Vehicle Air Conditioning Preconditioning via Recirculation Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine-independent vehicle heating and cooling systems are energy-intensive and inefficient, especially in electric vehicles, as they require precise temperature pre-control, which is limited by energy consumption and loses effect quickly if driving is delayed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle air conditioning system with a fan, dual air ducts, a recirculation duct, and flaps that allow air to be circulated within the system during preconditioning modes, reducing energy expenditure by only conditioning the climate control system rather than the entire occupant compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the entire occupant compartment is pre-conditioned using engine-independent heating or cooling systems, then the temperature comfort in the vehicle is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is segmented into multiple independent air ducts (first air duct, second air duct, recirculation duct) that can be selectively activated. Instead of conditioning the entire occupant compartment, the system segments the air flow paths and only activates specific ducts based on the preconditioning needs, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selectively opening only the necessary air ducts and flaps during preconditioning. The recirculation duct and its associated flap are activated specifically for preconditioning operations, while other ducts remain closed. This partial activation approach reduces energy consumption compared to full-system operation while still achieving the desired temperature pre-control.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the temperature pre-control is extended over a longer time period to maintain effect, then the comfort is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-conditioning the air in the recirculation duct and air conditioning unit itself before the vehicle is driven. The recirculation flap is opened in advance to allow the air conditioning unit to cool or heat air that will be immediately available when driving commences. This preliminary preparation ensures that comfortable temperature control is ready without requiring extended pre-control periods.
3Ease of operation
If the recirculation flap is closed during normal air conditioning operation, then the air stream is properly directed to vents, but the preconditioning function is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation flap is designed to be dynamic, changing its position based on the operational mode. During normal air conditioning operation, the flap is closed to direct air streams properly to the vents. During preconditioning mode, the flap opens to enable air circulation through the recirculation duct. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, maintaining both proper air stream control and preconditioning capability.
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
Enables rapid and efficient temperature control of the occupant compartment upon starting the vehicle, with immediate provision of desired temperature without substantial delay, reducing energy consumption and maintaining comfort.
Implementation Method 1
air which is heated or cooled by the air conditioning unit
Implementation Method 2
air which is heated or cooled by the air conditioning unit
Implementation Method 3
The air conditioning unit has a fan, a first air duct which guides air from the air conditioning unit
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an air conditioning unit, a first air duct, a second air duct, a recirculation duct, and a recirculation flap. The recirculation flap is closed in an air conditioning mode of the air conditioning unit, in which mode air which is heated or cooled by the air conditioning unit is to be discharged via the first and/or second vent into the occupant compartment of the vehicle, so that an air stream in the recirculation duct is blocked. The recirculation flap is open in a preconditioning mode, so that air which is heated or cooled by the air conditioning unit is circulated in a circuit which is formed at least by way of the air conditioning unit, the first air duct, the second air duct and the recirculation duct.