Vehicle Air Conditioner Clutch Control for Compressor Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems in vehicles lack efficient and economic control mechanisms for the compressor, leading to unnecessary power consumption and fluctuations in cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A clutch system is introduced to control the compressor by setting lower and upper limit threshold temperatures based on user-selected settings and wind speed, preventing power supply when the evaporator temperature reaches these thresholds, and re-engaging when necessary to maintain target temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system implements periodic action by cyclically engaging and disengaging the compressor based on evaporator temperature thresholds. The compressor operates when the evaporator temperature reaches the lower limit threshold and stops when it reaches the upper limit threshold, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains cooling performance while reducing unnecessary power consumption during sufficient cooling conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the compressor operates frequently to maintain target temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to excessive on-off cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined upper and lower limit threshold temperatures before operation begins. These pre-set thresholds create a temperature hysteresis band that prevents the compressor from cycling too frequently. When the evaporator temperature reaches the lower limit, the compressor engages; when it reaches the upper limit, the compressor disengages. This preliminary threshold setting stabilizes the system by preventing excessive on-off cycles while maintaining adequate temperature control precision.
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 solution reduces unnecessary compressor operation, minimizes power consumption, and stabilizes cooling performance, enhancing fuel efficiency and maintaining appropriate cooling levels.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch configured to transmit power needed to operate the compressor to the compressor or to prevent power from being supplied to the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to compress refrigerant supplied to the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
The air-conditioner may acquire cold air or warm air according to a status change of the flowing refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioner may include an evaporator, a compressor configured to compress refrigerant supplied to the evaporator and a clutch configured to transmit power needed to operate the compressor to the compressor or to prevent power from being supplied to the compressor, wherein the clutch prevents power from being supplied to the compressor when an actual measurement temperature of the evaporator reaches a lower limit threshold temperature selected among the lower limit threshold temperature and an upper limit threshold temperature and the lower limit threshold temperature is changeable, and the upper limit threshold temperature is relatively higher than the lower limit threshold temperature and is changeable.