Vehicle Radiator Layout Using Engine-Off Condenser Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator arrangements in vehicles are inefficient in providing effective air cooling when the engine is not running, as they require high electrical energy consumption to force air through the condenser, leading to reduced battery capacity and inadequate cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A radiator arrangement that utilizes a line circuit with a circulating coolant in heat-transferring contact with both the engine and the AC system's condenser, allowing the engine to act as a cold source for the AC system when not in use, with a control unit activating the coolant circulation and switching to an alternative cooling source when the engine temperature exceeds a reference value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an electrically operated fan forces a large amount of air through the condenser to achieve effective refrigerant cooling, then the cooling performance of the AC system is improved, but the electrical energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The engine block, with its large thermal mass, serves as a self-contained cold source that automatically cools the coolant without requiring external energy input. The system utilizes the engine's own thermal properties to provide cooling, eliminating the need for energy-consuming fans or compressors during engine-off periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system serves dual functions: it cools the engine during operation and provides cooling for the AC system when the engine is off. The same coolant loop and heat exchanger infrastructure is used for both purposes, maximizing resource utilization and eliminating dedicated cooling components that would consume energy.
2Quantity of substance
If the AC system is run at lower capacity to preserve battery charge, then battery capacity is maintained, but the cooling performance becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The engine block's thermal mass automatically provides the cooling capacity needed for effective AC operation without drawing power from the battery. The system self-regulates by utilizing the natural thermal gradient between the cooled engine block and the ambient environment, eliminating the need to throttle AC capacity to preserve battery charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes advantage of the engine block having already been cooled to ambient temperature during the engine-off period before AC operation begins. This preliminary cooling of the engine block creates a stored cold reservoir that can be immediately utilized for effective AC cooling without requiring additional energy input.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a coolant circulation system connects the engine and condenser to transfer thermal energy, then the AC system can operate efficiently using the engine as a cold source, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine cooling system and AC system coolant loops into a single integrated circulation system. The same coolant, pump, and heat exchanger infrastructure serves both the engine thermal management and AC refrigerant cooling functions, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity despite the multi-functional requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the engine during operation, providing cold storage in the engine block when off, and cooling the AC condenser using the engine as a heat sink. This universal system replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated subsystems.
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 enables energy-efficient operation of the AC system by using the engine as a cold source when it has cooled to ambient temperature, providing effective cooling with reduced electrical energy consumption and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a line circuit with a circulating coolant which is in heat-transferring contact with both the engine and the AC system's condenser
Implementation Method 2
The coolant which circulates in the line circuit undergoes good cooling when it comes into contact with the cold engine
Implementation Method 3
The circulating refrigerant cools the air in the cab space when it vaporises in an evaporator
Implementation Method 4
The circulating refrigerant cools the air in the cab space when it vaporises in an evaporator and gives off heat to surrounding air when it condenses in a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radiator arrangement in a vehicle (1) powered by a combustion engine (2). The radiator arrangement comprises an AC system (20) with a circulating refrigerant adapted to giving off heat in a condenser (12) and to absorbing heat in an evaporator (23) which is in contact with air close to a cab space (24) in the vehicle (1), and a line circuit in which circulating coolant comes into heat-transferring contact with the engine (2). The condenser (12) of the AC system is also in heat- transferring contact with coolant which circulates through the line circuit, and the radiator arrangement comprises activation means which make it possible for the AC system (20) to be activated and coolant to be circulated through the line circuit at times when the engine (2) is not in operation. When the engine (2) is cold, the coolant which circulates in the line circuit can deliver to it the thermal energy which it acquires in the condenser (12).