Vehicle Air-Conditioning Duct Volume Reduction via Segmented Heat Exchange
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle air-conditioning systems require a long air-conditioning duct to mix heated and cooled air, leading to increased size and occupied volume within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a first and second heat-insulating tank with intermediate media, and heat exchangers within the air-conditioning duct to control temperature and humidity, allowing for efficient air mixing and temperature adjustment without the need for a lengthy duct, utilizing a controller to manage the flow and temperature of the media through heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional air-conditioning duct is used to mix heated and cooled air, then the air temperature can be equalized, but the air-conditioning duct size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air-conditioning system into separate functional modules: a heater module and an evaporator module, each handling specific air streams. The heater module processes one air stream while the evaporator module processes another air stream independently, eliminating the need for a long mixing duct. This segmentation allows temperature control without requiring large duct volume for mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate heat exchangers as mediators between the heater/evaporator and the final air supply. These intermediate heat exchangers pre-condition the air streams, allowing for more efficient temperature equalization with reduced duct dimensions. The intermediate heat exchangers act as buffering elements that facilitate heat transfer without requiring large mixing volumes.
2Volume of stationary object
If the air-conditioning duct is shortened to reduce occupied volume, then the space requirement is reduced, but the ability to mix and equalize air temperature is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning air streams in separate modules before they reach the final mixing point. The heater module pre-heats one air stream while the evaporator module pre-cools another air stream independently. This preliminary conditioning ensures that when the air streams combine, temperature equalization occurs more efficiently, eliminating the need for long ducts to achieve mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of air streams independently in separate modules. By adjusting the temperature parameters of individual air streams through dedicated heater and evaporator modules, the system achieves effective temperature control without requiring large mixing volumes. The parameter changes occur in parallel rather than through extended mixing pathways.
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 allows for effective temperature and humidity control within the vehicle, reducing the need for a large air-conditioning duct and minimizing the occupied volume, while maintaining efficient air distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger that is provided in the air-conditioning duct and through which the first intermediate medium circulates from the first tank
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator that is provided in the air-conditioning duct and through which the cool medium circulates
Implementation Method 3
a heater and an evaporator that are provided in the air-conditioning duct
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning duct that includes an air supply path through which air to be supplied into an interior of the vehicle passes, a first tank to which a cool medium and a warm medium for adjusting the temperature of a first intermediate medium are supplied, a first heat exchanger that is provided in the air-conditioning duct and through which the first intermediate medium circulates from the first tank, and a controller that controls the first intermediate medium to a temperature needed to set the interior to a desired temperature.