Single Adsorption Cabin Air Control for CO2 and Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for vehicles face challenges in energy efficiency and safety when operating in air recirculation mode, as they can lead to fogging on vehicle windows and CO2 accumulation, which can cause driver fatigue and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A single adsorption unit structure integrated into the cabin air control system, which includes an air conditioning device, an adsorption device with a switching mechanism, and sensors for monitoring humidity and CO2 levels. This system operates in three modes: adsorption, regeneration, and standby, using a single heater and motor to control air circulation and adsorption processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double adsorption unit structure is used to manage moisture and CO2 in recirculation mode, then the air quality and safety are improved, but the device volume, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate adsorption units (one for moisture, one for CO2) into a single integrated adsorption unit that can handle both contaminants simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies the structure, decreases weight and volume, while maintaining the ability to manage both moisture and CO2 levels in the cabin air during recirculation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The single adsorption unit is designed with multi-functional capability to perform multiple tasks: adsorbing moisture, adsorbing CO2, and undergoing regeneration, all within one unit. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated units for each function, reducing system complexity while ensuring comprehensive air quality management
2Reliability
If a double adsorption unit structure is used to adsorb moisture and CO2 separately, then the adsorption performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost and component management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate adsorption units into one integrated unit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and managed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing part counts, assembly steps, and quality control requirements, while the single unit maintains effective adsorption performance for both moisture and CO2 through its multi-functional design
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculation mode is used to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but fogging on glass and CO2 accumulation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effects of recirculation mode (moisture buildup causing fogging and CO2 accumulation causing drowsiness) into beneficial outcomes by using the adsorption unit to actively remove these contaminants. The system allows continuous recirculation for energy savings while the adsorption unit captures moisture and CO2, transforming what would be harmful accumulation into a controlled purification process that maintains safe and comfortable cabin air quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor moisture levels and CO2 concentration in the cabin air, providing feedback to the control unit. When contaminants reach threshold levels, the system activates the adsorption unit to remove them, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains air quality within safe ranges while allowing extended recirculation operation for energy efficiency
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
The solution enhances energy efficiency by reducing power consumption and weight, while improving safety by effectively managing moisture and CO2 levels within the vehicle cabin, thus preventing fogging and driver fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption unit disposed in the housing and downstream of the heater, the adsorption unit being configured to adsorb moisture and/or carbon dioxide and/or harmful gas
Implementation Method 2
the heater being configured to heat air before being delivered to the adsorption unit when activated, and the heated air being used to regenerate the adsorption unit
Data Source
AI summary
A cabin air control system for a vehicle comprises an air conditioning device having a positive pressure region in communication with a cabin, and a negative pressure region in selective communication with the cabin and/or outside environment via a circulation control device, and an adsorption device comprising a single adsorption assembly and a switching device configured to switch the adsorption device between a standby mode, an adsorption mode and a regeneration mode.