging the thermal storage function with the air conditioning components. The phase change material is incorporated within the exchanger structure that connects to the evaporator and air handling components, creating a unified system rather than adding completely separate systems.
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 solution effectively maintains comfortable temperatures in the vehicle's passenger compartment by utilizing the phase change material to absorb and release thermal energy, ensuring efficient and effective air conditioning regardless of engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The cold accumulator includes a phase change material, also referred to as a cold accumulating material, disposed therein. The cold accumulating material absorbs heat from the air when the fuel-powered engine is not in operation.
Implementation Method 2
The cold accumulating material absorbs heat from the air when the fuel-powered engine is not in operation.
Implementation Method 3
The phase change material is charged by a flow of a fluid from the refrigeration system therethrough.
Implementation Method 4
The phase change material of the thermal energy exchanger conditions a flow of air through the HVAC system when the fuel-powered engine of the vehicle is not in operation.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first fluid, a second fluid, and a phase change material (PCM). Both tubes and header tanks contain phase change material. The phase change material header tanks are advantageously located outside of the first fluid's header tanks.