Roof-Mounted Vehicle Air Conditioning Module with Aerodynamic Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning roof modules for vehicles require high drive power and fuel consumption due to inefficiencies in air distribution and pressure losses, leading to suboptimal comfort and energy usage, especially in varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning roof module features aerodynamically shaped circulating air intake ducts and outlets that minimize pressure losses by allowing air to exit without deflection, using a radial fan with an annular gap outlet and a U-shaped evaporator for efficient heat exchange, and incorporates an electric compressor and condenser design for reduced energy demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air outlets are arranged at a large distance from the intake opening to avoid flow short circuits, then air distribution effectiveness is improved, but dead space is created under the evaporator/blower unit and pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal air ducts to vertical air flow paths by positioning outlets on the underside of the roof module. This dimensional change allows air to be discharged downward directly into the passenger compartment, eliminating the need for long horizontal ducts and reducing dead space under the evaporator while maintaining effective air distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discharging air through traditional side or front outlets, the patent inverts the discharge direction by positioning outlets on the underside of the roof module. This inversion allows conditioned air to fall directly onto passengers, creating a 'cool air shower' effect and eliminating the need for complex ducting systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional air conditioning systems with multiple components are used, then heating and cooling functions are achieved, but drive power and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air conditioning functionality from complex multi-component systems and implements it through a simplified roof-mounted module. By integrating the evaporator, fan, and outlets into a single compact unit, the system achieves heating and cooling functions with reduced drive power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof module system is designed to be self-contained, with the evaporator and fan working together to provide both cooling and heating functions without requiring additional external components. The system uses the vehicle's existing refrigeration circuit, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
3Productivity
If high cooling capacity is provided for outside temperatures over 30°C, then cooling performance is improved, but temperatures in the passenger compartment become too low when outside temperatures are moderate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the fan speed and refrigerant flow to match the actual cooling requirements. The fan speed can be adjusted based on ambient temperature conditions, allowing the system to provide high cooling capacity when needed while preventing excessive cooling when temperatures are moderate. This dynamic adjustment enables precise temperature control in the passenger compartment.
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 design reduces the overall drive power required, lowers fuel consumption, and enhances passenger comfort through efficient air movement with minimal energy expenditure, achieving effective cooling and heating while optimizing air distribution and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator fan unit is installed between the car roof and the interior roof paneling, which consists of a ring heat exchanger and a concentrically arranged radial fan with a vertical axis of rotation. Through the annular heat exchanger, the fan can press the drawn-in air
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator fan unit is installed between the car roof and the interior roof paneling, which consists of a ring heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
Discharge openings, defined by spaced apart air suction ports of aerodynamic tubular forms, provide air from the radial flow fan of an air conditioning module (10) to the passenger compartment in deflection free manner. The module further includes an evaporator surrounding the suction area of the fan, a condenser (26) forming part of a module housing (28), a condenser blower (32), and a motorized compressor.