Shared-Shaft Generator and Motor Assembly for Vehicle A/C Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air-conditioning systems face challenges in simplifying power delivery, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and compactness, while existing technologies often require costly alternating current motors and mechanical transmissions.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a heat engine-driven compressor, a top-up electric motor, and a generator with permanent magnets on a shared shaft, powered by a direct current converter, which integrates a common housing for compactness and efficiency, and includes a rocker switch for alternate power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If alternating current motors are used for condensers and evaporators, then the system can operate with direct generator output, but the motors become relatively costly
Solution Approach 1:
A converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the generator and the direct current motors. The converter transforms the alternating current from the generator into direct current suitable for the motors, enabling cost-effective DC motor operation while maintaining compatibility with the AC generator output
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters (current type and voltage) are transformed by the converter to match the requirements of the direct current motors. This parameter transformation allows the use of cheaper DC motors instead of expensive AC motors while maintaining system functionality
2Device complexity
If generator and top-up electric motor are disposed on separate shafts, then each component can be independently optimized, but the assembly becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The generator and top-up electric motor are merged onto a single common shaft, reducing the number of separate assemblies and mechanical linkages. This consolidation decreases overall assembly complexity and improves compactness while maintaining independent optimization capabilities for each component
3Reliability
If mechanical transmission is used between heat engine and compressor, then power delivery is reliable, but the system becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transmission system between the heat engine and compressor is replaced with an electric drive system. The heat engine drives a generator that produces electricity, which then powers the compressor motor, eliminating mechanical linkages such as belts and pulleys while maintaining reliable power delivery through electrical connection
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 efficiency, reduces costs, and simplifies wiring, allowing for fuel-efficient operation with reduced bulk and mechanical complexity, especially when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
a generator with permanent magnets having a shaft which can be driven in rotation by the heat engine
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, having a generator and electric motors, for a vehicle air-conditioning or cooling system, having: a compressor intended to be driven by a heat engine, a top-up electric motor for driving the compressor when the latter is not or cannot be driven by the heat engine, a generator with permanent magnets having a shaft which can be driven in rotation by the heat engine, the generator and the top-up electric motor being disposed on this shaft, one or more condenser and/or evaporator electric motors of a vehicle air-conditioning or cooling system, said electric motors being configured to be powered by a direct current, the generator powering the electric motor or motors through a converter configured to supply a direct current, notably a low-voltage controller.