Vehicle AC Compressor Control Under Fuel Consumption Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning devices for vehicles increase fuel consumption and cannot control engine output effectively for refrigeration needs, leading to inefficient mileage due to uncontrolled fuel usage for compressor operation.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning device with a controller that adjusts the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor to maintain a target refrigerant evaporation temperature, setting an upper limit for fuel consumption to reduce actual fuel use and optimize engine load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor is driven by the internal combustion engine to provide air-conditioning, then the cooling function is achieved, but the fuel consumption increases and mileage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor capacity variable through a swash plate mechanism that can be adjusted dynamically. The swash plate angle is changed based on cooling load requirements, allowing the compressor to operate at optimal capacity rather than fixed maximum capacity, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining necessary cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by adjusting the swash plate angle to control refrigerant discharge capacity. By varying this parameter according to actual cooling needs and engine load conditions, the system achieves efficient operation that balances cooling performance with fuel economy.
2Productivity
If the engine output is controlled according to vehicle driving needs, then the vehicle performance is optimized, but the air-conditioning load cannot be controlled effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of air-conditioning load with vehicle driving conditions by integrating the compressor capacity control system with the engine management system. The control unit receives signals from both the air-conditioning demand and engine load sensors, combining these inputs to determine optimal compressor capacity, thereby coordinating both vehicle performance and air-conditioning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine load, vehicle speed, and cooling demand, then adjusting the compressor capacity accordingly. The control unit processes this feedback information to dynamically adjust the swash plate angle, ensuring that the air-conditioning system adapts to changing operating conditions while maintaining fuel 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 reduces fuel consumption and improves vehicle mileage by controlling the refrigerant discharge capacity to match the necessary cooling load, ensuring the air-conditioning device operates efficiently without excessive fuel usage.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (21) to compress and discharge refrigerant using a driving force output from an internal combustion engine (10) of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator (22) to evaporate refrigerant by exchanging heat with air to be sent for a passenger compartment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (22) to evaporate refrigerant by exchanging heat with air to be sent for a passenger compartment of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning device includes a refrigerating cycle; a controller to control a refrigerant discharge capacity of a compressor of the cycle in a manner that a refrigerant evaporation temperature of an evaporator of the cycle approaches a target temperature; and a setting portion to set an upper limit for a fuel amount consumed by an engine based on at least the refrigerant evaporation temperature. The controller controls the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor in a manner that an actual fuel amount consumed by the engine is equal to or lower than the upper limit.