Shared-Shaft Generator and Compressor Drive for Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for powering refrigeration or air conditioning systems in vehicles are costly, inefficient, and bulky, with a need for simplified operation, reduced fuel consumption, and increased compactness, especially when stationary and not driven by a thermal engine.
Innovation Solution
A compact assembly comprising a compressor driven by a heat engine, an auxiliary electric motor, and a generator with a shared shaft, where the generator powers direct current electric motors through a converter, eliminating mechanical transmission and allowing the generator and auxiliary motor to be housed in a common casing, with options for air or liquid cooling and adaptable to various electrical networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the generator and auxiliary electric motor are arranged on separate shafts with mechanical transmission, then the system can operate independently, but the assembly becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The generator and auxiliary electric motor are merged onto a single common shaft, eliminating the need for mechanical transmission between separate shafts. This consolidation reduces the number of components, simplifies the assembly structure, and decreases overall weight while maintaining independent operational capability through direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The common shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports both the generator and auxiliary electric motor, provides mechanical coupling between them, and enables direct power transmission without additional transmission components. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity and footprint.
2Device complexity
If the generator directly powers alternating current motors at supply voltage, then the system structure is simplified, but the cost of electric motors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the generator and the direct current electric motors. The converter transforms the alternating current output from the generator into direct current, enabling the use of more cost-effective direct current motors while maintaining system operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters of the power transmission are changed by converting from alternating current to direct current. This parameter change enables the use of direct current electric motors, which are more economical to manufacture while still meeting the system's power requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the thermal engine drives the compressor directly, then the system operates efficiently during vehicle movement, but the system cannot operate independently when the vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electric motor is designed to perform dual functions: it can operate as a motor to drive the compressor when the thermal engine is not running (stationary operation), and it can operate as a generator to produce electrical energy when driven by the thermal engine. This multi-functionality provides operational flexibility across different vehicle states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operational mode based on vehicle movement status. During vehicle movement, the thermal engine drives both the compressor and the auxiliary electric motor functioning as a generator. When stationary, the auxiliary electric motor switches to motor mode to drive the compressor, ensuring continuous operational capability.
4Reliability
If multiple separate housings are used for generator and motor, then each component is protected independently, but the assembly footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator and auxiliary electric motor are housed together in a single common housing, consolidating what could have been separate protected enclosures. This merging reduces the overall assembly footprint while maintaining adequate protection for both components through the shared housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator and auxiliary electric motor are nested within the same housing space, with one component positioned inside or adjacent to the other within the common enclosure. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the external dimensions of the assembly.
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 and reduces costs by allowing the auxiliary motor to power the compressor and generator, improving energy output and reducing fuel consumption, while being compact and adaptable for use in different electrical networks.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet generator having a shaft which can be rotated by the heat engine
Implementation Method 2
the generator powering the electric motor(s) through a converter configured to provide direct current
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a generator and electric motors, for a vehicle air-conditioning or refrigeration system, comprising: - a compressor (15) to be driven by a heat engine (3), - an auxiliary electric motor (16) for driving the compressor (15) when the latter is not or cannot be driven by the heat engine, - a permanent-magnet generator (4) having a shaft (25) which can be rotatably driven by the heat engine (3), the generator (4) and the auxiliary electric motor (16) being arranged on said shaft (25), - one or more electric motors for condensers and/or evaporators (8, 9) of a vehicle air-conditioning or refrigeration system, said electric motors (8, 9) being configured to be powered by a direct current, the generator powering the at least one electric motor (8, 9) through a converter configured to provide a direct current, in particular a low-voltage controller.