Single Adsorption Cabin Air Control for Recirculation Fogging and CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for vehicles face challenges in energy efficiency and compatibility due to large size, high weight, and increased power consumption when operating in recirculation mode, which can lead to fogging and CO2 accumulation, compromising safety and energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A single adsorption unit cabin air control system with a compact design, utilizing a single heater and motor, enhances heat transfer efficiency, reduces component count, and improves assembly ease, while effectively managing moisture and CO2 levels.
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 air quality and safety are improved, but device volume, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate adsorption units into a single integrated adsorption unit that can simultaneously or sequentially handle moisture and CO2 removal. This merging reduces the number of components (from two heaters and two motors to one of each), simplifies the structure, reduces weight and volume, while maintaining the functionality to manage both moisture and CO2 in the cabin air during recirculation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The single adsorption unit is designed to perform multiple functions: removing moisture and removing CO2. By making the adsorption unit universal in its capability, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated units for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive air quality management
2Reliability
If a double adsorption unit structure is used to adsorb moisture and CO2 separately, then adsorption performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and system weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate adsorption units into one integrated unit, directly reducing system weight by eliminating redundant components such as duplicate heaters, motors, and structural elements. The single unit is designed to handle both moisture and CO2 adsorption, maintaining performance while reducing overall weight
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculation mode is used to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but fogging and CO2 accumulation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effects of recirculation mode (moisture accumulation leading to fogging, and CO2 accumulation) into manageable conditions by using adsorption materials that specifically target and remove these harmful substances. The system allows continuous recirculation for energy savings while the adsorption unit continuously removes moisture and CO2, turning what would be harmful accumulation into a controlled removal process
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect moisture levels and CO2 concentrations in the cabin air, providing feedback to the control system. When harmful levels are detected, the system activates the adsorption unit to remove these substances, creating a closed-loop control that maintains energy efficiency while preventing fogging and CO2 accumulation
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 system achieves improved energy efficiency, reduced weight, and lower manufacturing costs, enhancing vehicle compatibility and market competitiveness while ensuring safe and comfortable cabin air quality.
Implementation Method 1
a single adsorption unit disposed in the adsorption unit chamber, the adsorption unit being configured to adsorb moisture and/or carbon dioxide and/or harmful gas
Implementation Method 2
a heater disposed in the heater chamber, the heater being configured to heat air before being delivered to the adsorption unit, and the heated air being used to regenerate the adsorption unit
Data Source
AI summary
A cabin air control system for a vehicle includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a single adsorption unit being configured to adsorb moisture and/or carbon dioxide and/or harmful gas, and a heater being configured to heat air before being delivered to the adsorption unit, and the heated air being used to regenerate the adsorption unit. The adsorption unit extends along an adsorption unit longitudinal axis, and has a hollow encircling-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the adsorption unit longitudinal axis, with an opening at a top side thereof, and the heater abuts against the adsorption unit and at least partially covers the opening.