Vehicle Air Conditioning Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle air conditioning systems for electric cars face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly during heating operations, which can lead to decreased mileage and potential battery depletion, especially when performing defrost operations in low outdoor temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a refrigerant circuit with an electric compressor and indoor heat exchanger, an electric heater, and a control mechanism to optimize power sharing between the compressor and heater, as well as a heat medium heater control system to compensate for insufficient heat, and a defrost operation restriction based on battery power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the electric compressor and electric heater are used for heating operations in electric cars, then the heating function is achieved, but the power consumption increases and mileage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the electric compressor and electric heater based on outdoor temperature, required heating capacity, and battery state of charge. By optimizing the runtime and power output parameters of these components, the system achieves effective heating while minimizing overall power consumption and extending vehicle mileage.
2Power
If the electric compressor operates at high power for heating operations, then sufficient heat is provided, but the battery power is depleted and mileage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the heating power output based on real-time conditions including outdoor temperature, required interior temperature, and battery state of charge. When battery power is sufficient, the system operates at higher power for faster heating; when battery power is limited, it reduces power consumption to extend operating duration, achieving adaptive optimization of the power-duration tradeoff.
3Ease of operation
If the defrost operation is performed in low outdoor temperatures, then the windshield is cleared, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery state of charge and outdoor temperature conditions before initiating defrost operations. By checking these parameters in advance, the system can determine whether sufficient power is available for defrosting, and can plan the defrost operation timing and intensity to minimize power consumption while ensuring safe operation.
4Temperature
If the electric heater is used to compensate for insufficient heat, then the heating requirement is met, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the heat medium temperature and heating requirements, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the operation of the electric heater and electric compressor. When the heat medium temperature is insufficient, the system activates the electric heater to compensate; when the compressor provides adequate heat, the heater operation is reduced or stopped, optimizing the balance between heating performance and power consumption.
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 minimizes power consumption for heating and defrost operations, extending the vehicle's mileage by optimizing the use of the electric compressor and heater, and ensuring sufficient battery power for vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger being configured to release heat by operating the compressor
Implementation Method 2
an electric heater configured to release heat
Implementation Method 3
an outdoor heat exchanger that is provided outside the vehicle interior and that performs a heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant to release the heat from the refrigerant or absorb the heat into the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can extend the mileage of a vehicle by reducing the power consumed by the operation of a compressor and a heater. When a required quantity of heating Q_req is acquired, the minimum power sharing ratio between quantity of heat release Q_hpof a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 and quantity of heat release Q_htrof a water heater 32 is calculated, which allows the power consumption W_total to be minimized, and a compressor 21 and the water heater 32 is operated based on the result of the calculation.